What kind of cars could I buy or sell at a car auction?

Almost any kind of car can be purchased or sold at a car auction. Passenger vehicles, sports cars, lorries, buses, and other commercial vehicles are available at car auctions. Generally, most car auctioneers will hold auctions for passenger vehicles, sports cars, and industrial vehicles at different times.

What forms of payment are accepted at car auctions?

At most car auctions, you can pay by cash, credit card, debit card, or bank draft or building society draft. Some car auctions do charge a small surcharge for credit or debit card payments. If you are the successful bidder on a car at a car auction, you will usually be asked to pay a cash deposit as soon as you successfully bid for the car (i.e. when the auctioneer's hammer hits his podium, declaring you the successful bidder). Along with this cash deposit, you will need to give your contact details to the auction staff, and come back to make your full payment quite soon after - usually no later than the next day.

What are the advantages of purchasing a car at a car auction instead of from a car dealer or through classified advertisements?

You will find a greater selection of cars for sale at an auction than at a car dealer or through classified advertisements. You will often also be able to view the selection of cars up for auction in advance, through a car auction site's homepage or print catalogue. The process of bidding for a car at an auction is often much faster and, for many, more convenient than negotiating a price with a car dealer or with the car's current owner.

How do I know a car sold at a car auction isn't stolen?

Before they accept a car for sale through their auction, car auctioneers will verify the vehicle's registration papers to ensure it is not stolen.

Can anyone bid on a car at a car auction?

Generally, yes. At certain auctions, though, you may be required to bid through an intermediary or register in advance in order to be able to place bids.

I would like to sell my car. Is it better to sell it at a car auction or to sell it myself through a classified advertisement?

Selling your car through a car auction rather than selling it yourself through a classified advertisement can save you time and hassle. If you sell your car through a car auction, all you have to do is bring the vehicle and necessary papers to the auction site. After a short registration process, the car auction site will take care of selling the vehicle for you. Car auctions do charge a listing fee to sell your vehicle for you at auction, but for this money they will be able to get your car in front of many more potential buyers than you would be able to if you sold it yourself through the classifieds.

If I am selling my car through a car auction, what should I bring to the auction?

If you are planning to sell your car through a car auction, you should register your vehicle with the car auctioneer in advance. In order to register the vehicle you'd like to sell, you must go to the auction site with your car (obviously!), plus you car's V5 registration document, MOT certificate, and any service or warranty documents you may have. It's also a good idea to bring some photo ID with your name and address on it.

If I am purchasing a car through a car auction, what should I bring to the auction? What should I do beforehand?

You should bring photo ID with your name and address on it and enough cash to cover the deposit you'll need to make if you are the successful bidder on the car you want. You should also wear comfortable clothes and footwear as you may be walking and standing a lot. If you plan to pay for the car you purchase through bank or building society draft, it's a good idea to arrange this draft in advance. If you're planning to pay by credit or debit card, make sure your credit limit or account balance is sufficient. Since many credit card companies are suspicious of one-off large purchases made on a credit card, it's a good idea to ring your bank in advance and let them know you're planning to buy a car on your credit card so nobody gets worried.

I have a loan for my car that I have not entirely paid off. May I still sell my car through a car auction?

No. Car auctioneers will not sell cars at auction that have outstanding loans or other financing attached to them. All auctioneers will verify financing details on each car they sell, and they cannot sell a car if it has outstanding financing.