What I'm hearing from auction regulars.

There's been a dynamic shift in the economy for the worse during the last 9 months. We all know this. But we all still have to drive. Living life means driving.

But what's happening is that people are so scared to spend money - even if it's just a small amount for a car at auction - that they're just milking their old and beat-up cars for everything they can. They figure they'll get a new car when the economy turns around. But you know what? That's what everybody figures.

So when the economy does turn around, I can guarantee that the auctions are going to be WAY more crowded than they are now. One guy who has hit some local car auctions told me last week, "There's just nobody at these things right now," he said. "Almost every car is a huge bargain. It's shooting fish in a barrel."

You heard the man. Shooting fish in a barrel. Like nabbing a 2007 4Runner for $3,000 or a 2006 BMW X5 for $6,000. Sign up for a site and start hunting while the hunting is good - better than it's ever been!

New Updated Rankings!

I have recalculated the rankings after hearing from dozens of you about your experiences with the sites ranked below. There is a new No. 1! These are the best rankings I've put together yet, because they not only take in my own judgements and experiences but they also reflect the thoughts and experiences of hundreds of my loyal readers when it comes to car auction sites. These rankings are thorough and well-thought out; I have not seen a better resource on the web for car auctions than this blog. That's the truth. Reader reviews have given the new No. 1 auction site five stars across the board for its honesty, thoroughness and the number of auctions it gives users access to. The site is much improved and I've found more vehicles, for better prices, on our new No. 1 site than on any other. They worked to improve their database and their interface and it's paying off. Go below and check out the new rankings! Thanks!

Rankings can be found below or here.

Today's New York Times: Terrible year for Car Makers. Used and new vehicles overflowing sale lots. What does this mean? Auctions cheaper than ever.

2008 may well go down as one of the worst years in the history of the auto business AND the consumer credit business. That means TWO things:

1. Car lots, used and new, are overflowing with vehicles - many of which will have to be unloaded at auction.

2. Cars are being repossessed at a record rate as people fail to meet their payments. Where do repossessed cars end up? They end up at car auctions, pure and simple.

This new year of 2009 should be the best year we've ever seen for snagging cheap cars at auction. The auction listings are fatter than ever and I've never seen this kind of volume before. Get signed up with a good auction site and prepare for the best car deals you have ever seen! Happy Hunting!

Be sure to see my car auction site rankings below.

To read today's New York Times Article on how bad 2008 was for the automakers, see here:

New York Times - 2008 was disastrous for all car makers, American and Imported.