Anyone been to an Auction to get a second hand car?

[garynuman]

I've been thinking of buying a second hand hatch. Poss an Audi A4 or possibly something cheaper like a Seat Leon.

Has anyone been to an auction website or 'on the map' auction? Also what should I be looking out for and is there a better time of year to go?

[Phil Dicky]

Just be sure in yourself you know what your doing, as what appears to be a bargain can become a money pit. As even the most savy can be caught out big time, as has happened to me a few times

[Rollcage]

If you think the A4 is a hatch, I'd say auctions are best avoided!

[soad]

I haven't, nor I'm tempted to.

[Thankyou4calling]

Iv'e bought a couple of cars at auction, wouldn't consider myself any sort of expert.

1.Definitely arrive early and get a catalogue.
2. Use a process of elimination to arrive at a shortlist.
3. Be prepared to compromise on colour/spec etc.
4. Hear the car selected start and follow it into the hall.
5. Listen VERY CAREFULLY to what the auctioneer says (description)
6. Make it clear you are bidding, don't try and be too clever.

Finally, don't get carried away and conversely don't lose a car for the sake of 50 quid and enjoy the day.

[anonymous-user]

Thankyou4calling said:

Iv'e bought a couple of cars at auction, wouldn't consider myself any sort of expert.

1.Definitely arrive early and get a catalogue.
2. Use a process of elimination to arrive at a shortlist.
3. Be prepared to compromise on colour/spec etc.
4. Hear the car selected start and follow it into the hall.
5. Listen VERY CAREFULLY to what the auctioneer says (description)
6. Make it clear you are bidding, don't try and be too clever.

Finally, don't get carried away and conversely don't lose a car for the sake of 50 quid and enjoy the day.

Been to a few too, got a few bargains many years ago and would agree with all of the above, however I would only go to an auction if they ACTUALLY have the model you want, do your homework before you go as far as the listings go, and really really have a budget, it's to easy to go with "a rough idea" and get carried away.
Fleet auctions these days can be good,blue chip company fleets are highly maintained compared to the dark old days and an A4 or A3 would be easy to come by. On the other hand if you are not fussed it can also be a bit of a laugh to go and just see what happens with a small budget of say £1500, you might be suprised!!

[Rollcage]

£1500 will/could get you a decent car - 54 plate Mondeo TDCI with over 100k, that sort of thing.

A small car auction budget is £200, including indemnity!


(It's all relative, of course!)

[EDLT]

Phil Dicky said:

Just be sure in yourself you know what your doing, as what appears to be a bargain can become a money pit. As even the most savy can be caught out big time, as has happened to me a few times

I used to work for a car supermarket, five of the diesel Audis they sold came back boost controller (I think, it was a while ago) problems that could only be fixed with a new turbo. I'm not sure if this was the real fault though, because we just gave them a refund and sent the car back to auction again.