Condition Report Benefits for Auto Auction Buyers and Sellers

Have you ever gone on a date and the person ended up looking completely different than their profile photo? That’s called being “catfished” and it’s a horrible experience (or so I've been told). It may make you skeptical of any photo you see and question whether what you’re looking at is real or not. But did you know it can happen with vehicles, too? 

Big Valley Auto Auction has been around since 2008 and although we haven’t been tricking people into thinking our vehicles are something they’re not, we’ve had customers tell us stories of past experiences at other auctions where they purchased a vehicle that was not what they expected. To avoid this happening to our dealers, we have an entire department dedicated to prevent this issue from occurring.

Most auto auctions offer condition reports, which are an extremely helpful tool when researching a vehicle. So, to assure you won’t fall victim to being catfished by a car, or “carfishing”, we’ll explain the importance of condition reports and the benefits they’ll bring to you and your purchase.

What Are the Benefits of a Condition Report From An Auto Auction?

A condition report (CR) is a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior of a vehicle. This helps accurately represent your vehicle to online customers, in the event that you can't be at the auction in person. However, condition reports aren’t just a one-way street. They offer benefits to both buyers and sellers, to make sure everyone receives the proper representation of a vehicle.

3 Benefits for Buyers

1. Lists Damages
   You’re aware of any damages the vehicle may have, and how much recondition work you may have to perform.
   
   
2. Provides an AutoGrade.
   A condition report’s AutoGrade lets you know whether your vehicle is in good, bad, or decent shape, based on a scale of 0-5. When a vehicle is graded a 0, it’s in horrible condition, whereas a 5 is great.
   
   
3. Benefits Online Bidders.
   If you’re not able to show up to auction day, or you just don’t like being around a lot of people, you can view the condition report online. This lets you see the issues you can’t see on your own.

The last thing you want is to spend money on something you weren’t expecting, so a condition report will help you go into an auction prepared.

3 Benefits for Sellers

1. Identifies Visual Issues.
   As the old saying goes, “There’s more than meets the eye.” This is true when it comes to vehicles. Unless you’re Superman, your vision won’t catch everything. A condition report catches any flaws you may have missed, such as dents, scratches, or chipped paint.
   
   
2. Helps Online Sales.
   Not everybody bids in person. Some buyers prefer bidding online than in-lane, and those who participate in our online simulcast don’t have the advantage of seeing a vehicle up close. Condition reports give online buyers the details they can’t see through a computer screen, allowing them to buy with confidence.
   
   
3. Represents The Vehicle When You’re Not Present.
   As a seller, there might be a time when you won’t be able to physically attend an auction and answer any buyer questions. Whatever the reason may be, the condition report takes your place and gives customers the accurate information of your vehicle's condition.
   
   

Below is an example of a condition report that an online buyer would see. You’ll notice this breaks down each damage, line by line, listing the severity of each damage and if any replacements or repairs are required.

How Much Does a Condition Report Cost at Big Valley Auto Auction?

At Big Valley Auto Auction, our report will cost you $25.00, which includes the 3 following components:

1. Examination

   Our CR department, which consists of 4-5 workers, closely examines the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The examination grades 5 features and asks specific questions for each:
   

2. Photography 

   The CR department takes photos of the interior and exterior of the vehicle to post for online access, giving online bidders a closer view. The image below is an example of what a photograph of the inside of a vehicle will look like, which includes the stereo, engine, front of the vehicle, door interior, rear seat interior and trunk interior.
   
   

3. Grade

   As mentioned earlier, the grade a vehicle receives is called an AutoGrade, and is based on the level of overall damage a vehicle has. A scale of 0-5 represents the AutoGrade, with 0 being the worst condition possible and 5 being perfect condition.

The chart below is the condition report of a 2020 Nissan Versa with an AutoGrade of 1.3. This grade is because it is driveable and the engine runs, but the airbags are deployed, oil is contaminated, and has visual frame damage. 

Based on the chart above, the 1.3 grade is because of the interior, frame, and mechanical sections being in poor condition. This means 3 of the 5 features that make up the examination grade have failed.

Should I Get a Condition Report For An Auto Auction Vehicle?

If you’re a fan of unexpected surprises, then condition reports will take all the fun out of “carfishing”. However, if you’d rather play it safe and know exactly what you’re going to spend money on, requesting a condition report would be the right move.

Whether you're looking to add some new vehicles to your inventory or make some space in your lot, condition reports are an excellent tool to help you gain a better understanding of the state of your vehicle.

If you'd like to receive a condition report from Big Valley Auto Auction, click the button below to speak with our dealer registration specialist to get you registered.

Not ready to talk? That’s okay! First, learn more about what it’s like to buy and sell at Big Valley Auto Auction by clicking the image below: