Auction Advice

Whether you are a full time trader or if you are looking to use a car auction for the very first time as a private individual, buying or selling, we've included below some useful information which we hope will answer some of your questions. Our Terms and Conditions for both buyers and sellers can be viewed in full by clicking on the Terms link below.

WHAT IS A CAR AUCTION ?

A car auction acts as an agent between people wishing to sell motor vehicles and people who wish to purchase them. However, there is more to understand about an auction than just this.

Car auctions are an invaluable service within the motor industry, and have been around almost as long as the car itself. Auctions allow individuals and organisations of all sizes to dispose of , and hence replace many tens of thousands of vehicles every year.

Price, choice and convenience are important to remember when visiting an auction. In terms of price you will be paying the same as the trade. The choice of vehicles is tremendous as auctions are not tied to any one manufacturer. Convenience, simply because it would take weeks to view as many cars as you can view at one auction sale.

HINTS FOR BUYERS

Decide in advance what type of vehicle you require and the maximum amount you want to spend

Make several visits to the auction beforehand to note the prices achieved and to watch the sale in progress. Take special care to listen to the auctioneer. Catalogues are available

When you are ready to buy the car of your choice, examine it as carefully as possible before it is driven into the auction hall. Make a note of the lot number , decide how much you want to pay and follow the car to the rostrum. Take special care when listening to the auctioneer, vehicles are sold under the following conditions:

• SOLD AS SEEN Any description appearing on the vehicle must be ignored and no sale may be cancelled
• SOLD WITH A TRIAL Any vehicle which is to sold subject to the following conditions must fetch a minimum price of £1500. When sold with a mechanical description, vehicles may be test driven accompanied by one of our drivers. If any dispute arises with regard to the mechanical description , the matter is referred to our mechanical engineer when a cancellation of the sale may be agreed. The decision of our mechanical engineer is final

Trial period Any complaints relating to the condition of the vehicle which is offered with an end of sale trial must be referred to the engineer within one hour from the time of purchase. Complaints after this time limit has expired cannot be considered.

Payment If you are successful in bidding, you will be required to pay a deposit immediately and give your full name and address to the rostrum clerk. Deposits required are £100 if the sale price is below £1000 and £100 per additional £'000 thereafter. Deposits must be paid in cash or a by a debit card. Credit cards are accepted but an additional fee will apply.

Indemnity fee A buyers fee is charged on the purchase of each vehicle which enables the auction to check that the vehicle is not subject to any outstanding finance, is not stolen and has not been recorded on the VCAR register (written off by an insurance company)

Liability At the fall of the hammer , the vehicle becomes the responsibility of the purchaser and so it is in your own interests to pay for and insure the vehicle at the earliest opportunity.

HINTS FOR SELLERS

The auction represents a very efficient means of converting your used vehicle into cash. Each of our weekly sales are well attended with potential buyers. If you are selling your car at auction for the first time it is worth considering the following points:

• Make every effort to present your car in the best possible way. A clean and a polish inside and out could make the difference between selling your car and not.
• Vehicles sold as seen must have no mechanical description on the window sticker.
• Include all relevant documentation. Registration document (V5) , MOT certificate and any relevant service history or old bills etc…
• Bring your vehicle to the auction at the earliest possible time, the day before preferably. People tend to visit the auction prior to sales to view what will be offered.
• Our experienced staff in the office will be more than happy to assist you in providing you with a valuation and advise a suitable reserve price to ensure the best chance of sale.

Charges A fee will be charged each time a vehicle is entered into the sale. When it is sold the commission will be deducted from the sale proceeds.

Unsold vehicles will be subject to a storage charge on a daily basis if not removed in accordance with our terms and conditions.

Payment When your vehicle is sold , a remittance advice and cheque will be available to be collected at the next auction sale. Any cheques not collected will be posted second class the following day of the sale. Please ensure your full name and address are clearly on the entry form to avoid any further delays.

Outstanding hire purchase We are able to settle any existing finance agreements you may have on the vehicle provided that the nett proceeds are sufficient to clear the outstanding balance. Please note it is a criminal offence to sell a vehicle without clearing any outstanding monies owed. We check all vehicles sold via a higher purchase information register at the time of sale.