I've been going to Jonesboro Auto Auctions (JAA) for about 20 years. I've read some of the critiques that were objective, and many that were subjective (based upon emotions). I have won the bid on one vehicle that had steering issues (far too much play in the steering). The rules are clearly posted, depending on the bid, the car will or will not qualify for a "ride and drive". Anything that's not ride and drive becomes an "As Is" purchase, so I say, "caveat emptor" which means "let the buyer beware". To avoid being stuck with a lemon vs lemonade, do your own research prior to going to purchase a vehicle and arrive early. If you don't know the basics of auto mechanics, take a mechanic with you. By the way, the on-site referee agreed with me; therefore, I didn't have to buy the car with steering issues since the cost qualified as a Ride and Drive.
More helpful hints: These are not new cars, so your purchase cost will determine whether the sale is final. Any issues with the power train and driveability is in the hands of the referee (a licensed ASE Mechanic who is impartial). September 2024, I researched, and ended up winning the ride and drive bid on the 2014, Ford Edge SEL, White in color. I've put in a little DIY work (oil change, wiper blades, back-up camera, passenger side heater control actuator, and I changed all 4 tires because I don't like the brand that was on my 2014 Edge). I sold the tires for $400 valued at $732.00. See attached pictures.
Additional Helpful Hints:
1. Visit the website, and learn about the light system (Red, Green, and Yellow).
2. Do your homework: research only the vehicles you are interested in buying (Kelly Blue Book Value, Consumer Complaints, JD Powers Ratings, to name a few).
3. Arrive with a powerful flashlight (you will need it to inspect inside and outside).
4. Take a good mechanic with you, even if you know a lot about cars, and especially if you don't know anything about cars (aka: diddly squat).
5. Don't get caught up in the excitement, bid based on your earlier research KBB and JD Powers, and don't pay more than what you want to pay.
5. Remember to check with your Auto Insurance Company. Some companies will not insure "Salvage Titled" vehicles. The auctioneers will announce the Statuses (which are posted on the JAA website as well). I've had several great experiences following the above listed guidelines. Arrive Early! Caveat Emptor!
Some of the cars just not worth it, but you will eventually find a good car here and there. I purchased a Chevy spark in the transmission went out on my way home.
I purchased a vehicle that had a green light and it said 151000 on it and when I went to purchase it I drove it across the street to get gas and and then it would not start and the employee at the gas station said we had 5 cars over here last week that quit last week and had to be towed. I had that vehicle for 3 minutes before it broke down and I call the auction and they said you got a as is car and we can't help you. So I was out 2 thousand dollars.that was my first and last time going.
If you are going to call, be ready to be hung up on. I work in customer service and NEVER hang up on someone trying to get information. Lady was super rude.
Nice cars at a great price. Swift system gets you processed so you can go get another one. Clear auctioneer and a big selection. I've gotten my last 4 from here and will continue to do so.
These guys ran their own cars through multiple time before putting other owners cars on the line some buyers missed out on bidding because of that. Not to mention it was late at night in the freezing cold. I could write a lot more but I'll leave at that. Consider a different auction.
First time ever here I got a Kia they drive it cross the thing so we can bid on it and people was bidding so was I and we end up win it they drove it out long story short, pay, got the paper went to start up the car it would not even turn over as the mechanic there he told us it was the head on the car so if you know the head on the car was already gone so you know these car lemon and you still in business This was my first time here and my last time. Mr Keith couldn’t even look at use in the eye he new this deal was bad! People just lost for words crazy right makes feel like fool
Please save your money, time, and energy; this is the worst place to purchase a vehicle. You will be very disappointed and be out of unnecessary money because they sale junk cars. Save yourself from major headaches.
My ex warned me about the lemons they sell but I never listen.Both cars I bought from there were lemons.They put stuff in the engine to make it quite during the bidding process.The first car I bought was like 8 years ago and it got me home and never cranked up again and the second car was 2 years ago and it broke down somewhere in Jericho maybe a 30 minute drive-bad engine so be careful.
Worst place ever.My husband and I purchased multiple vehicles from this place(2017)..All Lemons..This place should not be in business 0 stars in my book.. My family and I will never go back..and I advise you all not too as well?We work hard for our damn money..to just throw it away
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