Auctions attract used car bargain-hunters

The number of consumers visiting used car auctions has grown in recent weeks.

It is typically those within the car trade that will seek out second-hand stock at auction, to sell on to the general public. Lately, however, auction halls have attracted higher numbers of private buyers looking to cut out the ‘middle man’, and find the most competitive prices for used cars.

With household budgets currently under significant pressure, many members of the public are looking at new ways of saving money on big-ticket items like used cars, and they have decided to try buying direct from an auction.

Auction ‘virgins’ should exercise a degree of caution. The experience of buying at auction is best suited to traders. The general consumer will not get the same peace of mind they would expect from a dealership.

Vehicles sold at auction can have chequered histories, and so only competent buyers should proceed with the purchase.

Franchised dealers and independent retailers tend to offer a period of warranty on the cars they sell, giving buyers a certain level of recourse in case of any problems. Transactions completed at auction do not come with this aftersales care.

Customers also have greater flexibility when using a dealer, who will take an old car in part-exchange and who may well offer finance packages to help fund the full payment at the point of sale.