We're committed to helping buyers get great results. To help you achieve this, we've put together a thorough step-by-step guide to buying your new car at auction so you know what to expect on the sale day.
Who can buy a car at auction?
Motor Trade buyers:
- We have auctions available for businesses with Motor Trade Insurance.
- Motor dealers
- Independent used car traders
- Leasing and hire companies
- Fleet buyers
- Export buyers
Private buyers:
We have auctions for private buyers as well.
Ensure you check the details of the auction you're interested in.
Benefits of buying a car at auction
Purchasing a vehicle at auction offers a host of advantages, including:
Competitive pricing: Car auctions typically offer vehicles at prices significantly lower than traditional retail channels. By bidding against other buyers, you can often secure a bargain, speeding up the buying process and improving your potential profit margins.
Wide selection of vehicles: Auctions provide access to an extensive and varied inventory, including different makes, models, engine sizes, fuel types and more. You can choose from fleet vehicles, dealer stock and even ex-manufacturer cars, giving you plenty of options to suit your needs.
Convenient comparison: Our online catalogues make it straightforward to browse available vehicles and apply filters, helping you quickly find the right car for your requirements. This streamlined process saves time and simplifies decision-making.
Transparent process: Auction listings include detailed descriptions and history for each vehicle, enabling informed choices. You can inspect vehicles in person before bidding, ensuring peace of mind.
Quick turnaround: Auctions are held regularly, allowing you to purchase and collect your vehicle promptly. This is ideal for those who need a car quickly or wish to replenish business stock efficiently.
How to buy cars at auction
1. Search and register for upcoming car auctions
We run weekly car auctions across five UK sites in Chelmsford, Donington Park, Prees Heath, Wakefield and Westbury. There are different types for different buyer needs, such as fleet and finance, dealer and car manufacturer sales.
You can attend our auctions in person to inspect vehicles beforehand and join in the dynamic buying experience. Alternatively, bid online against people in the room via our real-time Aston Barclay LIVE platform.
Many of our sales require you to pre-register, so please check with the auction before the sale if you intend to bid. This involves paying a deposit, usually £400 by card, to receive a bidding number before the sale starts. It will be refunded to you if you don't bid or are unsuccessful.
If you don't pre-register and are the highest bidder, you'll need to pay a deposit to the rostrum clerk (auctioneer's assistant).
What documents are needed to buy a car at auction?
You'll also need to provide valid photo ID (UK passport or driving licence) and proof of your personal or business address (e.g. a recent utility bill or bank statement) when registering, if you don't already have a Buyer Account with us.
Mercedes-Benz sale requirements
All bidders at our Mercedes-Benz UK sales must also consent to their details being shared with Mercedes-Benz UK. You can request full details of these requirements from the auction centre office.
Motability requirements
Please note that only our trade account holders can buy vehicles offered by Motability. Please speak to your chosen auction centre for further information.
You can contact us if you have any questions - we're always happy to help.
2. Research the vehicles you're interested in
It's a good idea to do your research in advance. Sale catalogues for all our sites are available to view online, or you can collect them from the auction on sale day. You can also use our website to search for your ideal car.
Vehicles are available to view at our centres up to an hour before the sale starts and are all 'sold as seen'.
You won't be able to test drive the cars, but you can review our independent inspections, which provide detailed descriptions and data on all vehicles on offer at our auctions.
3. Bid for the vehicles you want
Each car available for auction is assigned a 'lot' number, which tells you when it will appear in the auction running order. When your lot is called, the car is driven into the auction hall, and the auctioneer announces a starting price and starts the bidding.
You make a bid in person by raising your hand and/or nodding, with competing bids placed in the same way or online. Our auctioneers are skilled at recognising bids from their audience, but it's your responsibility to be seen so please make your bidding intentions clear and precise. The asking price will keep increasing until there are no more bids, leaving one clear winner.
Once the hammer falls and you are the highest bidder, you enter into a legal contract to complete the purchase, with no opportunity for you to change your mind. This means it's best to set a budget and try to stick to it in the heat of auction.
At the end of bidding, the rostrum clerk will confirm if the car has been purchased outright or if the bid is 'provisional', which means it's not reached the reserve price set by the seller. Once we've received your deposit, we'll negotiate with the seller on your behalf and try to reach an agreement on a final sale price.
If we can't reach an agreement and you choose not to increase your bid, we'll refund your deposit.
