You have done your research, you know where the salvaged auto auctions are held in your area, and you are looking for a great deal. Well don’t be surprised to find out that you are not going to be the only one looking for a great discount. Buying at salvaged auto auctions has almost become a rite of passage for young men and women alike.
As long as there have been automobiles, there have been salvaged cars. However, it wasn’t until the late 1960s that a movement to keep salvaged cars out of junk yards began. Prior to the 1960s, wrecked cars, or salvaged cars, were considered junk. Insurance companies totaled out the vehicle and often the owner had it towed away to a junk yard.
In the late 1960s, a smart businessman who was in auto sales took notice of the process. He realized that while there were vehicles that were good for nothing but scrap metal, there were a large number of cars that could be ‘saved’ and resold. Over time, this concept became recognized all over and the birth of salvaged auto sales began.
However, what started to happen was an overcrowding of salvaged autos. In the 1980s, most consumers were interested in purchasing the new, sleek, more economical designs of the new cars. This left salvaged auto yards with too much stock and not enough room for new stock to come in.
Police departments really brought about the auction idea. When retired police cars were ready to be decommissioned, the police department would strip all of the police items off the cars and then sell them at auction. This usually brought in some decent money and the police not only got their new cars, but they had some cash in their coffers as well.
Salvaged auto dealers took note and began publishing public auction dates in local and area newspapers. Little by little more potential customers would come out and look at the available stock. Usually, used car dealerships would comprise the majority of the customers, along with farmers or ranchers looking for older work trucks.
Before long, however, salvaged auto auctions became a huge success. The auctioneer would publish the auction details nearly a month in advance, so customers could survey the stock and have a mechanic come out a look at the condition. What had once been used car dealerships shopping became a mix of individuals from all walks of life.
Today, the salvaged auto auction is still a tremendous success. With the downturn in the economy, customers who need cars are looking for a good price. Although no potential consumer can be assured that they will be the one to walk away with the vehicle of their choice, they know that the auctions occur regularly enough that they can keep trying.
If you are interested in finding a decent vehicle at a bargain price, keep your eye on the local papers and check out the best used car websites. There will probably be one near you in a matter of time.
