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Auction prices - pembsflyer

What are auction prices like at the moment, looking for a 2/3 year old hatchback

Auction prices - RobJP

Seriously, don't bother buying at auction as a private buyer these days. Minimal to zero benefit, maximum risk

You pay inflated fees, which mean that the price you end up paying isn't far off what you'd pay on a forecourt buying 'retail.

In addition, you get virtually zero consumer protection.

Auction prices - gordonbennet

Agreed, for the private buyer mainstream auctions have passed on.

Auction prices - SLO76
Unless you really know what you’re doing and have the resources to be able to take a big loss if you get it wrong then don’t even consider buying at auction. As a trader I’ve watched many private punters make huge mistakes at auction over the years. This is a place filled with sharks, if you don’t know how to swim with them then stay clear.

I also agree that the auction fees are higher for private buyers and often prices, especially for young stock can often be higher than you’d expect with dealers very reliant on well bought part exchange stock and finance products for profit.
Auction prices - Ian D
Agree with the above. I have bought 5 cars at auction, either Manheim Bristol or BCA Blackbushe, they were all 3 or 4 year old direct from fleet (eg PHH/Arval) for myself/friends and have all been excellent, however the last one I bought was 8 years ago. These days don’t do it, the fees are so high it is not worth it. If you know your cars consider private buys, if not find a local garage or (perish the thought) a main dealer with a good reputation, google is your friend...,
Auction prices - daveyK_UK
Avoid BCA and Mainheim

Both have ridiculously high buyers fees (even for the trade)

There are other decent size auction houses such as Merthyr auctions, John pye, Glasgow central, west Oxfordshire, Aston Barclay

Some or all of those listed above get stock from big names and may have better buying fees than BCA and mainheim (wouldn’t be hard).

10 years ago BCA had fair fees, still higher for the public than the trade but not excessive.

Over the past 10 years they have rocketed for both the public and also the trade (small to medium volume buyers ((under 200 units per year)).

Plus BCA sell lots of junk via webuyanycar which the badge as UKCGR - they buy them for way under trade value
Auction prices - pembsflyer

Thanks all for your replies, went to BCA before seeing all replies. Bid on a car but it went over budget when costs were added so left it.

Found another at a vauxhall dealership which had been part ex'd for exactly the same as bid price; Service, Mot, 6mth Warranty and saving £600 fees! Result!