BCA Car auctions
Discussion
I'm due to get a new motor in a few months time and in true nerdy petrol head fashion I'm already researching my short list in great detail and how I'm going to buy it too. 
Considering a car auction first the first time and buying something still within the warranty window (i.e. 1-2 years old).
A few questions wondered anyone could help with.
Lets say I'm bidding on a BMW for around £35-40k. Does anyone know what the likely buyers fees will be, can't find out their website?
Is there a price differential between auctions in the South and Midlands/North? i.e. is it worth going to the Auctions in Nottingham vs Surrey?
Is the discount to private sales via Autotrader worth the risk?
Any feedback would be welcomed.
Considering a car auction first the first time and buying something still within the warranty window (i.e. 1-2 years old).
A few questions wondered anyone could help with.
Lets say I'm bidding on a BMW for around £35-40k. Does anyone know what the likely buyers fees will be, can't find out their website?
Is there a price differential between auctions in the South and Midlands/North? i.e. is it worth going to the Auctions in Nottingham vs Surrey?
Is the discount to private sales via Autotrader worth the risk?
Any feedback would be welcomed.
Other than Manheim there aren't going to be many other auctions to choose as a BMW at this price level will probably be ex BMW or their finance company and these mostly go to BCA. If the car is under manufacturers warranty, again at that price level it should be, then what's the problem with buying from auction? The fees for non trade card holders are £900 for a car at £24999 and then £5 for every £250 thereafter. You will get strong opposition and expect to pay top dollar unless you're shopping for an unattractive model. I can't see why prices should differ much between north to South but that said the auctions I go to are in the Midlands and they make strong money there at the moment, but never the less you should save money from a main dealer price. Good luck.
Not determined to buy at auction, my thinking was that if you're buying something with warranty/low miles your risk is relatively low you'll get a stinker and you're getting it minus main dealer margin.
Are the prices at auction really at retail levels?
Here is an example..
Are the prices at auction really at retail levels?
Here is an example..
Edited by handbraketurn on Wednesday 29th January 19:36
I think on that type of car you'd comfortably save several thousand over retail. Most the AUC examples will have a chunky margin in them. Should be a good buy if you've got the cash, no real risk since its so new and still covered by warranty. Bridgwater is a nice centre, I've bought from them before. You'll mainly be competing with the West Country traders. Go for it 
Watch the BMW auctions. There is frequently a "cash back" scheme for franchised dealers which means the hammer prices for other customers are about the same as a BMW forecourt.
Sometimes the less desirable stock will go cheap but anything a BMW dealer would like on the forecourt can be very expensive.
Sometimes the less desirable stock will go cheap but anything a BMW dealer would like on the forecourt can be very expensive.
A pal of mine is in the motor trade, so I can give him the number plates and get the glasses guide to get a steer on what the dealer pricing would likely be, plus have a good idea of what is in the market via Auto-trader, not going to bid on something if it gets over sensible levels, but thought it might be worth a look.
Esp for models like the above which are depreciating like a bomb anyway, anything to put a larger buffer between purchase price and rapidly reducing future values.
Would i be right in thinking that traders would be less interested in models which are depreciating.
The above is c£70k list and there area already similar spec'd / aged models at £35k, 50% depreciation within warranty window. Harsh!
Esp for models like the above which are depreciating like a bomb anyway, anything to put a larger buffer between purchase price and rapidly reducing future values.
Would i be right in thinking that traders would be less interested in models which are depreciating.
The above is c£70k list and there area already similar spec'd / aged models at £35k, 50% depreciation within warranty window. Harsh!
handbraketurn said:
A pal of mine is in the motor trade, so I can give him the number plates and get the glasses guide to get a steer on what the dealer pricing would likely be, plus have a good idea of what is in the market via Auto-trader, not going to bid on something if it gets over sensible levels, but thought it might be worth a look.
The thing to watch is that BMW Group "open" auctions are not always what they seem. They are designed to distribute stock around BMW dealers and keep CAP guide prices high. They are frequently a waste of time if you are not a BMW dealer or don't want a car in green with purple seats and 14" alloys.
confused_buyer said:
handbraketurn said:
A pal of mine is in the motor trade, so I can give him the number plates and get the glasses guide to get a steer on what the dealer pricing would likely be, plus have a good idea of what is in the market via Auto-trader, not going to bid on something if it gets over sensible levels, but thought it might be worth a look.
The thing to watch is that BMW Group "open" auctions are not always what they seem. They are designed to distribute stock around BMW dealers and keep CAP guide prices high. They are frequently a waste of time if you are not a BMW dealer or don't want a car in green with purple seats and 14" alloys.
handbraketurn said:
This is the only example on there today, but last week there was about 8 for sale across the country all in the warranty window from BMW finance. And a couple from the leasing co's.
You're probably better off looking at the leasing company disposals as you stand more of a chance of getting a good deal on those.You'll also need to look at Manheim at the same time to give you the widest choice - they have a big BMW sale at Colchester about once a month and, obviously, the other 50% or so of the ex-lease/fianance stuff.
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