Car Buyers Bid for Deals at Auto Auction

ATLANTA (MyFOX ATLANTA) - As many Americans tighten their belts in an effort to survive the current economic downturn, motorists searching for a good deal are turning to auto auctions.

Star Cooper said she wanted to buy a car for her 16-year-old daughter and she wanted to find a deal within her budget.

Cooper went to Peach State Auto Auction in Loganville.

At the auto auction, buyers can find "anything from inoperable vehicles to a brand new BMW," said Robin Daniel of the Peach State Auto Auction.

Maggie Maccoen said she just wanted to find something reliable.

"The economy is bad, I'm trying to find a good used car," Maccoen.

Every Monday and Wednesday car dealers and individuals from all over the state take their vehicles to the auction where potential buyers can name their own price.

"You are not going through the pressure of the dealership. Here you are coming here to get the best deal possible," said Daniel.

Daniel said more people are showing up at the auction every week.

"The economy is certainly affecting it because people can't get car loans as easy, so they come here," Daniel said.

Buyers get a chance to inspect the cars before the auction but once the biding starts, you have to be quick.

In the end, the savings can be significant.

"I just bought a Focus for $1,700. I looked it up on Kelly Blue Book and it was worth $4,300," Maccoen.

As for Cooper, she found her daughter a Chevy Blazer for $950, which was $2,000 below her budget.
That's more than 2 thousand dollars bellow her budget.

"It's a very good deal," Cooper said.