car auction - mechanic help?

longbaygirl

I know nothing about cars (apart from how to drive one) and I want to buy from my local car auction, spending about 5k.

Is there a service where I can pay to have a mechanic to go with me to the auction to check over the car first, to make sure I don't buy a complete lemon or pay waaaay over the odd for it?

Harveycat_2

The AA do vehicle checks but I'm not sure if they do this at auctions.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring-advice/vehicle-inspections.html

Alternatively I'd just be cheeky and next time you see an AA breakdown van ask the bloke if he can put you on to anybody.

lollol

Thanks for posting this. I am looking for the same actually. I really want to buy a car in the next couple of weeks. Need a mechanic who is able to accompany me to a Manheim auction.

I am in London. Hope someone will be able to give us more suggestions hey

Premier_2

You won't usually get much chance for anyone to inspect a car going through auction.

Mosts auction sites now keep their cars locked, only unlocking them when the driver gets to them to drive them through the auction. Here, they'll usually raise the bonnet for you so that you can have a 10 second look at the engine, perhaps remove the oil cap/check dipstick, and they'll usually rev the engine on request to see what if any smoke is emitted from the exhaust.

That's about the limit of any inspection possible at auction.

Cars may appear cheaper at auction, but that's because the punter buys at risk.

You are free to take a mechanic along with you to an auction, but with such limited time available to inspect the vehicle, I doubt anyone would be prepared to underwrite the condition of any vehicle you decide to purchase.

dobbie82

You cant usually check before buying. Cars under 1k are usually sold as seen For 5k though you usually get one hour from the fall of the hammer to return a car with a major problem. (I.e driveshaft hanging off, brake calipers seized etc) so may be worth taking a mechanic.

But if the problem is stated in the auctioneers babble, you cant return it. And its very hard to understand the auctioneer til you get used to it.

nomoneytoday

Cars are cheaper at auction because there is:

No warranty after the day
They are used to get rid of unwanted / unshifted stock
Issues don't have to be advised to sellers
Cosmetic marks and valeting gets done on a forecourt
Car dealers earn a living too

nullogik

To avoid paying way over the odds, you should do your homework by identifing what particular makes and models you are after. Have a look on Autotrader, Loot, EBay to see what similar cars on there are going for. There are some guides like Parkers and What Car which you can buy that will give you a rough indication of what you should pay. If you can get hold of a copy of dealer-only Glasses or CAP guide then thats even better.

Also, go along to a couple of auctions before you actually want to buy...don't take any money with you to prevent yourself from making an impulse purchase! Make notes of what prices cars are going for and that way you'll know roughly what you need to pay when you are ready to buy.