Generally: I personally only buy from direct sales. Dealers seem simple but they are experts at getting the best price and hiding potential issues. I assume the

Generally: I personally only buy from direct sales. Dealers seem simple but they are experts at getting the best price and hiding potential issues. I assume they will always be better than me at these so avoid them. My process; 1) Find out what seems to be the most reliable car via internet. 1) Decide car and parameters like kms/prices/4WD etc. Set up search alerts. 2) Go see cars within that. I dont know much about mechanics but general condition, oil quality, log book. Any noises or other that sets a red flag. I also judge the person a bit - tidy yard I assume they look after things better...who knows if true 3) Offer $$$ - if they accept I say it's on the condition my mechanic approves and get the car a quick once over from a professional. 4) Buy car. Or reject if surprises show up. 5) Get immediate service. Personally i'd avoid an auction as I dont know enough. If you were mechanically skilled it would probably be a reasonable gamble.