[Closed] Buying a used car from a auction, good or bad idea?

This exact question was asked last week! Some good answer there so that would be the first place I search if I were you. I can give some guidance as I work in the industry. I bought my wife’s car from a dealer cheaper than I could through a car auction without the associated risks. Buyer fees as a private will be expensive. Happy to offer some guidance if you need it But I would start with the previous thread first

is it steamed up inside,

look underneath fr damage,

check the door seals

is there a spare wheel,

open doors and swing side to side, listen for water inside, lift floor mats and feel for wet/damp, or sand, eg its a flood victim,

no warranty, possibly no mot, no tax, youll need insurance to drive it away, from the site,

Popped down Enfield a while back just to see how it all worked, thinking about my next purchase.

Found it very confusing and it put me right off the idea TBH. I've preferred to take my time finding the right seller since, preferably private rather than a dealer.

. I can give some guidance as I work in the industry

That would be much appreciated, and you don't have the link for the other thread do you?. Thanks.

Popped down Enfield a while back just to see how it all worked, thinking about my next purchase.

Found it very confusing and it put me right off the idea TBH. I've preferred to take my time finding the right seller since, preferably private rather than a dealer.

I've heard the same thing to be honest that it's confusing at first.

is it steamed up inside,

look underneath fr damage,

check the door seals

is there a spare wheel,

open doors and swing side to side, listen for water inside, lift floor mats and feel for wet/damp, or sand, eg its a flood victim,

no warranty, possibly no mot, no tax, youll need insurance to drive it away

Thanks for that I'll put that in my notes.

So when you say possibly no MOT, do they not tell you this before auction?

Pretty sure my previous car would have ended up at auction. A 2007 Saab 93. Lowish milage, good bodywork, good interior, good tyres, started first time and engine easy fine up to 4000 rpm or so. Over 4000 would instantly go into limp home mode, dpf and internal cats were ****ed. Ecu was likely to also be ****ed. None of the problems would have been easily spotted at auction.

caveat emptor

(True for anything in the used car market unfortunately)

Lots of variables....
If you go to BCA or the like there'll be an info sheet and usually a grading system applied to the condition of the car, if you go to small local =set ups there might be nothing.
Make sure you get a catalogue or listings and check out any car you are keen on in the yard before it enters the auction ring - more time and less pressure to make a judgement.
If you are looking for a specific make/model etc check them all out thoroughly - you'll need to be there a good while before they are scheduled to hit the ring to wander round and find them all.
Generally if you get an ex lease sale the vehicles will be well maintained and serviced - Look for Lex Leasing, Black Horse Finance etc etc.
Fees are expensive for a first time private buyer and often folk have not really factored these into the cost of the vehicle.
There are good cars at auctions but also plenty of duds but sometimes you've got to look hard and have patience.
Don't get in a bidding war!
It can be really fun and rewarding but it can be a disaster too!

Just take cash to a trader and tickle them for a car you like.