Why such a Bad Reputation?

Many people would have you believe that car auctions are arenas of spivvish wheelerdealering offering nothing but clapped out old jalopies. This is nonsense, based on nothing but ignorance of the facts. The same people will tell you that the car dealers who buy from these auctions ore bordering on outright criminality. They will then willingly wander along to these so-called 'criminals' when they need a replacement car, where they will hand over their hard-earned cash for one sourced direct from the 'jalopy auction'. More often than not, the people who offer these opinions have never been to an auction themselves.

The vast majority of car auctions in this country are efficiently run by professional and helpful staff. They offer an unparalleled selection of vehicles of all types. The procedures for buying and selling cars at auction are quite straightforward, once you take a little time to become acquainted with them. Their speed and efficiency cannot be rivalled. If you're buying, you can expect to pay near trade prices. If you're selling, you will almost certainly receive more at auction than if you were trading in, taking into account the mark-up on whatever you were taking out in exchange.

At auction you certainly have more legal protection than if you were to buy or sell your car privately. Every auction must charge you a fee to indemnify you against your purchase being stolen, having outstanding finance still owing on it or being an undeclared insurance writeoff. Many of the cars sold will be offered with a trial. At some auctions it is even possible to purchase extended warranties.

Responsibility for your own actions is needed...
When buying at auction, mistakes can be made, as with any endeavor which requires a degree of self-discipline and the ability to take responsibility for ones own actions, but as long as care is taken, you should be able to save yourself money, time and aggravation.