Hi bro.
Yup if you don't bid, the LTA computer system will allocate you a
number automatically. That happens when your dealership 'register'
your new car - the new number allocated is almost immediate. You
cannot ask for another number. Haha of cos you would have to settle
all the payments before collecting your keys - no worries, your SE
will call you.
If you bid, it doesn't mean guaranteed. For golden numbers like 8,
88, 668, etc, you will definitely have to fork out much more. Then
again, doing a $20,000 bid will also not guarantee you the number -
i.e. it is never guaranteed. Yes you will have to pay $1k as a
minimum bid. The list of numbers are on onemotoring.com. It is good
to bid before your new car is registered. You can choose to bid
after getting your new car - but you will have to pay an additional
$315 (including 5% GST) to transfer the number (i.e. swap the
number onto your new car).
If you so decide to bid for a new number before the car is
registered, please do it early. Cos the bidding results will take a
few days. Also, remember LTA accepts no cheque or cash. It has to
be cashier's/money order.
Hope that helps?. 
