Vehicles that are used in the commission of certain crimes, particularly drug offenses, often become the property of the arresting agency, depending on local laws. While these seized vehicles are occasionally used by the agency, in the vast majority of cases the vehicles are sold at auction.

Cars that have been repossessed for nonpayment are also commonly sold at car auctions. This means that, under the right circumstances, the savvy shopper can find some spectacular deals.

Car auctions are competitive, however, so it is possible to come away paying more than the vehicle is worth. This article provides a few car auction tips that can be used to increase the chances of finding real bargains.

It is important to do your homework before the car auction begins. Most auctions will allow the automobiles to be inspected by the public a few days before the event is held. This provides a great opportunity to look under the hood, kick the tires, check the shocks, and do all the other tests that can give the shopper an idea of the state of the vehicle.

Be sure to record the vehicle identification number (VIN) of any vehicle you are interested in buying. You can use this number to get a report on issues that have been reported to insurance agencies or law enforcement departments in the past.

It is important to know if the vehicle has been flooded, fire damaged, rebuilt, or involved in a major accident. Armed with this knowledge, you can return and inspect the vehicle and look for defects that you might not otherwise know to look for.

This advice assumes that the purchaser is skilled enough with automobiles to know how to inspect them properly. For most auctions, a test drive is out of the question.

Therefore, if you are not confident in your ability to diagnose the condition of the vehicle, consider asking a friend or relative who is knowledgeable about the inner workings of automobiles to help you out. Some professional mechanics will also attend the auction to inspect the car for you (for a fee of course).

It is important to have all of your homework complete by the time the auction begins. Know beforehand the maximum amount you are willing to pay and stick to it. It is very easy to get caught up in the competitive nature of bidding and become so engrossed in beating the "other guy" that you lose perspective of the real reason you are there--to find the best deal possible. It is not uncommon for people to leave auctions bewildered why they paid as much as they did.

Car auctions can be a great source for excellent deals for those who are serious about finding bargains and do their homework. Those who attend the auction spontaneously or lose themselves in the competitive nature of bidding are likely to come away paying more than if they had bought the vehicle from a dealer.