Make the most of your time...

Once you've learned all you can at the auctions and feel confident about the procedures, choose the one where you intend to buy. Set off in plenty of time, it's no good arriving at the sale when the cars are already half sold, you need as much time as you can to check them all. An hour before the sale starts should give you ample opportunity. Some auctions are open 6 or even 7 days a week and allow you to inspect entries any time. Make the most of this if you can.

There are a lot of things you can check whilst the car is stationary. Find the cars amongst those on offer which best suit your needs and note down the lot numbers. Before you start your examinations, get in the right frame of mind. You must approach the cars with a CRITICAL eye and look for reasons to reject them rather than reasons why you should want to buy them. Never underestimate the seriousness of any faults you might find.

If you find any faults which you think you can rectify, estimate the cost of doing so and subtract it from your final valuation. Even if you intend to DIY, estimate the cost at professional rates as well as parts, tool-hire etc. Remember that rust and visible body faults are like icebergs, the worst is almost always hidden below the surface.