How much money (percentage) can I expect to save at an auto auction versus buying from dealer?

Depends on the value of the car and the experience of the bidder and your ability to quickly determine its mechanical condition.

On a $1000 wholesale piece you might save a lot on a % basis, but on a $15-20-25k+ car the % would be less but lots more on a $ basis.

Most auctions open to the public aren't worth bothering with. (Mostly problem cars)

But, even at dealer only auctions, you can pay retail if you don't know what you are doing.

The auctioneer works for the seller, His job is to try and sell cars.

That can %26amp; often does mean "pretending" others are bidding when its only you.

Don't get me wrong, you can get good deals at them. But you can also get cars that blow up on the way home despite running %26amp; driving perfect before the auction.

That's happened to me with both motors %26amp; transmissions. And I don't think the seller did anything to either of them. It just happened. Its rare if you do your homework but it can and if it does, its 100% your problem.

No refunds.

Auctions are for grown-ups with a tolerance for risk.

Think of it like having no full coverage insurance or a high deductible, you pay less upfront but you accept more risk.How much money (percentage) can I expect to save at an auto auction versus buying from dealer?
if you don't have a dealers licesne you can't buy from an auction.



But expect to save 30% or more if you can get into an auction and bid.