Re: Car Auction advice?
Let's divide this up:
ebay auction: I have purchased 2 cars/1 motorcycle and sold 3 motorcycles on ebay. Some will like it and some won't. If you know exactly what you want and are familiar with aspects of that vehicle, I like ebay. You have many options and you determine what you will spend. There are many ways to not purchase it after inspecting the vehicle, in case it is not as described.
Auto auctions: This is where your local car dealers buy and sell autos on their lot. You will need a licensed broker to purchase this way. You can find people to do this for a few hundred dollars plus auction expenses. However, when you are the high bidder, it's yours. Over 60% of used cars on any new car lot are from the auction, so don't fear buying there.
A slight twist; Many local car dealers will seek out a specific vehicle for you when you give them specific on the car and exactly how much you will pay. If you go this route, you don't have to purchase if the car is not exactly what you wanted.
Public auctions: I don't know anything about them, except for public govt auctions which usually have vehicles that I have not been interested in.