You can make the most of your trip to a public car auction if you:

• Arrive early, you'll want to get there before the crowds to quickly find the cars most appealing to you. Don't forget to bring a Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds book.
• Select four or five cars that interest you, research them and determine your final price.
• Typically, bids come down to two final bidders, but don't get into a bidding war. Instead of jacking up the price for both of you through excessive bidding, come to an agreement or flip a coin.