If you’ve ever been on the road and saw a street light, you've noticed that there are 3 colors displayed: Green, yellow, and red. A green light means you’re good to drive, a yellow light means slow down, and red means stop. The way streets use these lights to implement the rules of the road, NAAA affiliated auto auctions use their own light system that their vehicles must follow.
Since 2008, Big Valley Auto Auction has followed NAAA’s Sale Light System, properly representing the condition of the vehicles we run.
In this article, you’re going to learn about Big Valley’s light system, what each light represents, and if Big Valley’s light system is the same as other auto auctions.
After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the light system you’ll see when attending Big Valley Auto Auction.
What do the Different Lights Mean at Big Valley Auto Auction?
Similar to how street lights represent different rules, each light from Big Valley Auto Auction’s light system represents the different conditions of each vehicle being sold.
This light system consists of 5 colors:
- Green
- Green-Yellow
- Yellow
- Red
- Red-Yellow
Green Light Vehicles
A green light vehicle has a “Ride and Drive” guarantee. This means that a vehicle is being sold free of any known mechanical defects to components, such as the drivetrain, engine, transmission, and rear end.
A green light vehicle also qualifies for a full Post-Sale Inspection, which is a mechanical, structural, and electrical inspection that follows NAAA Arbitration policy. This applies to vehicles with 100,000 miles or less, and are 10 years old or newer. For example, vehicles made between the 10-year range of 2015-2024 qualify. It costs $115.00 per vehicle and includes coverage of anything that qualifies for arbitration.
Green light vehicles are also eligible for Post Sale Inspections. However, the sale price of the vehicle must be more than $3,000 to qualify.
Green-Yellow Light Vehicles
A green-yellow light vehicle is a vehicle sold with pre-announced declarations that are not subject to arbitration.
Yellow Light Vehicles
A yellow light vehicle has a “Limited” guarantee. This means that this guarantee only applies on sale day and only covers the following parts:
- Vehicle’s drivetrain
- Motor
- Transmission
- Structural integrity
- Differential (4x4)
- Transfer case
Just like green light vehicles, yellow light vehicles that cost $3,000 or less are eligible for Post Sale Inspections. However, yellow light vehicles are limited in arbitration. The following items are not eligible for arbitration:
- Brakes
- Air condition
- Airbags
- If the vehicle is a convertible, the roof is not eligible,
This applies to vehicles with 150,000 miles or less, and are 10 years old or newer (ex: 2015-2024)
Red Light Vehicles
A red light vehicle is considered “as-is”, which means what you see is what you get, regardless of its year, make, and amount of miles. Red light vehicles are also labeled "buyer beware".
Unlike green and yellow lights, red light vehicles are not eligible for Post Sale Inspections. These vehicles qualify for a frame check, however, the purchase price must be $3,000 and over to qualify.
Red-Yellow Light Vehicles
A vehicle that is run under a red-yellow light is considered “as-is, no arbitration”. This means the vehicle is sold in its existing condition, with all faults and without modifications. The only issue that qualifies a red-yellow light vehicle for an arbitration is a late title, which needs to be received 30 calendar days, or 21 business days, after the vehicle is sold.
Are All Auto Auction Light Systems the Same?
Big Valley Auto Auction’s light system is like the NAAA light system, with a few differences.
Arbitration
When it comes to arbitration, the requirements are different, depending on the light a vehicle runs under.
- A green light vehicle is eligible to arbitrate any issue.
- A yellow light vehicle is eligible to arbitrate any issue covered by Drive-Train, including a vehicle’s motor, transmission, differential (4x4), transfer case, and structural integrity.
- A red light vehicle is only eligible to arbitrate structural damage worth more than $3,000 and not announced within a 7-day period. (Sale day is day 1)
Note: Per NAAA policies, you can only arbitrate any single issues that are at least $800.00.
Unlike NAAA, Big Valley Auto Auction does not arbitrate for the following issues:
- Ford 5.4L engines
- Nissan 2.5L engines
- Cold startup engine
- Nissan CVT transmission
However, these have to be individual issues that cost $800.00 each, not multiple issues that cost a total of $800.00.
If you want to file an arbitration for your vehicle, Big Valley Auto Auction gives you 7 days to file, with day 1 being Sale day and the deadline being the following Wednesday at 5:00PM.
Do I Understand Big Valley Auto Auction’s Light System?
If you are a law-abiding citizen who follows the street lights when on the road, then understanding Big Valley’s light system shouldn’t be too difficult.
Whether this is your first time attending Big Valley Auto Auction or any auto auction with a light system, getting familiar with our light system is beneficial to your overall experience as a car dealer.
If you've decided that Big Valley Auto Auction is the best choice for you, 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:
