Everything about Las Vegas is exciting. From the neon lights and live shows to the rows of beeping slot machines, there is no lack of excitement here, so it should come as no surprise that even a public auto auction in Las Vegas can be entertaining.
How to Bid at a Public Auction
To keep it entertaining, knowing how to bid at a public auction can help you win the car you want without breaking the bank. After all, Las Vegas is all about winning without losing all of your money. Here are some quick tips to help you walk away with a good deal:
- Research the car you want before bidding – Do all of your research before you start bidding by checking out Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book for the value of the car or truck you want. This will give you an idea of how much to spend. The auction vehicles may go for a lot less depending upon the vehicle’s condition, so make sure to take into account the cost of repairs if needed.
- Know how much money to budget – There is more than just the cost of the car involved when you bid on a vehicle online. You have to pay taxes and title fees as well, so figure out how much extra those will cost.
- Know how much the auction fees are in advance – Auctions charge a fee to sell you the car, so check out their website for the exact amount they charge per sale.
- Know how much transporting the vehicle to your home will cost – If you have the vehicle trucked to you, line up your price quotes before you buy the car. You can check the auction house’s website to see if they recommend any specific transport company and get comparison quotes from several companies.
- Know when to stop bidding – Like the slot machine, know when to stop feeding coins into the slot. If the bidding gets too high, then stop bidding. If the vehicle you want is in popular demand, others could be outbidding you, raising the price. There will always be another car, so don’t spend the money trying to win the car.
Best Public Auctions in Las Vegas
You don’t have to be in Vegas to bid in Vegas. Some of the best public auto auctions in Las Vegas can be accessed from the comfort of your own home while sitting on your couch. Online auto auctions are as fun as being there in person, but without the hassle of traveling, parking, walking, crowds, or even standing in line to buy lunch. You’ll find everything you need to bid on a vehicle in Vegas online on an auction house’s website.
Here are some top picks to bid on cars in Las Vegas:
#1. Insurance Auto Auction (IAA)
IAA is a nationwide auto auction site specializing in salvage vehicles the public can bid on. They feature sellers like dealerships, insurers, fleet lease cars, and rental cars. They are in 170 countries and have auctions for semi-trucks and heavy-duty equipment. They are located in Chicago, Illinois, and have 7,000 employees.
#2. SCA Auctions
SCA Auctions is a leader in insurance auto auctions. They have 170 locations, including Henderson, NV, and carry auctions from insurance companies, dealerships, leasing companies, and more. The best way to experience an SCA auction is from the comfort of your own home. They specialize in online auctions, so their website can handle all types of ongoing auctions. Their listings include all of the information you need to decide about the vehicle. If repairs are required, the listing will let you know what damage there is. SCA Auctions are open to the public, and it’s free to register and start bidding.
#3. Copart Auctions
Copart Auctions specialize in salvage title and wholesale vehicles from many sellers such as municipalities, insurance companies, financial institutions, and rental car companies. They sell many classic cars, exotic cars, industrial vehicles, and late and early model cars and trucks. They are also an online auction house that is open to the public.
#4. Mecum Auctions
While not like the other online auctions that run daily or weekly, Mecum Auctions is an event rather than just an auction. Las Vegas hosts Mecum Auctions occasionally, and when they do, you might want to make plans to attend. These auctions are unlike the rest; they feature vintage and hotrod vehicles that you don’t see on every street corner. When the next Las Vegas event comes around, get your ticket and be prepared to be entertained.
Conclusion
No matter which public auction in Las Vegas you decide to bid on, keep your budget in mind and do your due diligence, and you’ll have a lot of fun bidding on the cars. Even if you can’t find something to bid on, the parade of cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other types of transportation can be just as exciting as watching people gamble in the casinos. Just remember to have fun and don’t overspend.
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