[woggledog]

I was prompted to post by the Big Motoring World post and Lester....

I had a look at the BCA website last night, and noticed a nice amount of ex fleet BMWs. I'm going to go down one day to the local one to me (Blackbushe) but wondered if any of you have bought at auction? I know that there is loads of stuff on t'internet, but you guys are a discerning lot, so your opinion counts more....

I'd be after a within BMW warranty (which many of them are) E91 (or newer variant) but don't want to pay forecourt prices.

I'm guessing that, at a minimum, my homework would include:

Glasses (or equiv) estimated guide price
HPI check (would I really need to do this on ex fleet?)
VIN check on last 7 digits to find true spec
Full BMW Service History

As a guide, would you say that prices tend to be slightly less than Trade In price?

[E30 sam]

Just remember the auction fees when you're bidding, they can be the price of a second car on top of your bid.

[savgeax]

I was there on Friday looking through the BMW Stock. Had pretty much all models going. Most have been well looked after to be honest, with the odd one thrown in with damage or aftermarket wheels.

I was there to compare the prices and see what they would sell at and what were being sold at dealers.

70k 520d M Sport 11plate was sold for 16,800 (+£700 fees). Thats about a grand less than dealers are selling. This model was pretty spec. aswell.

I would have no worries or concerns about buying from BMW stock. All the major players were. Essex Car Company, CCS Car Sales, Big Motoring World.

Only problem I saw yesterday was they were moving the auctions along so quickly that some models that were near identical were being sold at sometimes 1k more. Luck of the draw if your bidding on a car with few buyers.

[mikeouk]

I bought my last bmw from a BMW open auction at bca brighouse.
Before I went I made a short list of vehicles with the correct spec I wanted and also got an idea of price from the which car site, there was at the time a free valuation, not sure if there still is.
Forget trade prices, I'd say 90% of the cars went for a lot more, there was one e92 I was interested in made £3000 more than I valued it.
It's a myth that you can easily get a bargain at auction.
I was in the motor trade for many years and frequently bought stock at auction, bidding is a technique, let others bid first, if the price goes above your upper limit move on to your next choice. If the price stays within your limit, wait until the auctioneer is down to the last bidder, then raise your hand.
Be prepared to go home carless, don't get carried away and pay too much just because your determined to buy something.

[MrPogle]

Originally Posted by savgeax

70k 520d M Sport 11plate was sold for 16,800 (+£700 fees). Thats about a grand less than dealers are selling. .

Surely having an AUC instead of an auction-car is worth way more than a grand. Or am I missing something?

[bmwak]

I've never bought a car from auction but I've accompanied someone a few times, as apparently I'm told quite eagle eyed with cars

As long as you have any eye for paint finishes, panel gaps e.t.c. you should be OK. But the important thing is to do your research. Its very easy to get carried away in bidding. Convertible cars have been selling way over the odds recently and if you ain't done your research on the forecourt going rate e.t.c. you can end up paying a shed load more.

[bmwak]

Originally Posted by MrPogle

Surely having an AUC instead of an auction-car is worth way more than a grand. Or am I missing something?

If its over three years old then yes probably. However in my eyes the only positive thing with an AUC is the warranty. Not all AUCs are as sound as you might think...

If under 3 years old then it will be under new car warranty. This is more desirable as it covers everything (even trims and adjustments). Plus, you can still renew the BMW warranty once the new car warranty finishes.

[woggledog]

Originally Posted by bmwak

If its over three years old then yes probably. However in my eyes the only positive thing with an AUC is the warranty. Not all AUCs are as sound as you might think...

If under 3 years old then it will be under new car warranty. This is more desirable as it covers everything (even trims and adjustments). Plus, you can still renew the BMW warranty once the new car warranty finishes.

This is what I thought. Many of the cars available were younger than three years, thus would come with Manufacturers warranty….

I'll just have to get down and take a look… Will report back...

[savgeax]

When I say £1000 under what a dealer sells for, I mean the likes of Cargiant etc. BMW normally want an extra £2k-3k.

[MrPogle]

Originally Posted by savgeax

When I say £1000 under what a dealer sells for, I mean the likes of Cargiant etc. BMW normally want an extra £2k-3k.

Ahh, I see. Yes that makes a lot more sense.