Is it worth a trip to the Auctions ?

[johnte]

I'm looking to buy a small estate car (dog carrier). Something like A4 or 3 Series, around 2 to 4 years old..

Is it worth me taking a trip to the auctions, can I save myself a few £'s?. I know I should take a trip out for a look, but my nearest auction house (BCA Brighouse) is 60 miles away, so thought I'd ask here first.

Does anyone list sale prices achieved on line, couldn't see anywhere....


Thanks

[wemorgan]

I'd imagine there would be a good £2k to be saved. If you stick to a ex-lease can which was serviced by the OEM you can hardly go wrong.

[rix]

Always a bit of a gamble, but if you've got no particular model/spec in mind then you could get a bargain, especially on a bigger engined petrol car etc (and maybe less risky mechanically). That said, if you apply the same logic, I think you can often do well on ebay.

[AndyT77]

I think if you can afford to buy a 2 to 4 year old BMW/Audi for dog duties, you can afford to shop at a dealer...

[wemorgan]

AndyT77 said:

I think if you can afford to buy a 2 to 4 year old BMW/Audi for dog duties, you can afford to shop at a dealer...

They offer convince and fresh coffee but little else.

A 2 year old car will still be in warranty. An extended warranty can be bought for a 3-4 year old car.

Most cars at auction at that age will just be ex-lease cars serviced in accordance to the schedule.

[Sogra]

Not as great as they used to be. A lot of car supermarket type places pay over the odds because they can sell for more as they can get you credit. Also a lot of retail punters that are armed with a parkers and a copy of autotrader push the prices up.

If it were me I would look for something that would make it unattractive to the above i.e needs somebody work, high miles, odd colour.

Always worth remembering that if you do buy a lemon you can always put it back through somebody will buy it (you did) say you bought at 5k people think they are risking 5k but in truth its fees and what it fetches on the day thats the risk so if you have a decent eye you may be okay.

A lot of auction fees have gone up for cash customers see BCA website for an idea

[ODJ]

By you have paid private buyers fees at BCA there won't be much of a saving, prime retail fodder I.e diesel A4's and 3 series often end up at retail money with none of the benefits.