Auto Auction Answers

While finding a reliable used car at an auto auction might seem like a pipe dream to some, educated consumers who use a few best practices and some good old fashioned common sense usually drive away with a genuine bargain.

"Finding a reliable used car at auction isn't rocket science," said Alameda County (CA) Auction CEO Adel Saadeh. "It's the same as buying a used car anywhere else-except at a much better price."

For more than 12 years, Saadeh has operated one of the most successful car auction houses on the West coast, and at this point has dozens of repeat customers that come to him first when they want a reliable used car. "I've gotten to know a lot of good people through my business," he said. "People that bought their first car here liked the savings and kept coming back."

According to Saadeh, first-time auction goers can benefit from a few simple tips that will help them feel better about their purchases, including:

Know where the auctioned vehicles come from. Some auction vehicles come from lease returns, bank repossessions and a few trade in. "The more vehicles that come from more traditional channels, the better, " he said.