If you had to choose between eating a meal from McDonald’s or a meal made by your grandmother, which one would you pick? Most people would choose their grandmother’s food because no one cooks as good as her. A big name restaurant can’t apply the same love and time to their food the way your grandmother can. The same thing can be said about South Texas auto auctions.
Since 2008, Big Valley Auto Auction has helped numerous dealers take home the vehicle’s they were looking for. And we’ve been able to do so without expanding outside of our southern location in Donna, Texas.
In this article, you’re going to learn the benefits of buying vehicles from a South Texas auto auction, the types of vehicles you’ll find, how to prepare, and what to expect when attending a South Texas auto auction.
After reading this article, you’ll have the information needed to decide if a South Texas auto auction is right for you.
What are the Benefits of Buying Vehicles From a South Texas Auto Auction?
There are 5 benefits South Texas auto auctions offer that auctions from other areas may not.
Personalized Experience
Unlike Manheim Auctions, who have 145 locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, Big Valley Auto Auction has one home located in Donna, Texas. This is similar to choosing your grandma’s food over McDonald’s. Although big name auctions have greater accessibility, smaller auctions tend to provide a more personalized experience.
Smaller, independent auctions tend to be overlooked, but they offer an experience that most big auto auctions can’t. Smaller auctions tend to be family owned and give a more personalized service than the bigger auctions. Some even have an open door policy that allows you to engage with the owners and management. This lets you become familiar with the auction and get comfortable with the environment before attending their sale day.
Transportation
If you’re a dealer already located in the Rio Grande Valley area, this works well for you because transportation costs will be low. Big Valley Auto Auction pickups and delivery of vehicles in the middle and lower Rio Grande Valley only cost $40, respectively. This provides a more affordable option to transport your vehicle.
Corpus Christi Auto Auction in Corpus Christi, Texas owns and operates their own transportation vehicles, as well as works with a network of independent carriers to provide transportation.
Weather
If you are already located near the South Texas area, transportation is a smoother process than northern areas, due to fewer weather issues. South Texas weather tends to remain on the hotter side for most of the year. This makes transporting a vehicle easier in the South Texas area than in an area like Dallas that gets hit hard with snow or Houston that experiences tornadoes.
There are points in the year that receive cold fronts or rainy days, but they don’t last long. This is good for vehicles because they are rarely exposed to severe weather that can damage their condition and make them less desirable.
Note: If you are an online buyer based outside of South Texas, your vehicle will have to go through Houston or Dallas during the transportation process.
Vehicles
All auto auctions sell various types of vehicles. A public auto auction like San Antonio Auto Auction in San Antonio, Texas may have different types of vehicles in stock, due to being open to the public. However you’re more likely to find jeeps and trucks stocked throughout their lots. This is because the popularity of trucks in South Texas is high, raising their market value and the demand from consumers. A majority of vehicles found at South Texas auto auctions are rust free, because there is no salt in the road, due to better weather conditions.
Competition
No matter what auto auction you attend, there will always be competition. However, there may be less competition at a South Texas auto auction. This is because buyers are more local than nationwide, giving you a bigger chance of getting the vehicle you want. You’re a bigger fish in a smaller pond, bidding in a less competitive market.
How Should I Prepare to Buy Vehicles From a South Texas Auto Auction?
Preparation for a South Texas auto auction is the same as any other. Here are 3 things you could do before attending a South Texas auto auction.
Watch the Run List
A run list is the list of vehicles that will be selling at an auto auction. Watching the run list for a couple of weeks will give you an idea of what you’ll find and how the market is for vehicles you’re interested in.
Check the Market
The automotive market is always fluctuating. Sometimes certain vehicles go for high prices one week, then go down in value the next. It’s best to keep an eye on the current state of the market and compare the South Texas market to your local market. Doing this will help you decide if coming to a South Texas auto auction is worth the trip and get more bang for your buck.
Learn Auto Auction’s Rules
Every auto auction has their own specific rules. For example, Big Valley Auto Auction has a light system that every vehicle falls under. The light color informs the buyers what condition the vehicle is in and what is or is not.
You’ll also need to find out if the auto auction you want to attend is dealer-only or public. Big Valley Auto Auction is a dealer-only auction, strictly open for licensed dealers. South Texas Auctioneers, however, are a public auction in Donna, Texas open to anyone who registers with them. Knowing this beforehand will save you an unnecessary trip to the wrong auto auction.
Is a South Texas Auto Auction Right for Me?
If you’re someone who prefers restaurant food over a home cooked meal, then a South Texas auto auction may not suit your needs. However, if you prefer a more comforting, personal environment when looking for a vehicle, South Texas auto auctions would be good places to check out.
Whether you’re preparing for your next auto auction or you’re considering going to a different location, you can use this article as a guide to help you decide if a South Texas auto auction is the best choice for you.
If you’ve decided a South Texas auto auction meets your requirements, you can compare Big Valley Auto Auction and Manheim Texas Hobby, to help narrow down your choice of auto auction.
