Have you ever bought something from a garage sale? Normally, what you see is what you get and all sales are final. This is similar to buying a red light vehicle from an auto auction.
Although Big Valley Auto Auction doesn’t have garage sales, we’ve auctioned off vehicles of all conditions. Since 2008, we've used a light system to announce the condition of every vehicle we run.
In this article, you’re going to learn what a red light vehicle is, as we breakdown every feature step by step.
What Does a Red Light Mean?
A red light signifies that a vehicle is running “as is”. There is no guarantee that any system in the vehicle is in good working order.
What Makes a Vehicle Red Light?
At Big Valley Auto Auction, there are 2 factors that make a vehicle a red light:
- All vehicles that are 10 years or older.
- All vehicles with 150,000 miles or more.
A seller could run any vehicle they choose on a red light.
Do Red Light Vehicles Qualify for Arbitration?
There are 3 factors that make a vehicle eligible for arbitration:
- Undisclosed structural damage
- Flood damage
- Title issues
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Red Light Vehicle?
There are 4 things a dealer should do to prepare before purchasing a red light vehicle:
- Do your homework
- Test drive the vehicle (if allowed)
- Check fluids
- Listen to the engine.
What Services Do Red Light Vehicles Qualify For?
Red light vehicles qualify for 2 services
- Frame check
- Flood check
Unlike green or yellow light vehicles, red light vehicles do not qualify for Post Sale Inspections.
What Are Some Misconceptions Dealers Have About Red Light Vehicles?
There are 3 misconceptions dealers make when seeing a vehicle that’s running as a red light.
- All red light vehicles are bad.
- The seller knows there is a problem with the vehicle and doesn’t say anything.
- Sellers put a vehicle on a red light because they don't know anything about it.
Do I Know What a Red Light Vehicle Is?
The light system at an auto auction can be confusing if you’re new to auto auctions. However, using this article as a guide can help you prepare for your next visit to Big Valley Auto Auction.
Now that you know what a red light vehicle is, learn the complete breakdown of Big Valley Auto Auction’s light system.
