There’s something quite exciting about an auction – everyone bustling around in search of a major find, the thrill of the chase, and the prospect of discovering a gem for a fraction of the price. Car auctions are no exception, especially when you factor in that cars are quite expensive in South Africa and auctions offer a cost-effective way to get your next set of wheels.

If you’re looking for a reliable secondhand car or a unique classic, understanding how to navigate car auctions and the process is essential to securing a great deal.

Our goal is for this guide to provide you with valuable tips on navigating a car auctions and walk away with a smile on your face – whether it’s because of the new vehicle you just bought or a near escape from something that would have turned out to be too good to be true.

Do Your Research Before Car Auctions

Before you even step foot in an auction house, it’s crucial to do your homework. It’s not just about the auction houses and auction process, it’s also about knowing what you want and, importantly, what you don’t want.

Here are some steps to consider:

• Identify Your Needs – Determine what type of vehicle you need by taking note of your preferred size, fuel efficiency, and intended use. This way you can avoid getting hooked on the allure of a vehicle that isn’t right for your needs.
• Set A Budget – Walking into an auction without setting a budget is like grocery shopping while hungry. Not a good idea. So, set a budget to cover the purchase price plus additional costs, including the registration and any potential repairs.
• Research Auction Houses – Different auction houses have varying reputations and fees, so make a list of established auctioneers with positive reviews.
• Check Auction Listings – Most auction houses provide a list of vehicles available for bidding ahead of time, which allows you to see if there are any vehicles that meet your criteria so that you don’t waste your time or miss out on a good deal.
• Check Auction Fees: Be aware of any buyer’s premiums or additional fees that may apply to your purchase, which vary between auction houses.

A Thorough Inspection Is Necessary

Once you’ve found an auction house or two that you trust to visit, and you know what type of vehicle you’re interested in, it’s time to get real. This is the part where you get to inspect the vehicles.

Here’s how to make the most of your inspection:

• Attend Pre-Auction Viewings – There’s less pressure to make a decision as you walk around, so take advantage of this opportunity to look for signs of wear and tear, rust, or any previous damage. If you have any friends in the industry, bring them along to assist you. It’s also a good idea to check the odometer reading to see if the car has been driven excessively.
• Check Vehicle Histories – Jot down the VIN and use it to check the history using eNatis, which will reveal important information about previous ownership, accident history, and any outstanding finance.
• Look Under The Hoods – Pop the hood and check the engine for any signs of leaks or corrosion, the oil level and colour, as well as the condition of belts and hoses.
• Take A Test Drive – If possible, ask to test drive the vehicle so you can assess the vehicle’s performance, how it handles, any unusual noises, and the functionality of brakes and steering.

Bidding Strategically

The actual auction can be somewhat nerve wracking, especially if it’s your first time buying a vehicle on auction. Having a strategy can make all the difference, but before you do that, familiarise yourself with how the auction works, including the bidding increments and any fees associated with the purchase. Thankfully this kind of information is usually provided by the auction house, so you don’t have to stress about finding out what’s going to happen and when.

Once you have an idea of the auction process, you can concentrate on how you’ll approach car auctions. To start, you want to begin your bidding at a lower amount to gauge interest from other bidders. It will also help you avoid revealing your maximum budget too soon.

Whatever happens, you need to stay calm. The idea that car auctions are fast-paced and intense isn’t false and it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. Maintain your composure and stick to your budget. Take a few deep breaths and think through your choices so that you don’t end up bidding more than you can afford.

The final piece of your strategy is to be prepared to walk away. Tell yourself that if the bidding exceeds your budget or the vehicle doesn’t meet your expectations, it is totally fine to walk away. Seriously, there will always be other opportunities, and it’s better to wait for the right deal than to rush into a purchase that you might regret.

Feeling Informed?

While it’s true that car auctions offer a wide range of vehicles at competitive prices and that this can be a cost-saving and rewarding experience, it’s important to approach the auction process with a clear strategy to maximise your chances of success.

We trust that these guidelines will help you prepare to navigate the world of car auctions and secure a fantastic deal on your next vehicle. As an added precaution, no matter where you make your purchase, it’s always a good choice to get an AA Warranty. This way, if you encounter an unexpected breakdown, you can call the AA to help you get back on the road.

If you make your AA Warranty purchase online, you’ll get a 10% discount on your monthly premium.