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Q&A for Australian car auction buyers and sellers — 25 questions, 52 answers, 40 members

25
Questions
52
Answers
40
Members
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31
votes
4
answers
6.2k
views
Interstate Delivery to Victoria from AF Auto Plus – What's the go?
G'day everyone! I'm pretty keen on a Ford Ranger 4x4 I saw on afautoplus.com, but I'm down in rural Victoria, a fair way from Brisbane. I've never bought a car sight-unseen, especi...
Dave Thompson asked 16 Aug 2026
16
votes
2
answers
3.3k
views
How does title transfer work when I buy a car at auction?
I've never bought a car at auction and I'm nervous about the title. When do I actually get the title in my name? Is it transferred automatically, or do I have to handle it at the D...
Jess M. asked 22 Sept 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
18
votes
2
answers
3.9k
views
How long does cross-state car delivery actually take?
I'm trying to plan around a delivery. If I win a car from a few states over, how many days or weeks should I realistically expect to wait before it shows up?
Kate T. asked 5 Sept 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
13
votes
2
answers
2.9k
views
How do I raise an issue with the car during the inspection window?
If something doesn't match the listing after delivery, who do I actually talk to and how do I start that process? I want to handle it correctly if it comes up.
Kate T. asked 19 Aug 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
21
votes
2
answers
4.1k
views
Can I have my own mechanic inspect the car after delivery?
I'm comfortable buying online, but I'd feel better having my own mechanic look the car over. Is that allowed during the post-delivery inspection period? How does that work with the...
Amy F. asked 25 July 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
18
votes
2
answers
4.6k
views
Do I really need a full-size truck or is midsize enough?
Debating between a Tacoma and a Tundra. I don't tow heavy - maybe a small utility trailer once a month. Mostly hardware store runs, mountain bikes, daily commuting. Full-size feels...
MikeOnTheRoad asked 17 July 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
15
votes
2
answers
3.1k
views
Is buying a repossessed car at auction risky?
The idea of a repo car makes me a little nervous - I associate them with neglect or hidden problems. Is buying repossessed at auction actually riskier than buying a regular used ca...
Leo G. asked 17 July 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
32
votes
2
answers
4.7k
views
How much does it cost to ship a car across state lines?
I'm looking at cars from an auction in Texas but I live a couple of states away. What should I expect to pay for delivery, and does the auction help arrange it or am I on my own?
Sue L. asked 30 June 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
16
votes
2
answers
3.8k
views
How soon after winning do I need to pay the deposit?
I'm planning my first bid and trying to understand the payment timeline. If I win, how quickly is the deposit due? Is it immediate, or is there a grace period? And what payment met...
Tim H. asked 22 June 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
23
votes
2
answers
4.0k
views
Is a clean vehicle history report enough to trust a used car?
Every used car I see has a 'clean vehicle history' posted. But I've heard of cars with clean reports that had major accident damage. How reliable are they really? What might they m...
Kate T. asked 13 June 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
19
votes
2
answers
3.5k
views
Is it normal for the agent to be my only point of contact?
Since winning, all my communication has been with a single Sales Agent. Is that normal for online car auctions, or should I be able to reach someone else too?
Kate T. asked 13 June 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
42
votes
2
answers
8.9k
views
What's the most reliable midsize SUV under $30K used?
Looking for a used midsize SUV for a family of four. Priorities: reliability, cargo space for strollers and sports gear, decent fuel economy. Budget $25-30K. Considering CR-V, RAV4...
SoccerDadDan asked 19 May 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
14
votes
2
answers
3.0k
views
What does 'minor cosmetic wear' mean in a report?
Lots of auction listings mention 'minor cosmetic wear' or 'light scuffs.' I have no idea how seriously to take that. Is that normal for a used car, or should I be worried about wha...
Leo G. asked 11 May 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
18
votes
2
answers
4.0k
views
What should I bring to pick up my auction car?
I'm picking up my car in person instead of having it shipped. Beyond my driver's license and payment, what should I actually bring with me?
Kate T. asked 11 May 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
28
votes
2
answers
3.6k
views
How long does registration take after buying a car online?
I bought a car online and it's being delivered soon. I'm trying to figure out how quickly I can legally drive it. How long does registration typically take, and can I drive with te...
Olivia W. asked 2 May 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
19
votes
2
answers
4.9k
views
What should I check first in a multi-point inspection report?
I'm new to online auctions and every car has a multi-point inspection report. It's a lot to read. What sections actually matter most, and what should I be looking for as a red flag...
Olivia W. asked 24 Apr 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
31
votes
2
answers
5.2k
views
Is there a reserve price on auction cars?
I'm confused about reserve prices in online car auctions. If a car has a reserve, what happens if bidding doesn't reach it? And is the reserve amount shown anywhere, or is it hidde...
Amy F. asked 16 Apr 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
27
votes
2
answers
6.1k
views
What should I expect from the Sales Agent after winning?
I'm about to place my first bid and I'm wondering about the post-win process. How quickly does the Sales Agent contact you, and what exactly do they help with?
Sarah R. asked 7 Apr 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
35
votes
2
answers
7.8k
views
AWD vs 4WD - which one do I actually need?
I'm shopping for an SUV and everyone says I need AWD or 4WD. What's the actual difference and which is better for snowy commutes? I'm not off-roading, just want to get to work safe...
Sarah R. asked 22 Mar 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
19
votes
2
answers
3.9k
views
How accurate are multi-point inspection reports, really?
I'm considering buying a car at auction sight-unseen, which only feels safe if the inspection report is honest. For people who've bought this way - how accurate was the report comp...
Sue L. asked 13 Mar 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
26
votes
2
answers
5.2k
views
How do I figure out what a used car is actually worth?
I'm trying to decide if an auction car is a good deal, but prices seem all over the place. How do I figure out the fair market value of a specific used car so I can set a sensible ...
Jess M. asked 5 Mar 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
28
votes
2
answers
6.5k
views
How many miles is too many when buying a used car?
I'm looking at used cars in the $12K range and seeing options from 80,000 to 150,000 miles. I know it depends on brand and maintenance history, but at what odometer reading do thin...
Jess M. asked 25 Feb 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
25
votes
2
answers
5.1k
views
Do I pay sales tax on an auction car, and how is it calculated?
I'm budgeting for an auction purchase and trying to figure out taxes. Is sales tax charged on the winning bid amount? And if I buy from another state, which state's tax do I pay?
Jess M. asked 17 Feb 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
22
votes
2
answers
4.5k
views
How do timed online car auctions actually work?
I keep seeing online car auctions but I don't fully understand the format. Is it live like a physical auction, or does it run over a period of time? How do I know when to bid, and ...
Amy F. asked 9 Feb 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered
22
votes
2
answers
5.0k
views
What should I check when my auction car gets delivered?
My car is arriving this week and I want to be thorough. What should I check at the moment of delivery versus during the 10-day inspection window afterward?
Olivia W. asked 31 Jan 2024
e4f8a1b2 Answered