Is it possible to manually register an expiring .com domain or will the bots outbid you? The domain in question is quite old and is unlikely to be extended.

However, there is a complication: while you have access to the domain management, the owner of the domain is an LLC that no longer exists. This makes it impossible to re-register the domain.

Paying for the extension and using it further is a simple task. In addition, if you want to obtain ownership of the domain held by LLC with a "left" wet seal, you can write a letter to the registrar and transfer the domain to yourself without any hassle. It's unlikely that anyone will contest your claim to the domain.