BCA are online only and highly unlikely to ever go back to physical auctions.

Manheim have a few physical auctions now for lower value cars but in the main are also online only.

I used to buy cars at auction until the private buyer fees became uneconomic. Their use by private buyers is impacted by the rise of search engines and online bidding sites (ebay etc).

I suspect that for the auction house, private buyers are far more hassle than trade - payment arrangements, minor claims against warranted cars, delays in collection due to insurance problems etc etc.

For lower value cars, search local, inspect and test drive.

For more expensive cars the model is rapidly changing - search, buy online, get warranty and (possibly) guaranteed return.

For an increasing number of folk a car is just an expensive "white good".

It is actually my son wanting his first car so I was expecting him to save a bot of money on get more for his budget. My car was bought at BCA but long before online auctions. It was so easy. Not sure I agree with private buyers being a hassel.

I know that BCA is now linked into to Cinch in some way so I assume they are controlling that market.

I forgot about ebay. I just don't want to go to a dealer. I have only ever bought second hand at a dealer many many years ago and both cars were complete duds.

Once upon a time Joe public might have been able to buy a bargain from an auction (done it myself), but those days are long gone. Even if you do know what you are doing(?), your chances of actually getting a bargain are slim to zero.

If you don't want to go to a dealer, fair enough, buy privately. You can look up its MOT history online and if no alarm bells there, have a good look at your potential purchase.