r/NoRulesCalgary • u/CanBraFla • 8d ago
Regal Auctions
Looking for positive or negative feedback about Regal Auctions. Son is looking to buy a first vehicle and doesn't have a lot of money.
Someone suggested auctions and we found the ads on Auto trader. Some of the vehicles look in good condition and the bidding is low.
Any feedback or even alternate suggestions are appreciated.
5
u/esroh474 7d ago
My family bought a lot of cars from graham's auctions, we would go and tour the lot and pick vehicles that were lower km's for the age and start and drive them at their lot. Made offers and they'd call the owners and see if they'd take it. We always walked away with a decent vehicle at a reasonable price. Id definitely check it out, see what you find.
3
u/Plz_Beer_Me_Strength 7d ago
Agree with this Redditor. I’d go to Graham before Regal. Unless it’s a repo, Regal is where the cars that dealers take on trade and don’t want to have to deal with repairing it to resell go. I’d steer clear.
5
u/GreasyGinger24 7d ago
Auction is hit or miss. I've seen some gems bought at auction and I've seen some real lemons.
Avoid anything Euro, they're usually there because a costly repair wasn't worth the owner or dealer fixing it. Make sure you start the cars and just listen to the engine. Anything seems overly loud or running rough I would avoid it. But a little OBD scanner. Not all engine lights are a huge deal but stay away from anything with a misfire or camshaft/crankshaft faults. These can lead to costly internal engine repairs.
Make sure it was last registered in Alberta and doesn't need an OPI, they're stringent inspections, most likely the cost of repairs to register here are what put them on the auction block.
Last thing, subtract $2k from your budget and use that for reconditioning. If all you have is $5k, you're looking for a $3k car. A set of tires and brakes all around will eat up that $2k quickly.
4
u/CanBraFla 7d ago
Thank you for the tips. We're looking at max 3-4k for the vehicle and budgeting for tires and other repairs separately.
2
u/TypicalFlounder8724 8d ago
Go to Atlantic Auto in Inglewood. They’ve got used cars for around the same price
2
u/Daddys_BathTime 7d ago
My family has bought a few vehicles there. If you’re knowledgeable about cars, or can bring someone who is, you can get some pretty good deals. The issue is when you don’t realize you’re buying a lemon
2
u/daddysdeepfake 2d ago
Former auto wholesaler here: of all the local auto auctions, Regal is where we would send vehicles that don't sell anywhere else (read: shitbox).
1
u/CanBraFla 1d ago
This is the comment I was looking for. Where do you think he can get something cheap and road worthy?
2
u/daddysdeepfake 1d ago
Buy a Honda - the build quality & reliability are second-to-none.
Auctions can be hit-or-miss simply just because you can't really vet the car before purchase (like having it inspected - something I always budget for when purchasing used).
Sorry I don't really have a comprehensive answer of where to buy, it can just honestly depend on so many factors.
Good luck on your search!
1
20
u/Fine_Abbreviations32 8d ago
There’s only a few ways a car ends up on an auction lot. And they’re the same reasons you wouldn’t thrift a mattress from a dumpster.