School me on UK car auctions

[PAG24]

Hi guys,

Currently living in the UK, I came from Australia where I use to buy lots of cars from the Auctions (have had 15 cars in the last 5 years).
Brought some to fix and sell others just for myself, anyways I wanted to know what the Auction scene was like over here in the UK?
Can bargins be had?
Whats the best way to get an indication of the sale price and is it possible to get a back log of sold prices?
Is it possible to watch the auctions online as I work mon-fri so I will only be able to attend when I'm ready to buy.

Oh and I'm living in Rugby area.

Regards,

[surveyor]

Its a secret world and they don't like letting you in.

I was told correctly that they will give you an estimtated sale price if you call them. It was quite accurate too.

Don't forget the buyers fees - it's a bit steep.

Registered trade buyers can watch and bid online, I suspect at a cost. Regular Joes's have go lookie.

This sems to be the case with Manheim and BCA.

I was obviously recognised as a newbie, but they looked after me and I don't think they bid me against the wall.

[MarsellusWallace]

High sellers fees for private buyers can limit some of the savings made at auction.Auctions can be a minefield and dumping ground for troublesome cars so if you dont know a lot about car mechanicals,and spotting repairs/bodywork etc then I would give the auctions a miss and instead look to private sales,making low bids on suitable cars.

[Roman]

Judging by prices at a couple of auctions I attended recently, for typical £2-6k family cars attractive to private buyers, better value can be found in buying privately.

It's nice being able to test a car thoroughly in a non pressured environment too.

[Morningside]

I was surprised at how fast the bidding pace is compared to other auctions.

[mph1977]

Roman said:

Judging by prices at a couple of auctions I attended recently, for typical £2-6k family cars attractive to private buyers, better value can be found in buying privately.

hence the reason carcrap try and stock through WBAC ...

[Decky_Q]

Usually good if you know what youre doing, as said you need to be sure of the sellers fee's, the local one here is 'Wilson's' and they supply you with a list of previous auction values achieved, and predicted values. There's usually not much in it (motorbikes seem to be most off) value wise. You can find the upcoming cars on their website and although some traders there may not be keen on opening the market up to competition Wilsons are happy for as many bidders to be there as possible and will help you get prepared, there is a fee for attending any auction though whether you buy or not, and obviously no test drives, but you can usually view the service record if therte is one.

Better value in the free ads atm if you dont keep cars for long

[V8mate]

MarsellusWallace said:

... I would give the auctions a miss and instead look to private sales, making low bids on suitable cars.

This. This. This. And this.