BCA predicts September plate change will bring more choice in used car market
Vehicle remarketing company, British Car Auctions (BCA) is anticipating improved choice for used car buyers as the 63-registration plate hits the roads. As Tim Naylor, editor of the BCA Used Car Market Report explained this should be good news for hard-pressed motorists looking for a good deal, following the limited availability of good quality vehicles earlier in the year which has pushed prices up.
“Typically the September plate change brings an influx of ex-fleet cars and dealer part-exchange vehicles into the auctions, as nearly every new car sold triggers a chain of used car sales too”, said Tim Naylor. “And with the SMMT predicting that the new 63-registration plate is going to be hugely popular with motorists encouraged by 0% and low finance deals that should also mean more choice for used car buyers”.
“We are expecting to see a wide range of used cars coming to auction in September across many makes and models and including everything from low mileage and nearly new cars to prestige and company cars at 2 to 3 years old. We also anticipate seeing more good value high mileage older cars which means there should be something for everyone in every price range. It’s a good reason to visit one of our centres, even for auction novices, because it means buyers can compete for a car in the wholesale market.”
BCA lists on its website – bca.co.uk - every vehicle it has for sale with a comprehensive catalogue listing and images. And many cars sold by BCA are covered by the BCA Assured scheme which provides peace of mind to buyers with 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 checks include warning lights, tyre depths, engine noise, limited gearbox check, suspension and fluid levels and an onsite drive to test brakes to VOSA standards.
“September is a great time to go shopping for a used car at auction”, concluded Tim Naylor. “And over the coming weeks, BCA will have around 13,000 vehicles catalogued for sale every day on our website with sales taking place daily throughout the network of 19 auction centres across the UK.”
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. 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.