Gallery: Inside the Swift, Strategic World of Used Car Auctions

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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    Most cars are sold within 30 seconds, as the auctioneer speeds through the bids, barking “Hip!” with each raise.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    He doesn’t need much of a sign to think you want to jack up the price, and I’m just here to watch. A wink, nod, or twitch of the finger is plenty to join the fray.
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    It's a busy scene, with a dozen or so cars being sold off at any given moment.
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    It's a busy scene, with a dozen or so cars being sold off at any given time.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    Before cars are are auctioned off, they get a close look from interested parties.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    The range of vehicles is enormous, from high-end sports cars to beat up Chevy vans.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    Nearly 1,000 dealers show up to bid on the cars.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    Bidding is a tricky calculation, considering how much the car’s really worth and how much you can sell it for.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    The fact that it’s tax season makes everything more valuable: With rebate money in hand, customers can pay more.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    It's best to check a car for things like frame damage and a busted transmission before committing your money.
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    Ryan Young for WIRED
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    Most cars attract 5 to 15 interested buyers.
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