Tag Archives: used cars

car from an auction

Pros and Cons of Buying Auction Cars

Are you thinking about buying an auction car? No matter where you live, you can find high quality used cars at a great price. Many of these vehicles are seized property, meaning that they are the result of foreclosure, repossession or de-fleeting. Most are in decent condition but need a little bit of TLC from being previously neglected. 

There are pros and cons to buying auction cars. As long as you do your research and account for some of the maintenance costs that might turn up, you can enjoy more advantages than disadvantages! 

Pros of Buying an Auction Car 

  • Wide selection. Many car auctions have an impressive selection of economy cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from. You might have to sacrifice on certain features, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a suitable vehicle for your needs and budget.
  • Great value. Car auctions deliver some of the best prices you can find on vehicles. Fleet and government vehicles are usually cheapest, but you’re certainly not limited to them. RepoFinder has a huge database of modern repo cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and recreational vehicles – find your match today! 
  • Fast turnaround. Unlike traditional car dealerships, auto auction sellers are looking for a quick sale. If you know what you want, you can narrow down your options and start bidding right away. 
  • Low investment. Repo cars are an excellent option for certain drivers. A new driver or a college student who’s only home half the year can benefit from a low-investment auction car. 

Cons of Purchasing an Auction Vehicle 

  • Lack of test drive. You’re not always able to test drive an auction car before you buy it. This means there’s always some risk involved when buying these vehicles. Make sure you do a thorough visual inspection and look up the car’s history report before signing anything.
  • No warranty. While you might be able to get the original warranty passed down to you, auction cars are as-is sales. Whatever problems the car has, you inherit. 
  • Unclear background. It’s not always easy to know the history of a repo car because it came from an owner who stopped making their payments. Most sellers disclose as much information as they have, but this information isn’t always available. 

Shop for Repo Cars Today 

The best way to know if an auction or repossessed vehicle is right for you is by trying out the process for yourself! RepoFinder has the nation’s largest database of repo economy cars, 4WDs, sports vehicles and crossovers. Our database is free to browse, but if you want the full features, RepoFinder Pro is just $4.95 a month – no contracts, cancel anytime! We have many like-new vehicles at great prices. Try us out today! 

man looking at cars online

How Do Bids Work on Repossessed Vehicles?

Car auctions are super popular these days because consumers have the opportunity to get a great deal on a used car in good condition. And the best part is, you’re in control of the process and not at the mercy of car salespeople. However, not everyone knows how car auctions work, and there can be some confusion about pricing and the process in general. 

Let’s take a look at the online bidding process, how it works and how to place an effective bid. 

Registration and Deposit 

Most online car auction platforms require you to register for an account. This account gives you access to all of the vehicles for sale. For example, RepoFinder offers members full access to our Featured Repo list for just $4.95 a month. You can make unlimited searches and place bids on the vehicles you’re interested in. Cancel anytime. No dealer license is required. 

Choosing a Used or Repo Vehicle 

Once you sign up for the online auction service you want, you can start looking for vehicles that fit your needs and budget. Choosing a car typically involves a lot of patience and diligence – it’s not like walking into a dealership and picking out a car on the lot. You’ll need to do your research, place your bids and wait to see if the seller accepted. Make sure you also download vehicle history reports on the cars you’re interested in. 

Placing a Bid 

Since these cars are sold through auctions, it’s important to know that their prices can change based on the bids they receive. Sometimes, there is a Buy Now option that allows you to buy the used or repo vehicle right then and there. But most of the time, you’ll place a bid alongside other people, and the seller will accept the best one. 

Some tips for placing an effective bid are: 

  • Don’t bid too quickly. You have time, so do your research and know what you’re getting into. Repos often need some type of work and maintenance, so you’ll need to factor this into the overall cost.
  • Consider shipping and delivery options. If the car is out of state, you’ll need to consider the costs of shipping the car to you. 
  • Don’t get too attached. Most people bid on several vehicles before they win. You must have patience and not overbid! 
  • Don’t sign anything until you inspect the vehicle. Before signing paperwork, make sure you have an opportunity to inspect the used car. 

If you’re ready to start shopping for a used or repo vehicle that fits your needs and budget, start with RepoFinder. We have the nation’s largest database of repo trucks, cars, SUVs and recreational vehicles all at great prices. And for just $4.95 a month, you can view our full list of repos and place bids. Try us out today risk free! 

white SUV

4 Basic Used Car Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a new or used car is an exciting experience. You get to pick out something new and shiny while taking advantage of some of the latest features like automatic-braking sensors, mapping technology, adaptive cruise control and cameras in the back and front. But with so much to pay attention to, it’s easy to skip over important details that can come back to bite you later on. 

