Auctions

Know people who have, I personally wouldn't want to buy something on auction I wasn't planning on doing work too.

 

Have done quite a few times. If I can pre-view it. Not playing with online auctions. Usually when I was looking for something specific. Like some part, or parts I wanted that made the condition of driveline of no consequence. I’ve got one in service I bought at auction. But I went to view it and got the Engine Serial# and VIN. Cat told me everything I needed to know about that engine. It’s not in the truck now, I sold it as a core. You have to see them, and round up as much service history as you can. Then you know what it’s worth or what you’re willing to go to on it. Auctions are an exercise in due diligence. There are good deals to be had, and others that can hurt a long time. Go look, take a mechanic with you if you feel you need to. Paying a mechanic a couple of hours is cheaper than buying a truck with a bad engine in it.

 

I heard all the auction trucks are going for big bucks since Covid????

 

This is correct, the Richtie bros auction in Perris Ca sold the old non compliant Commiefornia trucks for high dollar. Of course, they were pre emissions tractors. The individuals bidding were coming from out of state to get a pre emissions tractor expecting to get a deal, well to their surprised, they weren’t alone, many came to bid. Do I need to say more ?

 

My first truck and trailer was from RB auction. Don't know about now, but back in 2k auctions were in person and I see and try what I get. Prices then and prices now is bottomless pit difference. 5 yo FLD 500kmi for 12.5k$, lasted 15 years till I quit trucking.

 

The one I bought for that will cost me a lot more than another 40k.

 

i hope your luck in the auctions will be better than mine. i have been looking for a trailer and the auction yards have nothing but rusted junk going for the price of what a decent used trailer went for a couple years ago... i saw a flatbed trailer the other day go for over 20k at ritchie bros and you could see daylight thru 60% of the crossmembers there was so much rust..

 

Don't go looking on truckpaper, you'll wind up in the ER with heart palpitations.