What to Look for: Vehicles , Inspecting a vehicle at a government auction isn't like shopping at a used car lot. There's no test drive, no mechanic visit, and your time on-site may be short. Make every minute count:
Exterior - Circle the entire vehicle and look for body damage, rust, and mismatched paint, which can indicate prior repair work- Examine all four tires for tread depth and uneven wear, which may point to alignment or suspension issues- Get low and look underneath for fluid leaks, oil drips, frame rust, brake line corrosion, and exhaust damage- Open and close every door—sagging doors can mean worn hinges or underlying frame problems
Engine Bay- Pull the oil dipstick and check level and color; milky oil signals coolant contamination and is a reason to move on- Scan for corroded battery terminals, cracked belts, and hoses that look brittle or dried out- If the engine will start, listen carefully for knocking, ticking, or grinding, and watch the exhaust for blue or white smoke- Check the coolant reservoir; healthy fluid runs clean green, orange, or pink—not brown
Interior - Read the odometer and cross-reference it against the listing- Turn the key to ON without starting the engine and watch the warning lights; they should flash on briefly, then clear- If the vehicle starts, test the AC, heat, power windows, locks, and lights- Look over the seats, carpet, and headliner for heavy wear or damage
Pro tip: Pack a flashlight, a small mirror for getting eyes under the vehicle, and a friend with mechanical know-how. Two sets of eyes catch what one misses
