Classic auctions - newbie alert...
Discussion
I'm idly considering a classic Merc from a local auction, but I've never bought a car this way before.I understand most of the pitfalls re premiums, no recourse, etc., but unsure just what you're likely to be able to inspect or not on the viewing day,
In particular, can you actually start the car, check gears engage and electrics work, peer under carpets and boot floors, into header tanks??
i'm assuming there's little you can do re underbody inspections apart from poking a phone on a selfie stick underneath....
In particular, can you actually start the car, check gears engage and electrics work, peer under carpets and boot floors, into header tanks??
i'm assuming there's little you can do re underbody inspections apart from poking a phone on a selfie stick underneath....
Only been to 1 so far, a CCA one at Leamington Spa site
Most cars were available for access to look inside & peer under the bonnet, but some were locked.
No starting of engines (unlike my local BCA auction house !)
Most are driven to the event, but some are collected and the drivers may make comments in the description about any issues/defects they noticed
As recommended by others on here, take someone else as an extra pair of eyes helps, also, if you're not mechanically minded, take someone else who is
and 'Buyer Beware' ....
Most cars were available for access to look inside & peer under the bonnet, but some were locked.
No starting of engines (unlike my local BCA auction house !)
Most are driven to the event, but some are collected and the drivers may make comments in the description about any issues/defects they noticed
As recommended by others on here, take someone else as an extra pair of eyes helps, also, if you're not mechanically minded, take someone else who is
and 'Buyer Beware' ....
I bought a shed fiesta from Newark auctions about 4 years ago. You can look around beforehand. I had spotted the fiesta earlier so went and waited outside while they started it. Just looking for smoke etc. They then drove it and reversed a foot or too. Auction commenced. I won. Collected it there and then and drove away. Don’t forget all the fees the auction house add on so check beforehand.
I was speaking to a trader who was in. Apparently us none motor trader types stick out like a sore thumb and generally they don’t seem to like us being there. We’re not looking to make a profit just a cheap car and have no business overheads, warranty that must be offered so they generally won’t bid as much as us (which must piss them off).
Obviously a £400 fiesta wasn’t the type of car most traders are looking for (too much risk and hassle). I still go and look every now and then just for a laugh.
I was speaking to a trader who was in. Apparently us none motor trader types stick out like a sore thumb and generally they don’t seem to like us being there. We’re not looking to make a profit just a cheap car and have no business overheads, warranty that must be offered so they generally won’t bid as much as us (which must piss them off).
Obviously a £400 fiesta wasn’t the type of car most traders are looking for (too much risk and hassle). I still go and look every now and then just for a laugh.
POORCARDEALER said:
you can probably find cheaper and better away from an auction
Possibly, But it's a rare enough car that there's only a small handful on ebay/autotrader etc., and many of them are obvious sheds or have been Barried mercilessly.I've no time pressure, so if I'm unsure about the car I won't be bidding. Just curious as to what the "viewing day" is likely to entail.
Auction is at Brightwells, Leominster if that helps.
silentbrown said:
Possibly, But it's a rare enough car that there's only a small handful on ebay/autotrader etc., and many of them are obvious sheds or have been Barried mercilessly.
I've no time pressure, so if I'm unsure about the car I won't be bidding. Just curious as to what the "viewing day" is likely to entail.
Auction is at Brightwells, Leominster if that helps.
Don’t be scared by auctions too much mate.I've no time pressure, so if I'm unsure about the car I won't be bidding. Just curious as to what the "viewing day" is likely to entail.
Auction is at Brightwells, Leominster if that helps.
I know a few people that work at brightwells so I may be able to put you in touch with someone and get some inside info on the car you’re looking at. Feel free to PM me.
You probably already know but their viewing day is the day before the sale. You will need to buy a catalogue to gain entry to the sale. £20 I believe. They’re very good at what they do even if the fees are a little high. You can look at whatever you like on the cars, they are mostly left open. They can start them too if you’re genuinely interested and not a tyre kicker(this happens a lot believe me!).
I’m an auctioneer though not at brightwells, another auction house 3 miles away!
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