[automaton 3]

^^^Yep, great entertainment. Plus its pretty exciting to bid if there is something you're interested in.

I've bought a number of vehicles through the auction. Generally they're not too bad, but I have bought a few lemons. The lemons I usually just put them right back in the next auction...generally lost a couple hundred dollars but never more than that.

As for liens, the auctions I've been to certify no liens. I did buy a car once that ended up having a lien they couldn't clear - they promptly took the car back and refunded my money.

Have bought a few really good vehicles in the auction though. Try to start up the vehicles if you can. Try them in all gears to make sure the tranny works and isn't making any undue noises. For 4x4's see if it will go into 4 wheel drive. Look for leaks ect. A too clean engine bay is sometimes an indicator that they're trying to hide something though. Ask the guy driving the car into the ring (easier at Michener Allen, there is usually a lineup of cars waiting to go in) about how the vehicle is working, sometimes they'll offer a tidbit of information but not always.

If you go in with prices in mind and expect in your budget to put a few dollars into the vehicle you'll probably come out ok.

Anyhow, great fun and good luck!