Services For Cars Bought At Auction
For discerning customers who buy cars at auction, whether it be online or in person, there’s a small but significant step that’s often unaccounted for how to transport a car you’ve purchased. This article will explain some of the things involved in the process and how to make sure that the car you’ve bought gets safely shipped from the auction house to your destination.
Whether you’ve found that perfect car you’ve always had your eye on or found a great deal on a classic that you’d like to restore, there are plenty of reasons that people shop for cars at auction houses. They often provide bargains that cannot be found elsewhere, and the savvy car owner or collector is well aware of the hidden gems that can be found there. It’s not uncommon to hear of both record-setting prices and absolute bargains at some of the most popular auto auctions.
Here are some of the ones we’ve worked with in the past:
- Mecum
- Manheim
- RM Sotheby’s
- Gooding & Company
- Barrett-Jackson
The names mentioned above are some of the more established auctions at which you can buy a vehicle, but there are countless smaller auctions scattered across the United States and internationally. One thing that should not be overlooked is that you are taking a risk any time you purchase a vehicle and auctions are no different. Consult this guide from Edmunds to get the inside scoop from an auto auctioneer on what to know and what to look out for.
Need a car shipped that you bought at an auction? Contact us today to learn about our many affordable auto transport services! For a FREE estimate, call us at the number at the top of the page or use our online contact form to reach us with your questions!
How To Relocate a Vehicle Purchased at an Auto Auction
Okay, so you’ve bought the car, and now it’s just a matter of getting it home. The first thing you’ll want to find out, hopefully before bidding, is whether the owner or dealer will provide shipping from the auction. Perhaps even more important is whether it’s included in the price. If not, be sure to factor that into the total investment you’re making.
If you are faced with arranging car shipping on your own, or want to explore the possibility of saving some money, here’s how to go about it.
1. Decide whether you need an open or enclosed car carrier. For cars with high value or delicate components like a classic car, an enclosed carrier is often the best choice since it provides more protection from outside elements. Open-air transport trucks are generally more affordable but are not completely enclosed and protect the vehicle during relocating.
2. Check prices with a few different vehicle shipping options. Even when having a car shipped from an auction, you’ll likely find some variance among the prices you receive. A little bit of leg work can certainly save you some money, sometimes as much as a few hundred dollars. The best approach is to contact three to five of the best auto transport companies and compare what they offer. All of them should be happy to give you a complimentary cost estimate.
3. Do your research and make sure you’re working with an established and experienced shipper. It may make sense to go with a local mom and pop operation if you’re transporting a short distance in a specific region, but if it’s long distance auto transport you need, it’s best to go with a company that has a presence throughout the U.S. and overseas.