Rules and Regulations

Light System
Green Light Program
Auctioneers and Bidding
Frequently Asked Questions

Know the Light System!
As each vehicle comes up to the auction block - the seller and auctioneer will make a few announcements about the vehicle. One of the most important things to remember is which light is the vehicle being run under. This will give you some clues as to the mechanical condition of the vehicle you are about to bid on.

Green Light
Green light vehicles will be marked with a green marker in the middle of the vehicle windshield. Green Light means that the seller the vehicle is providing you the opportunity to make sure that there are no engine, transmission or rear end problems with the vehicle. These vehicles are being announced as in good mechanical condition with regards to the driveline. This does not mean that the vehicle is totally free of items needing repair or that a sale can be cancelled because of defects other than the drive train. Bid with confidence! You have 90 minutes after your high bid to inspect the vehicle yourself for any drive train problems.
Yellow Light
This means that the seller is making an announcement about the condition of the vehicle. Some common announcements:
1. Mechanical Defects
2. Salvage, Rebuilt or title that has some issue
3. TMU which means the actual mileage of the vehicle is not known
Red Light
Red light vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no representations. There is absolutely no arbitration on red light vehicles.
Blue Light - "Title Delay"
Title is not present at auction today. It may require up to 30 days including weekends and holidays for the title to arrive at American. Buyer is warned not to expend and money on these vehicles until the title has arrived and cleared at the auction. American will not be responsible for transportation or other expenses on returned vehicles. A service fee of $40.00 will be deducted from sellers check for each vehicle sold without an assignable title.

Auctioneers and Bidding

The auctioneers do work at a quick pace. With over 400 vehicles to offer for sale at every auction - the action can be quick paced - so here are a few hints:

Listen carefully to the current bid amount - if you are not sure of what the current bid is - ask the auctioneer or one of the employees in the lane
Research your vehicles - know what you want to pay for each vehicle. Make use of our info desk and the NADA Value Guides. Try to pick a couple of vehicles that will suit your needs. Bid with Confidence!
Raise your hand high - there are always many people in the lanes - make sure the auctioneer sees that you want to bid.
If the seller does not sell the vehicle to the high bidder don't be afraid to approach the seller on the block and ask him what his minimum price is - if you are really interested in the vehicle he will work with you to make a deal. Remember, the cars are here to SELL!

Remember Our Goal is 100% Customer Satisfaction!

Frequently Asked Questions and Terms

Lane and Slot Numbers - Each vehicle available for sale is marked with a lane and slot number. The lane number tells you which lane that vehicle will run through. The slot number 5 tells you that vehicle will be the 5th vehicle to be auctioned off in that lane. Vehicle B165 will be the 165th vehicle to be auctioned in lane B.

Preview - Preview time starts at 8:00 AM. It is strongly suggested that every buyer take this time to look over each vehicle you might be interested in. Take notes on the lot number and lane number so that you will have some idea when and where the vehicles you are looking at will be on the auction block. Make notes on each vehicle - take some time to research each vehicle for condition, miles, etc. Take advantage of NADA vehicle pricing guides we make available to each buyer.

Good Buyer Rule #1 - Do a little research - take advantage of the market books we have available. Ask our staff for suggestions or more info - the better informed you are - the better the buy you will make. All your questions are important - please take advantage of our staff's experience and knowledge.

Good Buyer Rule #2 - Always choose 4 to 5 vehicles that you have interest in. Because there are numerous buyers, your first choice may end up with a bid that is more than you want to pay. Since this happens many times, your second or third choice may often be your best buy. Also - your first choice in vehicles may be one of the last vehicles to run. If you miss that one, you've missed out until the next week.

Auctioneers and Bidding - The auctioneers work at a pretty rapid pace. Please watch and listen very carefully to the pricing. Don't be afraid to walk up to the auctioneer booth to find out exactly what price is being currently bid. There are always numerous bidders. If you think the auctioneer doesn't see you, raise your hand high and don't be shy!

Remember, there are always dealers buying vehicles in the same lanes you are bidding and they are there for a reason. To buy cars for resale or to buy wholesale. All the vehicles that are here and available for sale are being offered at thousands less than you will find on the dealers lots!!!