Blogs
Online Car Auctions: Do Your Research
Published June 7, 2023 - Written by IAA
3 Min read
Summary
Purchasing vehicles at online car auctions requires the necessary research to find the right vehicle for you and make a confident, informed decision. Unique digital tools allow you to evaluate a vehicle inside and out online so you have as much information as possible before bidding and buying, ensuring you're prepared to participate in every vehicle auction.
Any type of shopping nowadays can be done online from virtually anywhere, and this even applies to major purchases such as real estate and, yes, automobiles. You may be thinking there’s a massive difference between a pair of Levi’s and a Chevy Tahoe. Well, yes and no. Sure, when you buy pants or a shirt online, you check the color and size, but there is actually little difference when buying a car.
Most modern consumers know the phrase “what you see is what you get,” and vehicle buyers that participate in auctions are accustomed to a similar phrase, “As is, where is.” Along with that, they should expect that they’ll be able to explore every angle of a potential purchase, even if it’s done all online. Has the vehicle been inspected? Does the engine run? Where is it located? Is there any damage? How and when do I receive the car? These are all essential questions.
Making the leap to buying a car without evaluating it in person may seem risky, but there is a wealth of digital tools and innovations available to assist you in obtaining a complete picture of a particular vehicle so you can buy with confidence. This includes perusing high-resolution images to confirm that the inspected damage is consistent with the photos. If a car still fits your criteria after this process, you can take a deeper dive with videos providing an inside-and-out look of the vehicle.
Scheduling an in-person preview before a vehicle hits the auction block is usually an option if you’re in the general area of the vehicle’s location. You also can enlist the services of reputable third-party inspection services when a vehicle auctioneer takes in new inventory. A proper accounting of all damage and the true condition of a vehicle are items you’ll want to know before even considering a purchase.
The sound of a vehicle’s engine purring can sometimes make all the difference – just ask fans of the Ford Mustang – and confirming that an aftermarket vehicle’s engine will run may be the key to placing a bid or not. And speaking of keys, you can quickly confirm that they’re available by looking online or making a quick call.
Another phrase you always hear is “location, location, location,” but remember that buying vehicles online expands your options well beyond your immediate area. You can search through inventory at hundreds of locations across North America, and those vehicles can be shipped right to your door.
The future of a completely touchless buyer experience is here, and it includes major purchases like vehicles. Be sure to use every tool available to you in order to make informed, confident decisions when you buy.
Start researching your next vehicle with IAA’s innovative online tools, including IAA 360 View™, IAA Engine Starts™ video, and all the in-depth information on every Vehicle Details Page.
