Buying a car at auction

Just arrived in the UK last week and looking to buying a relatively new car at a good price. Was told to check the car auctions and saw that BCA is holding a BMW sale on the 20th of December. Most are less than 3 years old. Thinking of buying either a 1 or a 5 series.

Questions are (for this question specifically in relation to BMW):

1. Do you reckon auction prices will be soft at this time of year, given the economic outlook, or will the traders snap up these cars at close to the trade price?

2. How much should I place on top of the hammer price to cover BCA fees, and any other fees?

3. Am I correct to assume that so long as the car is less than 3 years old, the warranty still covers things like a service?

4. If I've been driving for almost 18 years abroad, and need to get an insurance quote that would accept an overseas No Claims letter, who should I go to?

Asked on 12 December 2011 by kimchi

Answered by Honest John
1. Do you reckon auction prices will be soft at this time of year, given the economic outlook, or will the traders snap up these cars at close to the trade price?

Will be heavily controlled.

2. How much should I place on top of the hammer price to cover BCA fees, and any other fees?

It varies. See the BCA charges sheet at www.british-car-auctions.co.uk

3. Am I correct to assume that so long as the car is less than 3 years old, the warranty still covers things like a service?

No. Warranties never paid for services.

4. If I've been driving for almost 18 years abroad, and need to get an insurance quote that would accept an overseas No Claims letter, who should I go to

Try: www.primoplc.com

You will probably do better buying at a supersite like www.cargiant.co.uk where you are under less pressure and will come away with 6 months protection against the car being faulty.
Dear Honest John,

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