Over the years I have done very well at some auctions.
Once did on a Subaru that had a note "vehicle won't start". I sat in it, found the warranty papers to learn it was still 100% covered.
Placed a trash bid and won. Later wholesaled it to a dealer for 150% profit.
I had to wholesale as price was too high for a private cash sale and banks don't lend on private sales as they can't get a lien.
On another, an aircraft tug that had broken shifter that I tripled my investment after 4 months.
Some specialty testers bid at $30-40 later sold @ $600
ea.
There are deals but U need to know the market and be ready to take some risks.
Also being at the right place at the right time helps.
I have never seen a drill press sold at auction that went for less than retail for a new copy.
Popular consumer goods tend to go that way most often.
The craziest is popular consumer/hobby goods.
So many forget the fees and all taxes implied as well.