Check the oil and coolant. Milky oil or oily coolant suggests a blown head gasket .
A musty smell inside almost always means water damage or mold, which is a nightmare for electrical systems. 4. Set a "Hard" Ceiling
Pick 3–5 specific vehicles you’re interested in.
Once you’re on the lot, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Since you usually can’t test drive the cars, you have to be a detective:
The "win" happens before the bidding starts. Most auction houses post their (the inventory) a few days in advance.
Pay attention to the auction’s lighting system . Green usually means a "sound" engine/transmission; yellow means "caution/disclosed issues"; and red means "as-is." 3. The On-Site Inspection
If the bidding passes your pre-set limit by even $100, stop. There will always be another car. 5. Winning and Driving Home If the hammer falls and you're the winner, congratulations!
Remember that the hammer price isn't the final price. You will owe a Buyer’s Premium (usually 5–15%), taxes, registration fees, and likely some immediate repairs.