Discussion
Just out of curiosity has anyone used a car auction for their mid-priced car (£5-6k) as opposed to using them for flipping?
Is it worth buying like this vs buying from a private person or a trader, that's to say is the price differential worth less choice?
What are good auctions to visit, which are poor?
Is it worth buying like this vs buying from a private person or a trader, that's to say is the price differential worth less choice?
What are good auctions to visit, which are poor?
Cars through the auctions that are tidy, with good history, make into book.
That means they make more than trade price for a clean car.
Add on the fees for a private buyer and you'll be far too expensive, especially for a car you can't road test.
And regarding using someone else's account, beware!!!!!
You might save a few quid but you'll lose the protection the fee's give you.
It's only the account holder that can start any sort of claim.
So in the rare event of needing to back a car to the auction, they will simply point you in the direction of the account holder.
That means they make more than trade price for a clean car.
Add on the fees for a private buyer and you'll be far too expensive, especially for a car you can't road test.
And regarding using someone else's account, beware!!!!!
You might save a few quid but you'll lose the protection the fee's give you.
It's only the account holder that can start any sort of claim.
So in the rare event of needing to back a car to the auction, they will simply point you in the direction of the account holder.
I’ve bought 4 out of my last 6 daily drivers from car auctions with no issues. This is over a period of 30 years. Admittedly, the terms and conditions have changed over that time and it has got more expensive as a private buyer, but I still feel that it is worth it, as I think I saved around £500 over what I would have paid on the forecourt, with my most recent purchase a Skoda Fabia I bought in July 2019. I have bought all of my cars from BCA. I’ve used the branches at Brighouse, Measham and Belle Vue (Manchester). The good thing these days, is that you can use their web-site to check out possible purchases, I selected 5 or 6 last June and ended up buying the first one to go through, the Skoda. After, paying the deposit at the rostrum, it then took about 30 minutes to sort out the remaining admin and drive the car home.
Generally, most of the cars that go through are pretty decent, although you get some obvious dogs and some absolute stunners, they do seem to go for a lot of money.
My advice would be have a look on the BCA web-site and look at the cars going through at your local branch. Then go along without any money, just to get the hang of it. If you then feel confident, take money with you the next time and have a go, however, set your limits and stick to it! Good luck.
Generally, most of the cars that go through are pretty decent, although you get some obvious dogs and some absolute stunners, they do seem to go for a lot of money.
My advice would be have a look on the BCA web-site and look at the cars going through at your local branch. Then go along without any money, just to get the hang of it. If you then feel confident, take money with you the next time and have a go, however, set your limits and stick to it! Good luck.
Bought both my children's cars via an auction. Basically get a 2 year old car with low mileage for about £1500 to £2000 less than a main dealer is asking for it. I sold one after 2 years for only £500 less than I paid for it. There are so many cars on 2 year leases that are just handed back and can be a real bargain with full history, in excellent condition and also low mileage.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff