Can garages do this

Ihatecameron

I'm an auction newby (but know the basics - deposit, buyer's fees etc), so any insider advice from a more experienced auction car buyer would be appreciated

Visit before the auction day to see who is putting the cars in, any people wearing overalls, their cars are to be avoided. Check the prices in Glasses used car guide and always bid well below what a car is worth, so if a car does need any mechanical repair work, you still have a bargain.

Check the interior and exterior, check the exhaust when the car is running, have a look at the engine, lift the oil filler cap and examine it for yellowish gunk. Check the dip stick, if it is over the max level avoid. Look under the car for oil leaks etc. The list is endless, basically you should always take someone with you who knows about cars. Many years of experience has taught me how to spot a lemon at a glance.

PS It is best to visit a car auction a few times to get to know how it works, make sure the auctioneer is not taking offers off the wall.