Car auctions promise real value - they're where the motor trade buy stock, so prices are ultra-competitive. But many private buyers find auctions intimidating, with cars selling rapidly in a flurry of bids.
There are bargains at car auctions for experienced, hard-headed buyers. First decide exactly what you want and what your top bid will be - a few per cent over 'trade' price to knock out the trade buyers. Read the conditions of sale and check your chosen cars out before bidding starts. And stop bidding when you reach your bid limit!
INSIDER TIPS - CAR AUCTIONS
If you don't mind high prices, franchised dealers earn points for:
- Reduce risk by bidding on 'warranted' cars or vehicles sold with an engineer's report disclosing known faults.
- Safest buys are modern one-owner ex-fleet or ex-lease cars - often high-mileage but usually with correct documents and service history.
- Avoid cars 'sold as seen' or 'with all faults' - there's no comeback if you buy a dud.
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