4. Finalise a sale
If you bid successfully, you'll need to fully settle your purchase by the close of business on the day following the auction. You'll also need to remove your vehicle from our site within this time.
A fee will be added to the vehicle price, which our auction staff can inform you of beforehand. You can settle your balance by debit card or bank transfer. There are transaction fees associated with some forms of payment, so please check with the auction office.
Once you've made the full payment, we'll release all the vehicle's documents and keys to you. It's your responsibility to make sure your new vehicle is roadworthy and complies with the Road Traffic Act before it leaves the auction centre.
All vehicles are sold in accordance with our General Conditions of Auction, copies of which are displayed throughout our centres. We also have Online terms and conditions for our Aston Barclay LIVE users. Please read these carefully before you decide to bid and buy. You can contact us or ask a member of staff if you need more guidance.
Aston Barclay catalogues
Our catalogues contain all the official listings of vehicles on offer for those looking to buy a car at auction. Each catalogue relates to:
- The auction centre location
- Sale date and time
- Sale type
You can use these catalogues to view vehicles that are available ahead of sale. They show everything that will pass through the auction ring (or online) on that day.
Vehicle condition reports
The Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report is designed to give buyers complete confidence when purchasing a vehicle. Conducted by independent, third-party professionals, this comprehensive report delivers an impartial and thorough evaluation of the vehicle's condition before sale. It covers all significant aspects of the car's state, ensuring any potential issues are clearly identified.
The report aims to minimise the risks often associated with buying used vehicles by providing both buyers and sellers with trustworthy, expert insights into the car's mechanical and cosmetic health. This commitment to transparency allows buyers to make informed decisions and promotes trust throughout the auction process.
Bidding strategies when buying a car at auction
1. Do your research: Investigate the makes and models you're interested in by consulting recent auction catalogues and online listings. Understanding typical selling prices and vehicle histories will help you spot good value and avoid overpaying.
2. Set a clear budget: Decide beforehand the maximum amount you are willing to spend. Stick to this limit to avoid the temptation of getting caught up in bidding wars.
3. Check market values: Compare auction starting prices with the current market value of similar cars. This will give you a realistic idea of the car's potential resale value and help you evaluate if the purchase is worthwhile.
4. Inspect vehicles in person: Whenever possible, attend auctions yourself to assess the car's physical and mechanical condition.
5. Observe the auction process: Before placing a bid, watch how other bidders participate and familiarise yourself with the pace and style of the auction. Consider attending an auction first as a spectator to get comfortable with the process and typical bidding patterns.
6. Understand all fees: Review and factor in all buyer fees and additional costs so there are no surprises if yours is the highest bid.
7. Plan your transport: Make arrangements in advance for collecting and safely transporting your vehicle once purchased. Remember, the responsibility for removing the car from the auction site lies with the buyer, so ensure you have the means to do so legally and safely.
Should I buy a car at an online auction or in person?
Buying a car at an online auction may be right for you if you value the added convenience. You can either use the Aston Barclay LIVE platform or place a proxy bid, which is your highest bid that our system will place on your behalf. This means you can place bids from the comfort of your home, desk or even on the go. The downside to this option is that you don't see the car in-person.
Why choose Aston Barclay?
- Nationwide auction network: With over 40 years' experience and a high volume of weekly sales across the UK, Aston Barclay offers a fast‑paced auction environment. You can buy at auction centres or bid online with confidence.
- Expert support at every stage: Our knowledgeable team is on hand to help you navigate the car and van auction process smoothly, whether you're buying a car at auction or selling.
- Clear, flexible pricing: Our buyer fees are competitive and fully transparent. We also offer reduced rates for regular auction buyers, helping you manage costs as your activity grows.
- Consistent, independent vehicle appraisals: Every vehicle is inspected using trusted, industry-standard assessment methods, giving buyers and sellers clarity and consistency.
- Simple, efficient vehicle logistics: Our nationwide transport services make vehicle collection and delivery straightforward and cost-effective, saving you time and hassle.
- Funding solutions to keep you moving: Through trusted finance partners, we offer flexible funding options designed to support ongoing vehicle purchasing and maintain a strong commercial pipeline.
Check our car auction schedule and start buying
View our current auction schedule to choose from dozens of sales and thousands of vehicles, either in-person or online.
We hope this guide has given you the information you need to join the Aston Barclay buying experience, but please contact us on 01924 927576 or email buyerservices@astonbarclay.net if you have any questions. Our team are on hand to help whether you're looking to buy in volume or as a private buyer.
