One gear change. One brutal clunk. No test drive necessary. An independent car dealer caught the troubling moment when a car shifted into reverse with far too much noise and a shake. That noise and shake are an example of why you should be cautious before buying a car at auction.
In a clip that’s been viewed nearly 500,000 times, creator Black Blaze Motors (@black.blaze.motor) reveals why they decided not to buy a Honda Civic that was up for auction.
“I’m no expert in transmissions, but it kind of sounds like a transmission problem,” the creator says after shifting the car in and out of reverse a few times. Each time, the vehicle makes a noise and shudders.
Some courageous buyer wasn’t scared off, however. Black Blaze Motors noted in the comments that the Civic with more than 200,000 miles sold for $2,200.
A loud clunk when shifting is never a good sign, especially if it comes with a jolt strong enough to shake the car while it’s still parked.
According to the comments, one of the most likely explanations for the Honda Civic’s issue is worn or broken engine or transmission mounts. These rubber components are responsible for holding the powertrain in place and dampening vibration. When they degrade over time, the torque from shifting into gear can cause the engine to twist or lurch, leading to a noticeable thud or shake.
It’s a moderate issue that won’t necessarily leave you stranded, but if ignored, could cause damage to other components. Replacing mounts typically costs anywhere from $300 to $700, depending on the vehicle and labor costs.
Another potential issue, especially for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, is excessive drivetrain slack or worn U-joints. When U-joints wear out or become loose, they can create a snapping or clunking noise as torque transfers through the driveline. This problem can compromise driveability or even safety if the driveshaft fails under load. The fix generally runs between $150 and $500.
The problem could also lie within the transmission itself. This is a more serious issue. Harsh engagement when shifting can indicate internal wear, valve body failure, or solenoid issues, which are far more costly to address. Repairs range from $500 to several thousand dollars for a full rebuild or replacement.
There’s also the simple possibility of low or dirty transmission fluid.
Automatic transmissions rely on fluid for both lubrication and hydraulic pressure during shifts. When fluid is old, burnt, or running low, it can result in delayed or harsh gear engagement. Fortunately, this is one of the easier fixes, with a flush and refill typically costing up to several hundred dollars at most.
If your car jolts or makes a loud noise when shifting, don’t shrug it off. That initial clunk could be the first sign of a problem that worsens over time. In many cases, a quick inspection can reveal whether you’re dealing with something simple, like dirty fluid, or something more serious, such as broken mounts or internal transmission wear.
The clip reinforces that car auctions can offer tempting deals, but they’re also not for the faint of heart. Whether you’re shopping at a public auction like Copart or a dealer-only event like Manheim, strategy matters.
The upside? Auctions can offer below-retail pricing, especially for vehicles with cosmetic damage, high mileage, or salvage titles. According to Black Book, many dealers source their inventory this way, marking vehicles for resale on traditional lots. That margin can become your savings if you know what you’re doing.
But the risks are real. Most vehicles are sold as-is, with no test drive and often no guarantee of mechanical soundness. That clunk in the TikTok video is what you might not notice until you’ve already placed the winning bid. Even experienced buyers can be caught off guard by undisclosed flood damage, missing airbags, or title issues that don’t show up until after the paperwork is signed.
Experts recommend running the vehicle identification number (VIN) through services like AutoCheck or Carfax ahead of time and checking whether the auction provides pre-sale inspection reports or arbitration options. Some auctions also let you bring a mechanic or pay for a third-party inspection, but this varies by location.
In short, car auctions can be a treasure hunt or a mechanical minefield. Bring your research, set a firm budget, and always assume you’ll need to spend more than just the hammer price to get a vehicle road-ready.
Black Blaze Motors did not respond to an inquiry sent via TikTok comment. Honda didn’t respond to an email. We will be sure to update this if either replies.
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