To help out, we’ve compiled a list of five used car mistakes you’ll want to avoid. 

Mistake #1. Not Doing the Proper Research. 

Even with all of the information available online, people still make this mistake quite often. It’s common for people to head to the dealership to see what’s available and buy something on the spot. They generally don’t return home, research cars and then go back to the dealership. Plus, there’s pressure from the car salespeople to buy something. 

Prepare yourself for the costs of buying a used car and know what features are important to you. And, if you do better in low-pressure environments, consider shopping online for used cars instead. This way, you can take your time, research your options, ask questions and read reviews. 

Mistake #2. Limiting Your Options. 

When you’re looking for a budget-friendly car that will get you to work, school or errands, it’s best to keep your options open. You might have a dream car in mind, but limiting your options based on a specific model, manufacturer or style can cause you to look over other great options. At the end of the day, you need a car that’s dependable and meets your lifestyle needs. 

Mistake #3. Overlooking a History Report.

We always recommend getting as much information as you can on the vehicle’s history. This isn’t always easy with repossessed cars and SUVs because these vehicles were taken from their previous owner and not much may be known about the history. But you can still usually find out some information such as the car’s miles, title status and accident history. All you need is the vehicle’s VIN. 

Mistake #4. Going Over Your Budget.

Whether it’s your dream car or the promise of new technology, it’s easy to overextend yourself on your budget. But let us tell you that after working with repossessions for many years, you don’t want to do this. Cars are meant to be functional and get you to where you need to go. You should not have to choose between groceries and a car payment every month. Choose your budget wisely and stick to it. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Plenty of people have made these mistakes when shopping for used cars, but you don’t have to. You can learn from them and choose a vehicle that makes sense for your budget and lifestyle – and be proud of it, too! To find an affordable used car, shop for repossessions at RepoFinder.com. 

christmas presents

The Right Way to Buy a Car as a Christmas Present

Are you thinking about buying someone a car as a Christmas present? While this may seem like an exorbitant gift, it can actually be a practical one. If your teenager, college student or spouse needs a new car, why not use your money on an essential gift? But before you buy someone a car as a holiday gift, make sure you follow these essential tips. 

Avoid Surprising Your Recipient 

The thought of surprising someone with a new vehicle is exciting, especially when you see the great response on TV commercials. However, in real life, you probably don’t want to surprise someone with a new car out of the blue. If they don’t like it, they can’t return it like they can a pair of jeans. 

The best approach: find out exactly what this special someone wants rather than springing a new car purchase on them unexpectedly. 

Consider Financing Options

Unless you have the cash on hand to pay for the vehicle, you’ll have to finance this purchase. Keep this in mind, as average term lengths are 69 months for new vehicles and 65 months for used vehicles. You don’t want to be paying for years on a car that your spouse doesn’t want or need. 

Additionally, you may need your spouse to cosign in order to be approved for the auto loan. So, you may not be able to surprise them unexpectedly after all. For the best deals and rates, consider shopping for repossessed vehicles instead of used vehicles. You can find a cheap car this way and qualify for attractive financing offers.

Start Shopping in Advance 

In order to find the right vehicle at the right price, it’s best to start your holiday shopping early. RepoFinder.com has a huge inventory of repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, RVs and more. You can find just about anything with us! 

Our repo inventory is always changing, so check back often to see what we have available in your local area. If you find something you like, you can place your bid and hopefully take the vehicle home with you! However you choose to shop, start early so that you can get the best deals and availability. 

Shop for Repo Cars at RepoFinder – We Have it All! 

RepoFinder.com offers the largest list of bank repos in America. When you work with us, you’ll be able to skip over the middleman and deal directly with the banks, lenders and credit unions. This allows you to get the best deals on all types of repossessed vehicles. Many are in great condition and waiting for a new owner. Shop with us today and give your loved one the best gift of all – a safe, dependable vehicle. 

financing for repo cars

Is it Better to Finance My Car through the Dealer or a Credit Union?

If you’re buying a car and need a loan to help pay for it, you have the option to get financing through a bank or the dealership. The right choice depends on various factors, such as the type of vehicle you’re buying. By understanding your options for financing, you can make the best decision for your next car purchase. 

