Buying a car at auction

DebbieRogers

Has anyone had any experience of buying a car for less than £1000 at auction?

I'm wondering if it may be an option as my car has gone to the big car park in the sky and I need a new one. I want to buy a Vauxhall/Ford that is easy to maintain, and fairly cheap to run. I have no issue with flipping it for another in a few months time, I just need to get something now.

Been looking on ebay and Gumtree etc, but wondered if an auction may be a good alternative?
Any advice?

Angus_Og

Only if you know what you're looking for/at.

couriervanman

Take a friend who knows a lot about cars....because are sold with a warranty of less than an hour

martinthebandit

Bought a few cheapies at auction in my time, some good ones and some lemons.

Make sure you factor in the auction charges and the cost of a full service into your budget.

worried_jim

I would set your limit at £1k on autotrader and the search radius of 5 miles and have a look, I've always found lots of gems when doing so. I have bought a few auction but I wouldn't bother anymore.

bertiewhite

I bought a car for £400 (+£40) from Durham motor auctions a few years ago.

I was after something like an Astra or Escort but noticed lots of Rover 400's going through. After a few went through, the bids tailed off so I ended up with a 414 which was a trade in with 98000 on the clock. I did have to replace the head gasket but it ran for a good couple of years before I traded it under the scrappage scheme which was running then.

foxy-stoat

Local facebook groups or marketplace is where I would look.

caprikid1

"Local facebook groups or marketplace is where I would look. "


Beware, most of these are filled with Drive Way dealers selling CAT C/D Cars.


Do your research and there are bargains out there.

DebbieRogers

Thanks so much for all the replies:)

As I am just a tad better than clueless about cars I will save auctions for those savvier than I am! Although my next step is a course on basic motor maintenance so I may relook this in the future.

worried_jim

caprikid1 wrote: »

"Local facebook groups or marketplace is where I would look. "
Beware, most of these are filled with Drive Way dealers selling CAT C/D Cars.
Do your research and there are bargains out there.

I agree when ever I see one pop up on market place i'm horrified at the quality of the advert, details wrong or missing, poor English, poor photos, massive faults added as a bye line at the end. Proper shady.

worried_jim

DebbieRogers wrote: »

Although my next step is a course on basic motor maintenance so I may relook this in the future.

A great move! You'll be amazed at how much you can do yourself.