buying from auctin

[crisgal]

is there any way of finding out how much cars have sold for recently at auctions? We have never bought that way before, and have seen a car in a garage, but have no idea how mucha similar car we've seen for auction will fetch.
i know there aren't any definite figures but, are they similar to the book prices?

[crisgal]

ooh, i assure you I CAN spell! Just busy with the tea!
It should read 'auction' !

[TWR]

Crisgal, I must advise you if you take heed it's up to you, I am very wary of Auctions, I'm going back some years ago, when a car is put into an auction at times it's someone Else's trouble, check auto trader, check EBay, thee are many sites for you to check how cars are sold and the prices, if you do decide get there early so you can check out the car you want & take someone with you that knows the ins & outs of the mechanical side of the cars working if you don't this can & will cost you money.

[Graham-W]

TWRs answer is good advice. You can get bargains, but factor into the price the buyers premium and other charges which can be very high for private buyers and quite cheep for dealers buying at auction. Get a sheet from reception detailing these charges and go to several auctions before even thinking of bidding.
I've been doing it for years and have, touch wood, not bought a lemon but charges have gone up dramatically over the past couple of years and it's even making me think twice.

[sara3]

my friend works in one of these car auction places, and most of their business is with car dealers.. same car, inflated price.

[AlBags]

Have you fixed anything up on yours yet S ?
x

[Hopkirk]

What worries me is the dealers must buy an occasional lemon, but cover it with profits on the other cars.

If you only buy one, and it's the lemon, you are knackered.

[crisgal]

well, thanks guys. It's so difficult. We haven't got much to spend and who can you trust really?
We saw one on ebay who was making out it was her family car, sad to see it go etc. Then we saw in one of the photos, a used car dealer sign in the background!
Looking back at the feedback, all they sold were cars!
jeez - why can't people be honest?

[chas2008]

It used to be the CAP guide, but its a trade only publication, bit like Glasses guide but based on auction prices.

[chas2008]

The trick with buying from auctions is to buy the later vehicles ex lease/company cars many are still under manufacturers warranty.These are the vehicles bought by dealers for resale, the lower end are usually the ex trade ins which the dealer wont put on his forecourt for obvious reasons.

[sara3]

crisgal, personally I'd only buy a car if I could get a warranty. that said, who knows how solid that might be?

Al, my car was un-written-off! they changed their minds, repaired it and I have it back. it is still my dream car, I love it even more now ;o)

[TWR]

Crisgal, If you can afford to wait to bye 2nd hand "WAIT" people often bye in haste & that is a very bad decision, No one likes getting ripped off & I it annoys me to hear of the stories of people misfortune but people are very gullible I'm afraid to say, with all respect to the fairer sex they will not get under the car or go to the extremes that men will go to check out a car, if you go ahead & bye a car go with cash? why with money in your hand you can barter & get a lot knocked off or walk away, if it's a fairly dear car Pay by check, this way if you have immediate problems you can stop payment, decide the car you want do your home work on the price, then look at the mileage, service history is a must but not, in some cases essential as you can get the car fully serviced as when as required, ask about the cam belt ( If fitted) it may be on a chain driven system, If some one who has mechanical is with you, you will not go far wrong in your purchase, don't take peoples advise, check your bank balance go down very quickly, be warned out there there are people including dealers that want your money & could not give a sht about your circumstances, if in doubt ( DO NOT BYE).

[crisgal]

thanks for that TWR

[TonyV]

crisgal - TWR's advice is right - but you might be able to hire a local one for the night