What can we learn from an unrepairable case of BMW 335 from Copart salvage auto auction
Last edit: November 21 2023 • 249 view
“Hey! I recently bought a car from the copart about 2 weeks ago (lot number 70544193). I’ve sent it to 3 places, but the car is unrepairable. On copart’s website, it says that the car runs and drives and has a clean title. However, when I first got to the car, it looked like it had been through a crash. that car is broken and nobody can tell me that is doesn’t drive or work. that’s miss information”
We all make mistakes, and I’ve made my fair share buying cars at salvage auto auctions. It’s important to embrace those mistakes as opportunities for growth rather than hiding them away and that’s the essence of what this page is about – sharing and learning from our experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at a case study involving a 2008 BMW 3 Series 335xi and see which red flags I’ve noticed. To help me out I will use CARS4.BID, this website is a huge helper to identify fraud at Copart.
Red Flag #1
Copart does not show you who sells the car. They hide it from you. Use the image below and tell me what you find:
Cannot find a thing?! That’s right. But now, let’s take a look at the same car at CARS4.BID website. The seller is a dealer. Ok. What does it mean?! Not every dealer’s car is problematic, but every bad car from a dealer tends to end up at an auction. That’s the unique feature of CARS4.BID that sets us apart from anyone else on the market. Use it wisely!
Red Flag #2
The listing states that it “Runs and Drives”, but the dash pictures don’t show the car has been started. It’s in the ACC position but not actually running. Verify that the dash picture shows engine running, it will have 1000-2000 rpm. If it is not started question why is that.
Red Flag #3
The dealer doesn’t mention any damage in the salvage auto auction listing, which is concerning in itself. It means that dealer cannot sell it, and uses Copart as a means to get rid of it.
Red Flag #4
There’s an oddity with the front bumper – it’s attached with string to the fenders. You agree with me that it looks strange, right?! Cheap cover up of a front end damage maybe?
Red Flag #5
The front bumper shows signs of damage, because a tow hook still attached. This suggests that the car may not have moved under its own power and was towed to a salvage auto auction Copart. Devil is in details, as they say.
Red Flag #6
Under the hood, the engine’s plastic cover is missing, typically indicating past engine work. It means someone already took it apart and tried fixing it. I bet a car dealer already tried to fix it. He/she failed. therefore Copart was a choice to sell it, as it sells AS IS WHERE IS, no warranty.
Red Flag #7
The first two sales received maximum bids of $1,450 and $2,300, respectively. However, the third sale entered a bidding war and eventually sold for $4,150, despite a “Buy It Now” price of $3,500. This raises suspicions that someone, possibly the seller, used another account to bid against the genuine buyer.
This info is available by purchasing VIN report at VIN.DOCTOR. VIN.DOCTOR combines NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) data with salvage auto auctions perks. It is a MUST HAVE for anyone buying cars. You can access full VIN.DOCTOR report for this car here. It is worth every spent penny.
Conclusion
I hope these observations provide valuable insights into what to look for at salvage auto auction listing! Always trust your knowledge and learn from the experience and CARS4.BID helps you to make smart decision at salvage auto auctions.
Remember, Your Dream Car is a Click Away! Happy bidding!