Financing through a Bank 

Bank financing involves going directly to a bank or credit union to get an auto loan. Generally speaking, you’ll get a quote and letter of commitment that you can take to the dealership or even an online car auction. This shows that you’ve already been preapproved and gives you stronger negotiating power. 

The nice thing about going through a credit union or bank is that you’re getting true rates. There are no markups that you might get with a dealership. The only thing to be aware of is the difference between buying a new and used car. Some banks and credit unions have limits on the vehicle’s age and mileage. 

Financing through a Dealer 

This option works the same way as bank financing, except that the dealer is doing the work for you. After you pick out the car you want, the dealer will have you fill out an application and submit it to multiple lenders. This allows you to compare rates and terms so you can get the best deal. 

Typically, you’ll get lower interest rates on a new car. Used or repo cars often come with a higher interest rate. Sometimes, the dealer may even negotiate a higher interest rate than what the lender offers and use this difference as compensation for handling the financing on your behalf.

What Financing Option is Right for Me?

The best financing option is the one that will save you the most money. We generally recommend starting with bank financing so that you can see what the banks and credit unions are willing to offer you. You can then take this information to the dealer and ask them to get you quotes as well. 

Now, if you’re planning on buying a brand new vehicle, you’ll probably find that dealers offer the best financing, including 0% APR. If you’re going to buy a used or repossessed vehicle, applying for a car loan through a bank or credit union is probably best. In fact, if you’re buying a repo car, ask the seller about their financing options, as they may be willing to cut you an even better deal. 

Save Money on Used Cars at RepoFinder 

RepoFinder.com has a wide selection of repossessed vehicles that are available to the public. You do not need a dealer’s license to purchase them. Shop our inventory of cars, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles and see how affordable they are. Come with pre-approved financing or talk to the banks and credit unions about your options. A safe, affordable car is within reach!

electric car

Top 4 Benefits of Buying an Electric Vehicle

Are you thinking about buying an electric car? It may seem like a stretch but these vehicles are becoming more popular and accessible. If you’re not prepared to buy a brand new electric vehicle, you can buy a secondhand one.

Used electric vehicles (EVs) save money while giving you all the perks of owning and driving an electric car. Electric vehicles are destined to be the future and currently make up 3% of global car sales. If you’re considering buying one, here are the main benefits to look forward to. 

Less Expensive to Run 

Owners of electric cars have much lower running costs because they don’t need to rely on fuel. And this is a great thing considering that gas prices are constantly fluctuating! Electricity is cheaper than gasoline and has a more stable price point. If you want to reduce your electric costs further, you can install solar panels on your home to provide energy to your car. 

Better for the Environment 

Traditional vehicles create greenhouse gases that go into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. Fortunately, EVs do not release carbon dioxide into the air when you drive them. These vehicles are also built to be more environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles and use large, recyclable batteries that last for about 100,000 miles. 

Less Maintenance

If you’re tired of maintaining your vehicles, an EV will be a welcome change. These cars need a lot less maintenance than gas-powered cars because you don’t have to worry about spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, exhaust pipes, mufflers, oil changes, catalytic converters and more. Imagine that! You can also skip the smog tests, saving you time throughout the year. 

You’ll also find that an engine on an electric car is much simpler. A gas-powered engine has hundreds of moving parts, whereas an EV motor has less than ten. Plus, when these parts do give out, they’re much easier to replace. 

Fun Tech Features 

If you enjoy all the fun features that come with today’s modern vehicles, you won’t be let down with an electric car. These vehicles have cutting-edge technology, including things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless ignition/entry and touchscreens. Not to mention, you can get all of these great assets for a fair price. With the rebates and incentives available, your initial price drops significantly. 

Where to Shop for Electric Cars 

You can buy electric cars online and from dealerships. If you’re looking for a cheap electric car, check out the repo inventory from RepoFinder.com. We have a vast inventory of cars, trucks and SUVs at great prices. These vehicles are ready for a new owner! We get electric cars from time to time, so be sure to check back often to view our selection. 

man in new car

Top Useless Features You Don’t Need in a Car (and Certainly Shouldn’t Pay More For!)

When shopping for new and used cars online, it’s easy to get carried away with the cool features that are available in today’s models. However, some of these features are completely useless and not worth paying for. To ensure you keep your eyes focused on the best vehicles for your needs and budget, here are some meaningless features you don’t need to pay extra for. 

