Mr.Talha Posted September 28, 2021 Posted September 28, 2021 https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/buying-a-car-at-auction The two major car auction groups, BCA and Mannheim, no longer allow members of the public to register and buy cars. A spokesperson for BCA says its decision to exclude the public has its roots in covid and the changes it prompted, not least the company's temporary suspension of physical auctions. If you're a motor trader, you're still welcome at BCA and Manheim auctions, although BCA's auctions are exclusively online. Meanwhile, although the majors may have closed their doors to them, the country's largest independent motor auction group, Wilsons Auctions which, in August 2021, acquired long-established West Oxfordshire Motor Auctions, does allow the public, as well as motor traders, to bid online and, depending on the location, in person at a physical sale. It has a number of sites around the country. Visit its website to find your nearest centre or bid online. There are other independent auction companies across the country, too, that welcome members of the public including Cannock Motor Auctions, which holds only physical sales, generally of older used cars, and Anglia Car Auctions which holds physical and online general car sales and online-only classic car sales. Whether you're a trader or member of the public, if you're intending to buy at a physical auction rather than online, and it's your first time, before you even think of bidding, visit a sale purely as a spectator. Auctions are marketplaces for seasoned experts so learn the process and familiarise yourself with the hustle and bustle of the auction hall. This way, when you are ready to buy, you won't be overwhelmed by the experience. If buying online, the dangers of bidding recklessly are even higher since you only need press a computer key and the car is yours. For this reason, follow a few sales to get a feel for the pace and for prices. Although it no longer accepts bids from the public, Manheim Auctions has produced a jargon buster on its website to help everyone understand auction jargon. Do I need to register to bid? Generally speaking, all bidders, trade and public, must register and pay a deposit (depending on the auction between £200 and £500) to bid online or in person. You'll be given a bidder's number allowing you to bid. If your bid for a vehicle is successful, the deposit can be put towards the full payment of the vehicle. Should you not buy a vehicle, the deposit will be returned on request at the end of the sale. You will also need to show photo proof of ID and proof of address before you’re able to buy a vehicle, so make sure you have these with you. How do I get the best deal? Make sure you know which specific model or type of car you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Then research typical used values so you can calculate whether the car you’re interested in is a bargain. Details of most lots, or cars, are published well before the sale. Acquaint yourself with the conditions of sale to ensure you know what the buyer's fees and other charges are so that you know how much you can afford to bid. Beware of multi-vendor sales where many different cars are offered, many of them by unscrupulous types. Far better to go to a fleet sale where the cars come from one, recognised vendor and are of a fairly consistent standard and provenance. Favour cars with an inspection report over those without. It sounds obvious but if it's possible, try to see the car in person before the sale. Some auctions hold viewing days to allow this.
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