BCA Car auctions - trade only?
Discussion
I was thinking of popping down to the next car auction at Blackbushe whilst I'm out of contract.
Does anybody know if auctions like this are trade only or can ordinary members of the public like myself attend?
Is there an entrance fee?
Would I be laughed out of the place if, instead of a copy of Black Cap or Glasses Guide, I was clutching a copy of Parkers?
Is it possible to go to a car auction without buying a car?
(Note that the answer "yes" to the final question is pivotal to my wife allowing me to go.
)
Does anybody know if auctions like this are trade only or can ordinary members of the public like myself attend?
Is there an entrance fee?
Would I be laughed out of the place if, instead of a copy of Black Cap or Glasses Guide, I was clutching a copy of Parkers?
Is it possible to go to a car auction without buying a car?
(Note that the answer "yes" to the final question is pivotal to my wife allowing me to go.
)Open to the public - Public Auctions on Monday Wednesday and Friday. I've bought a few cars there myself over the years. No entrance fee - but, Be aware of the buyer's premium when bidding. Rules are written on the boards in each of the three halls. They have some auctions that are closed to the public - but they are usually on Tues. and Thurs. I think.
Be calm, have a good look round, buy from Halls 1 & 2 if your after a decent or semi-decent car, Hall 3 if your looking for a very cheap banger - I've found that cars sold later in the afternoon usually sell a little cheaper - pay up asap and check the car out thoroughly before the end of the day
Edit:
BTW - if your serious about buying a car, pay a tenner and subscribe to some searches on www.auctionview.co.uk
You won't be laughed at with a Parkers Guide. Blackbushe is the most 'private-buyer' friendly car auction I've seen in the UK (prices are a bit higher because of that) - but I would'nt keep it out on display either - You might get a dealer trying to bid you higher, so you pay more for a car.
Enjoy a bargain!
>> Edited by jazzybee on Tuesday 9th November 16:52
Be calm, have a good look round, buy from Halls 1 & 2 if your after a decent or semi-decent car, Hall 3 if your looking for a very cheap banger - I've found that cars sold later in the afternoon usually sell a little cheaper - pay up asap and check the car out thoroughly before the end of the day
Edit:
BTW - if your serious about buying a car, pay a tenner and subscribe to some searches on www.auctionview.co.uk
You won't be laughed at with a Parkers Guide. Blackbushe is the most 'private-buyer' friendly car auction I've seen in the UK (prices are a bit higher because of that) - but I would'nt keep it out on display either - You might get a dealer trying to bid you higher, so you pay more for a car.
Enjoy a bargain!
>> Edited by jazzybee on Tuesday 9th November 16:52
I bought our people carrier from a Fiat Fleet Sale auction at BCA Derby. Saved £4k!
Some are trade only, check with BCA before attending.
No.
Not at all; there's always a handful of private punters.
Of course! In fact it's quite a fun day out
.
Check out Auction View for listings. There's a £10 charge for a months access.
>> Edited by Alex on Tuesday 9th November 16:49
JonRB said:
Does anybody know if auctions like this are trade only or can ordinary members of the public like myself attend?
Some are trade only, check with BCA before attending.
JonRB said:
Is there an entrance fee?
No.
JonRB said:
Would I be laughed out of the place if, instead of a copy of Black Cap or Glasses Guide, I was clutching a copy of Parkers?
Not at all; there's always a handful of private punters.
JonRB said:
Is it possible to go to a car auction without buying a car?
Of course! In fact it's quite a fun day out
. Check out Auction View for listings. There's a £10 charge for a months access.
>> Edited by Alex on Tuesday 9th November 16:49
I've been to BCA in Enfield, they are open to anyone, trade and public. A friend of mine often buys cars from there for private use, selling them a few months later for a small profit. They are free to go to and can actually make an interesting morning out! - Thats the thing to do, go to one and get a feel for it. In amoungst all the traders there are a quite a lot of private bargain hunters.
I am sure some seasoned auction goers will now come along and have some things to add!
I am sure some seasoned auction goers will now come along and have some things to add!
Used to work at Central Motor Auctions now part of the Manheim Group.
I'd back up most of the advice but also you can visit the sites anytime and check out and buy cars. This especially applies to ones that didn't sell at the last auction. If you get the details off the car and go to the desk you may find you don't need to visit on an auction day. Note as well that you can also get the keys and run the vehicles to check them out.
