Why Inspection Matters More at an Auction

When you buy a used car from a dealer, you typically get some form of warranty or consumer protection. At a seized car auction, vehicles are almost always sold as-is, with no guarantees. Once the hammer falls, any problems the car has become your problems. A thorough pre-auction inspection is not optional — it's essential.

Most auctions allow a preview period, usually the morning of the sale or the day before. Use every minute of it.

What to Bring to the Inspection

  • A flashlight (for dark areas under the car and inside the engine bay)
  • A magnet (detects body filler used to hide rust or collision damage)
  • Your smartphone (for photos and VIN lookup)
  • A notepad to record observations on each vehicle
  • A trusted mechanic, if the auction allows it

Exterior Inspection

Body Panels

  • Look along the side of the car from a low angle — waves or ripples indicate previous accident repairs.
  • Check panel gaps: uneven gaps between doors, hood, or trunk suggest collision damage or poor repair work.
  • Run your magnet over panels. A weak attraction indicates body filler underneath.
  • Look for mismatched paint colours — a sign that individual panels have been resprayed.

Glass and Lights

  • Check all windows for cracks, chips, or missing seals.
  • Inspect headlights and tail lights for cracks, moisture inside the housing, or missing bulbs.

Tyres and Wheels

  • Check tread depth and look for uneven wear (a sign of alignment or suspension issues).
  • Inspect wheels for deep kerb rash, cracks, or bends.

Under the Bonnet (Engine Bay)

  • Fluid levels and condition: Check engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. Dark, gritty oil suggests neglected maintenance. Milky oil indicates a potential head gasket problem.
  • Leaks: Look for oil, coolant, or fluid stains on the engine or beneath the car.
  • Belts and hoses: Look for cracks, fraying, or soft spots — especially on the timing belt and coolant hoses.
  • Battery terminals: Corrosion is normal but heavy build-up may indicate a failing battery or charging system.

Interior Inspection

  • Check all seats, carpets, and headlining for water damage, mould, or unusual odours — a flooded car is a serious long-term problem.
  • Test every switch and button you can: windows, mirrors, air conditioning, radio, hazard lights.
  • Look under floor mats for rust or water stains.
  • Check the odometer reading and compare it to the vehicle's service history (if provided).

Underneath the Vehicle

  • Look for rust on the chassis rails, floor pans, and suspension components. Surface rust is common; deep structural rust is a dealbreaker.
  • Check for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox.
  • Inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, holes, or makeshift repairs.

If the Car Can Be Started

Some auctions allow vehicles to be started during preview. If so:

  • Listen for knocking, rattling, or excessive smoke on startup.
  • Check if dashboard warning lights clear after a few seconds or remain on.
  • Note how quickly the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

When to Walk Away

Not every vehicle at auction is a good deal. Walk away if you find:

  • Structural rust on chassis components
  • Evidence of flooding (watermarks, mould, soaked carpet)
  • A salvage or rebuilt title that hasn't been disclosed upfront
  • Missing or tampered VIN plates
  • Significant mechanical issues you can't budget for

There will always be another auction. A vehicle that passes inspection is worth far more than a cheap one that costs a fortune to fix.