Rear Seat Entertainment Systems 

If you have kids, rear seat entertainment systems can sound like a blessing. And in the 1990s and early 2000s, they were. However, with the advent of tablets, smartphones and WiFi hotspots, these systems are almost irrelevant. If the car you’re looking at comes with this system, that’s great. Maybe you’ll use it, maybe you won’t. But it’s not worth paying extra for. 

Social Media Integration 

Our society has grown accustomed to communicating through social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. To tap into this interest, car companies have rolled out social media integration. At first glance, this would appear to be useful and worth paying extra for, but it’s not. Using social media, even through voice activation, falls under distracted driving. Leave social media for off the road. 

Spare Tire 

More car manufacturers are getting rid of the classic spare tire because it reduces weight and improves fuel economy. So don’t worry about whether or not the car you’re interested in comes with one. You really don’t need it. Today’s vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems that let you know when your tire is low on air and needs to be fixed or replaced. If your tire blows out, you’ll need to call for a tow. 

Gesture Control Audio 

In theory, an infotainment system that works with your hand gestures sounds great. But you can probably do without this added expense. Right now, these systems aren’t that accurate at detecting hand gestures, which means they could misinterpret your signals and crank up the music when you want it lower. For now, stick with the reliable choice – the press of a button. 

In-Car Voice Control

Surprisingly, voice activated in-car systems have been around for nearly two decades. And they have gotten increasingly better over the years. However, they’re far from perfect and often misinterpret what was said. And, these voice control systems can’t do everything, so it’s possible that what you ask for will be a functional dead end.

Third Row Seats in Compact Cars 

Having a third row is highly desirable for large families, but don’t be automatically swayed by a compact crossover with third-row seating. These seats are so small and compact, usually only small children can fit in them. Even then, you’ll probably have to shift the second row forward, compromising their comfort. If you need three rows, we recommend going for a larger SUV. 

Shopping for a new vehicle? Check out the inventory from RepoFinder. We have a great selection of repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs and recreational vehicles at low prices. Many are close to new, in good condition and packed with added features you’ll find useful. 

online car shopping

Coronavirus and Cars: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s clear that coronavirus isn’t going away any time soon, so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, you’ll have to take this into consideration. As long as you are secure in your job and can afford a new payment, now is a great time to purchase a vehicle. Used cars are most popular because they’re cheaper than new cars, which leads to smaller, more affordable loans that are less likely to put you underwater. 

Here’s everything you need to know about coronavirus and car shopping in 2020. 

Coronavirus and Car Interest Rates 

Auto loan interest rates are low right now to encourage lending, boost consumer spending and support the economy. How low? The Federal Reserve made moves back in March to reduce interest rates to zero. 

You typically won’t find 0% interest on a used car, but interest rates are still low. Plus, car shoppers are showing that they’re not afraid to take on longer loans as long as they can afford the payments and get the vehicle they want. In 2019, the average term length was 69 months for new cars and 65 months for used cars. 

Coronavirus and Car Shortages 

You can expect some shortages of vehicles sold in America due to supply chain disruptions and plant closures. This hasn’t been a significant problem because people are spending less time in the showrooms, leading to a decreased demand for vehicles. But for those looking for specific features, there may be more limited options. 

Full-size pickup trucks have remained strong during the pandemic. This is why you can expect fewer incentives and price drops on these vehicles as they’re in demand and people are willing to pay for them. Of course, you can always check out repossessed pickup trucks for a great deal! 

Coronavirus and Car Shopping 

There are many ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus when shopping for a used vehicle. Thankfully you can do most things on the internet. And if you shop with an online car site like RepoFinder.com, you can complete the whole process online! We have a large inventory of repossessed cars, trucks and SUVs available to the public. 

If you do see a car in person, be sure to disinfect the parts of the vehicle you’ll be touching, don’t touch your face, wash your hands after and don’t shake on the deal. Also take care of financing in advance so that you spend less time signing papers. 

Because all vehicles listed on RepoFinder.com are repossessions, you can apply for financing in advance. These vehicles are being sold by banks and credit unions that are also more willing to work with you on attractive financing. They are motivated sellers after all!  

If you’re looking for an affordable used car that you can purchase online, visit RepoFinder.com today! 

teen driver

New Teen Driver in the House? Get Them a Bank Owned Vehicle!

If you have a teenager in the home and they want a car, you have a few options to consider. You can buy the car for them, let them pay for the car on their own or do a combination of both. While it may seem tempting to go out and buy your teen a new car, especially if you have the money, it may not be the best option. 