I'd back up most of the advice but also you can visit the sites anytime and check out and buy cars. This especially applies to ones that didn't sell at the last auction. If you get the details off the car and go to the desk you may find you don't need to visit on an auction day. Note as well that you can also get the keys and run the vehicles to check them out.
Definitely go well in advance, with a notebook and pen, and have a good look round. Make a list of the cars you're interested in, jot down the maximum amount you would pay for it, and stick to it. Somehow it's easier to follow your own price limits if you've written it down on paper. There are some great bargains to be had at auction, but remember that the trade move some right munters through them as well.
Or as Carcoat Damphands would say:
"Sniff it from a distance to check if it's a squirrel, but don't be Clary about giving it a Brando. Grip it firmly from behind, and if it squeaks early you're flapping a fruitcake. Nicely belchers, shiny bumcheeks, and roll some Christophers. Minty."
Or as Carcoat Damphands would say:
"Sniff it from a distance to check if it's a squirrel, but don't be Clary about giving it a Brando. Grip it firmly from behind, and if it squeaks early you're flapping a fruitcake. Nicely belchers, shiny bumcheeks, and roll some Christophers. Minty."
telecat said:
Used to work at Central Motor Auctions now part of the Manheim Group.
I'd back up most of the advice but also you can visit the sites anytime and check out and buy cars. This especially applies to ones that didn't sell at the last auction. If you get the details off the car and go to the desk you may find you don't need to visit on an auction day. Note as well that you can also get the keys and run the vehicles to check them out.
I was at a Manheim auction today: as a private buyer you need £500 cash when you bid and the balance is due by the end of the next day. There's also a hefty buyer's premium; it varies with final price but is about £280 on £10K. (You used to get an insurance waiver, now it's just extra loot for Mr Manheim. You could also ring up on the morning of the auction and ask if there were any cars of the type you wanted in that day. Not any more. You could also call afterwards and find out how much cars had sold for, but not any more.)
They operate an e-mail subscription service but only to traders, who get better rates as well.
They seem to be very successful but the website is not too informative and has no contact number or e-mail.
I would go and and watch one first as they can be quite daunting at first, I used to go during my lunchbreak as I am only a couple of miles away. It could take all day just browsing round the cars. You can always tell if the punters are trade or not as well, so watch you don't pay too much, if none of the trade bid I would think twice before bidding as they probably know something you don't.
I worked for BCA many moons ago. The main thing to remember is anything over 5 years old is sold as seen and un-warranted mileage. This does not mean anything under 5 years is guaranteed, but 90% are. Get the lot numbers of the ones you're interested in and go up to the desk and ask about it, warranted, where it's from etc. you could try asking the reserve too, I'd always tell the punters if they asked If it's rental car fodder, they will most probably tell you. Not sure how much the buyers premium is these days, but it's basically an indemnity policy which covers you for it being nicked, having outstanding finance, write off etc.
Depends what you're looking for, but there are bargains to be had, the newer the better, i.e. something still under manufacturers warranty is ideal. In 2 years I only saw one cut 'n shut, and that was a part-ex ropey old Sierra from a main dealer who genuinely didn't know it was one. Engineers reports aren't worth the paper they're printed on, I know, I used to do them
Look out for lots of pritt-stick residue on the screen, means it's been through a few times
Any specific questions just ask or mail me.
If it's rental car fodder, they will most probably tell you. Not sure how much the buyers premium is these days, but it's basically an indemnity policy which covers you for it being nicked, having outstanding finance, write off etc. Depends what you're looking for, but there are bargains to be had, the newer the better, i.e. something still under manufacturers warranty is ideal. In 2 years I only saw one cut 'n shut, and that was a part-ex ropey old Sierra from a main dealer who genuinely didn't know it was one. Engineers reports aren't worth the paper they're printed on, I know, I used to do them
Look out for lots of pritt-stick residue on the screen, means it's been through a few times
Any specific questions just ask or mail me.
Thread back from the dead...!
I'm looking at going to a BCA car auction next week and am wondering if there is any way that you can get to view the historical prices that sold cars have sold for? Alternatively, roughly what price do the cars go for in relation to a private sale/dealer/main dealer? 2011 BMW 730d.
I appreciate it's a somewhat open question but any help is appreciated.
I'm looking at going to a BCA car auction next week and am wondering if there is any way that you can get to view the historical prices that sold cars have sold for? Alternatively, roughly what price do the cars go for in relation to a private sale/dealer/main dealer? 2011 BMW 730d.
I appreciate it's a somewhat open question but any help is appreciated.
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