Be auction-savvy with top tips from British Car Auctions

Now the 13 reg has hit the roads, there’s likely to be a good flow of used cars coming onto the market.  For car buyers who didn’t want to buy new, buying at auction could be a good way to get a great used car deal as Tim Naylor of leading vehicle auction company, British Car Auctions (BCA) explained.
 
“The March plate change can bring an influx of ex-fleet cars and dealer part-exchange vehicles into the auctions, which means more choice for buyers.   Where else could you find low mileage, nearly new cars, prestige cars, company cars at 2 or 3 years old and good value high mileage older cars being sold on the same day at one location?   What it means is there is something for everybody in every price range from a few hundred pounds up to £100,000 or even more.
 
“Over the coming weeks, BCA will have around 13,000 vehicles catalogued for sale every day on the BCA website (bca.co.uk) and sales take place daily throughout the network of 19 auction centresacross the UK.  But it’s important auction novices do their homework first.  That’s why BCA has compiled its top tips for buying at auction.”
 
The vast majority of BCA’s sales are open to all-comers and it has an award-winning website where first-time auction goers can download guides and information and browse sale catalogues and vehicle descriptions in the stock locator.  It’s all free once visitors have registered with BCA, and the vast majority of cars on offer will have several digital images to browse as well as a comprehensive description.
 
“Some private buyers may be a little apprehensive about the auction process” added Tim Naylor.  “But the auction hall doesn’t have to be a daunting experience – with a little knowledge buyers can get a great deal.
 
“We recommend prospective buyers attend two or three times before making a purchase and we suggest arriving arrive early to get a chance to wander in the viewing area and see everything that’s on offer – it’s all undercover and well lit.
 
“BCA also offers many cars under the BCA Assured scheme which provides peace of mind to buyers by providing a report on a 30 point mechanical check carried out by an independent motoring organisation.  Cars under 8 years and 120 000 miles are eligible and the check includes warning lights, tyre depths, engine noise, limited gearbox check, suspension and fluid levels and an onsite drive to test brakes to VOSA standards.”
 
BCA’s Top Tips for buying at auction
 
Do your homework:

Know what you want to buy before you come and have a good idea of what the car is worth.  If you don’t ‘know’ cars, then bring someone with you who does!
 
Don’t Rush: 

Arrive in good time and look around.  Get a catalogue, walk the line-up and examine the stock on offer.  Take time to choose the vehicle that interests you, and if possible, select a couple of ‘back-ups’ if you are unlucky in bidding for your first choice.
 
Check the car:                     

Remember that it is up to you to check the car's overall exterior visible condition - paintwork, trim, tyres - and the interior - seats and carpets, for example - prior to sale.  All these factors are 'sold as seen', so take every opportunity to examine the car in the line-up prior to entering the auction hall.  When the car is driven into the auction hall, follow it in and listen to the engine running.
 
Budget:

Set a limit on what you are prepared to pay.  Don’t go over it in the heat of the moment and remember you will have a Buyer’s Fee to pay.  If you are buying an older car, set aside some funds for a post-sale service and consider that you may need some minor repairs carried out.
 
Be flexible:   

Don’t get too possessive about a particular vehicle (see budget!) or overlook some obvious faults just because ‘I like the colour’.  BCA’s larger auction centres will handle in excess of 1,000 vehicles on any particular sale day, so if you miss your first choice, go and look again or walk away and come back another day.
 
Be Clear When You Bid:

Don’t wink or tap your nose, simply raise your hand or the catalogue.  The auctioneer will see you and will make sure you have every opportunity to bid.
 
The decision is yours!

Once the hammer falls, the car is legally your possession and you are responsible for it.  Make sure you have adequate insurance cover if you want to drive it home, and check it is roadworthy and taxed.  The auction house will be able to deliver the vehicle to home for you at a competitive rate, if required.