There is one trick I've used three times so far and beaten the auto-bids.  This may not work for everyone the same way due to connection speeds and processor speeds, etc.  I wait until the auction has only 4 seconds left before I make a bid.  It takes approximately 3.3 seconds to update which leaves only .7 seconds for the auction which isn't enough time for the autobidder to counter you.  It's worked for me three times so far.