Something else to consider is buying your teen a bank owned car. These vehicles have been repossessed from their previous owners and are now owned by the banks. However, the banks are in the market to lend money – not sell vehicles. What does this mean for you? You can get a decent first car for a fraction of what you’d pay at the dealership. 

Let’s look at the benefits of buying your teen a repossessed car. 

Honest, Affordable Prices 

Car dealerships drive people in with attractive ads, but they’re often deceptive. They might tease low payments, when in reality, the payments are temporary. Or they might show prices after a large down payment or low rates that only go up to a certain amount. Whatever the case, once you get to the dealership, the prices will be more than you thought.

Bank owned vehicles are affordable for a couple of reasons. First, the banks are highly motivated sellers that want to recoup some of their losses. Second, these cars are sold as-is. Whatever problems they come with are your responsibility. In return, the banks offer steep discounts to make these vehicles attractive. 

Low Monthly Payments 

When you pay less for a vehicle, the monthly loan payments will be lower as well. If your family can’t afford another car payment right now, a repo is a great option because you’ll pay far less than if you were to shop at the dealership. In fact, many repos are cheap enough that you can buy them outright without an auto loan. This is a great option for teens that have a nest egg saved up. 

Already Used and Loved 

Repossessions are previously owned so they’ve already been driven, used and loved. Even though your teen may feel that something new and shiny is best, this is rarely the case from a practical standpoint. Kids are kids and first-time cars often take a beating. 

The nice thing about used cars is that they’ve already been loved. You don’t have to worry too much about dents and dings. And your teen won’t have the pressure of keeping the car in pristine condition – they can focus on their driving experience instead. 

Find Your Teen Driver a Car at RepoFinder

RepoFinder has a huge database of repossessed cars that are perfect for new drivers. You can use our search tools to find a car that offers the features your child needs to be safe on the road while saving money and keeping payments low. Shop with us today and see what you can find for your teen driver! 

vehicles at an auction

4 Things to Know When Buying a Used Car at an Auction

Auto auctions allow buyers to purchase used vehicles through a bidding process. This usually ends up being a lot less than what a dealership would charge. Not all auctions are open to the public, but some are. To find auctions in your area, you’ll have to do some research. Auctions are available both in-person and online, allowing you to choose the method of shopping you prefer. 

While auto auctions can turn up a great deal, there’s also the risk of buying a beater car. Below are four things to know about buying a used or repossessed car at an auction. 

1. Pick the Right Auction 

Both brick-and-mortar and online auctions are available. Some say that the best deals can be found in person, though shopping online is more convenient. It really depends on how you prefer to shop. You can usually shop at auctions for free, but prepare to pay some type of fee to make a bid whether it’s online or in person. 

Another thing to watch for is public vs dealer auctions. Public or open auctions are available to the public. Dealer auctions are only open to those who hold a dealer’s license. Unless you work at a dealership, you probably don’t have a dealer’s license.

2. Determine Your Risk 

Many people use the “stoplight system” when shopping at auctions. This system helps buyers assess their risk and compare it to the price of the vehicle. 

  • A “green light” means that the vehicle is free from any known defects. Arbitration may be possible if severe problems turn up. 
  • A “yellow light” indicates that the car has some issues. However, arbitration is not an option. 
  • A “red light” is sold as-is. Repossessions are essentially “red light” cars because you purchase them in their current condition. 

3. Know How to Bid 

It’s easy to cave and bid more than you should on a car you really want, especially if there is other interest available. But there are many factors that will influence whether or not you get the car, so only bid what you are comfortable paying. You also want to leave money in your budget to take care of any problems that turn up. 

To help with this, it’s best to bring along someone who knows about cars. They can help determine the best bid to make, preventing you from over-bidding on cars that aren’t worth it and under-bidding on those that are a great deal. 

4. Inspect the Vehicle 

Cars sold at auctions are rarely available for test drive. So, you’ll have to rely on your knowledge to assess its condition and value. There are a number of resources you can use online such as Kelley Blue Book, CarConsumers.org and Nada Values. These guides can give you the confidence you need to identify the best vehicles and make an accurate but reasonable bid. 

RepoFinder has a great selection of repossessed cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. View our database for free and find repos in your area. If you want more features, consider upgrading your account to RepoFinder Pro for just $4.95 a month – cancel anytime!