Auction buying services?

[mhocking]

Hi,

Anyone used a car auction buying service or can recommend one? I’m on the search for a Lexus RX400h (or maybe the 450h with budget creep). I only want grey or black but want something looked after, sensible miles and excellent history. I’ve been on the look out in all the usual places for a couple of months and still nothing - there is a lot of tat out there and ones with sensible miles command a hefty premium which I don’t mind paying but would like to get something as new as possible.

I figured they must be sourced from somewhere (eg main dealer trade ins that don’t fit their stock profile etc) so wondered if auctions might be worth a try. As joe public aren’t able to bid or attend currently I wondered if an auction car buying service might be worth a try but have no experience of them. I realise auctions aren’t always the bargains they once were but I don’t mind paying the right price for a good car.

Thanks all, Mark

[Trevor555]

There are reputable people out there that'll do it for you, but I'd advise you to be very cautious.

At one point you'll have to pay them for the car, or they'll ask you to pay the auction directly before it's collected.

If you pay the auction directly for a car that's on their account, only they will be able to collect it. Bear this in mind.

Then there's the auction indemnity fee, it'll be in the account holders name.

So if you have a problem afterwards with the description of the car (find out i's clocked or something) then the auction house will only deal with the account holder. So the auction house will simply say to you "you didn't buy it from us" and point you towards the account holder.

Then there's your consumer rights if you pay the auction directly. A huge grey area as although dealer/account holder may have selected the car and put it on their account for you, if you haven't paid dealer directly then they could argue that they haven't sold you the car, it was an auction purchase.

Bye bye to your consumer protection.

Sorry to be negative, but I thought you should know what could go wrong.

My advice, pay retail money from a dealer and retain your consumer protection.

[Pistonheader101]

Agreed, seems risky otherwise

[Canon_Fodder]

There have been some absolute horror stories recently in this area so tread very carefully OP.

Frankly, I doubt the possible small saving is worth the agg

Good advice above

[mhocking]

Thanks all for the advice, it doesn’t seem worth the risk for the potential greater choice.

I’ll continue on my search or widen my choice.

Thanks again.