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Mcjibblies t1_j93qpgp wrote

They happen every Monday Wednesday and Friday at various PPA lots.

You have to think about why the cars are there in the first place. Some, are there because people cannot afford to get them out. Those are marked as live stopped vehicles (they were impounded while they were moving).

Most, were idle and towed to the lot and no one claimed them. Most likely, those you want to stay away from because the person responsible for it felt like it didn’t make any sense to get it out.

The used car salesmen are the best at this. They run the auctions most cases. But, they have a budget and will only spend but so much time on a car cause they need inventory.

Slim chance to get a winner, but you have a chance nonetheless

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DameExMachina t1_j93q8b8 wrote

There are too many to name, and there are good deals. The one thing I tell people is that if you go to the auction, the first thing you have to do with the car is to fix it!

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Point-Lazy t1_j9464s3 wrote

I've bought from an auction before. I went in with the assumption the car would need work and it did. The whole front end, wheel bearings, brakes, bushings. Unless you can do all that work yourself it might not really make sense.

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Stevekane42 OP t1_j94812v wrote

I know nothing about cars

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vexedsinik t1_j94d0zj wrote

Then an auction probably isnt for you. Me and a friend used to flip. Buy at an auction, bring up to par and sell. They will need work. Theyre sold there and not at dealerships for a reason.

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Least_Way t1_j96glh5 wrote

These auctions are mostly for used car lots or mechanics to fix them and re-sell, it’s probably the worst option for finding a reliable daily driver. What’s your price range? You’d be better off looking online.

I just looked on Craigslist for Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics for an example and there’s at least 5-6 decent ones for around $3000 that would be a million times better idea than buying from an auction if you know nothing about cars, I’ll even send you the links if you want.

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Trafficsigntruther t1_j93xkx5 wrote

You can only really win in volume. On average, someone who does this for a living can make money, but you are buying one car.

Do not expect it to be a daily driver without putting in time and $$$ to get it working. If you don’t have a garage to work on it, forget about it.

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xzl830 t1_j95gkqc wrote

Skip the auctions if you can’t fix cars. Cheap reliable daily, find an early- mid 90s Toyota or Lexus. That’s going to be your best bet.

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Conscious-Raccoon-88 t1_j94cxdi wrote

Like you said no car knowledgeable so if you need a daily I’d go on some local listing sites like Facebook or Craigslist and if you take the time and look for a traditionally reliable car (civic, Corolla, etc) with higher miles find the carfax to make sure no bad wrecks and how many owners usually is important and figure it out from there.

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IvanStarokapustin t1_j949jeo wrote

Daily? Good luck. If you’re looking for a beater and can deal with the occasional issue, then go for it. But don’t believe that you are getting a cat that will stand up to daily driving. You might get lucky…

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Stevekane42 OP t1_j949r3f wrote

I just need to start going and scoping it out. But it really goes against my work schedule

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jk137jk t1_j98zo66 wrote

Bro, people are trying to tell you it’s not for you. Why ask if you’re gonna do it anyways? You have very little car experience and want to try to compete for a solid car with car dealers and mechanics who know what they’re doing. You’re gonna get burnt. Car auctions are not for you, try online or a cheap used car dealer. It’s be way less stressful and you’ll know what you’re getting.

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robo45h t1_j94o3j2 wrote

If you're trying to buy a car as a daily driver at an auto auction, you're probably safer skipping the Philly city auctions and going to Carriage Trade in Conshohocken. Still a risky proposition. But I do know someone who got lucky there.

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tansugaqueen t1_j95p33x wrote

A family member bought a 2012 Jeep at Carriage in Conshohocken for $10,000, low mileage, been almost a year, had mechanic look it over, I think you have 48 hours to return it, so far the jeep has been good, no problems..I was skeptical

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mrpeaceNunity t1_j973uf2 wrote

Do not buy a car at the auction.

Pay a mechanic a couple hundred dollars to go with you to look some used cars. And then purchase one.

Paying 1000 extra for a quality used car will save you a lot of money and headache down the road.

Also watch out for Nissans with the cvt transmissions Dodge darts and any German car with more than 100k miles

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Jaded-Trainer12 t1_j975mjc wrote

Went to a few years ago when I was looking to get my daughter one. I would recommend you having some knowledge of cars or bringing/paying someone who does. ( i.e mechanic)

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aj1337h t1_j97dq42 wrote

hit it up in Allentown.

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