Car enthusiasts discuss auction finds, builds, and buying tips
Register Login
Board index » Buying & Selling » Selling my old car to fund an auction purchase - best order of operations?

Selling my old car to fund an auction purchase - best order of operations?

2 replies · 3,345 views
Post Reply
selling-car cash-flow auction-planning
Post subject: I want to upgrade and buy through an online auction, but I need the money from s...
UsedCarHunter
UsedCarHunter
@used_car_hunter
86 posts
Joined: Jul 27, 2022
US
Posted: Aug 26, 2025, 3:23 AM Topic Author
I want to upgrade and buy through an online auction, but I need the money from selling my current car first. What's the smarter order here? Do I sell my current car first and risk being without a car while I wait for a good auction deal? Or do I bid first and figure out the sale after I win? I know the auction requires a deposit after winning, so I'm trying to line up my cash flow. Anyone navigated this before?
BudgetCarGuy
BudgetCarGuy
@budget_car_guy
73 posts
Joined: Apr 16, 2022
US
Posted: Sep 2, 2025, 11:51 PM
I got my current car appraised first so I knew roughly what I had to work with, then bid with that budget in mind. Once I won, I sold the old car while the new one was being shipped. Worked out fine.
DaveTheGearhead
DaveTheGearhead
@gearhead_dave
187 posts
Joined: Mar 14, 2021
US
Posted: Sep 10, 2025, 8:20 PM
List your current car a week or two before you plan to bid. That way you have offers in hand and know your actual budget, not a guess.
Post Reply