My husband and I recently moved to Idaho and we’re on the hunt for a reliable vehicle for our daily commute. Looking at the used car lots around here, we’re a bit shocked by the prices—it feels like everything is significantly marked up.

We’re thinking about getting a car with some minor damage (insurance salvage) and taking care of the repairs ourselves since we have a good mechanic friend. Does anyone have experience with local auto auctions in Idaho? We’re looking for a transparent way to find a decent car without paying dealership premiums. Any tips on what to look for or how to handle the local registration if we go this route?