Make sure you watch a car you're interested in being started up. It should start easily, idle smoothly and quietly. Listen for any weird noise~ and always be ready to walk away if the engine makes any noises you don't understand. Lister for a deep knocking sound which indicates expensive bottom end wear. Is the engine misfiring. High mileage, overhead camshaft engines can often sound clattery due to top-end cam belt wear.

Get the driver to rev the engine and look a the exhaust emissions. Blue-grey smoke indicates faulty valve-guide seals or more serious piston or bore wear. Lots of water could mean a blown head gasket. Look at the dashboard for any warning lights. Ask the driver if the car is going into gear smoothly, how much clutch play is there, is the brake pedal spongy, does the handbrake work. Ask him to switch the light. on, and test the indicators, wipers and horn This is the last chance you will have to check a car being 'Sold As Seen', so make sure you do all you can.

Listen to the Auctioneer…

Resist all temptation to go over your bidding limit…