Any tips for finding abandoned domains?

When looking for crusty old domains to buy, I've tried looking for expired domains, or "about to expire" domains. But my experience is unless you have thousands to spend, you're wasting your time on Snapnames etc

These domain auctions are crazy and full of people with deep pockets.
The most mundane domain can go for several thousand dollars.

So are there better ways to find old domains? There must be thousands of abandoned websites out there. It's just a case of finding them, and matching them to your niche etc.

Of course forums like DP are always useful, but I wondered if anyone had tried and tested techniques for hunting them down.

 

I use whois.net sometimes

 

@Jim, I have not tired it ever but searched it a bit and found few sites which can help you in telling niche domains. the site is http://www.expireddomains.com/ (i have not used it more than 2 times)

 

I made a post about finding old domains for your new venture which may be of interest to you.

 

I use my own site

 

I have found some good domains with help of domainsbot.com

 

I use my mind thinking of memorable, prononunceable names and then doing a whois search I have found some of them in "pending delete" or "redemption" period.

 

if you buy domainresearchtool.com products, you will get access to premiumdomains.com - the best site of it's kind

 

sorry I meant premiumdrops.com, not premiumdomains.com

 

I checked out your site. Very nice!

 

You can check expierddomains.com.
Also there is a site: odditysoftware.com where they provide day based list.

 

I second that, domain research tool is the best tool u can get. abit expensive but well worth the money u spend on it.