buying a car

scooper

we are looking to buy a ceap run around car for around £300-£400.we are wondering weather to go to a car auction or not.
we have no experience of going to one but heard you can get cheap cars that are good
any advice appreciated

Astaroth

You can get cheap cars that are good and you can also get cheap cars that are rubbish. If you dont know a lot about cars then you can as easily end up with a lemon as you can with a bargain.

missile

Unless you are car nutt or know someone who is, avoid auctions.

I often see complete wrecks selling for more than you would pay to a reputable dealer.

Stevieb_2

I think there is a lot to be said about auctions. I have managed to pick up a few diamonds at auction.

The only thing I would say, is do your research.

http://www.reliabilityindex.co.uk/

First port of call, find out what's hot and what's not, keep these things in mind.

Another great place to check is:

http://www.parkers.co.uk

Gives you run downs of each car and current worth. Most auctions will have a forward schedule of sale, so if you spot something that takes your fancy, check these 2 sites for potential pitfalls

tom188

missile wrote:

Unless you are car nutt or know someone who is, avoid auctions.

I often see complete wrecks selling for more than you would pay to a reputable dealer.

At the auction I go to and have bought from almost everyone is trade so prices are more or less determined by Glasses Guide, theyll sell at book. Its very much buyer beware and ive not bought in this price bracket, but my last couple of cars ive picked up at prices 35-40% below what they would sell for on a forecourt.

Also it has to be said at the cheap end of the market there is a shortage of reputable dealers.