Auction buying guide
How to buy cars
at auction
without surprises
Everything you need to check before bidding: administrative status, history, mechanics and the real cost of the deal.
Bonus at the end of the guide: a complete checklist so you can go through every point one by one and miss nothing before you decide.
10
Key points
+30
Checks
1
Final checklist
0
Surprises
Guide to buying cars at auction
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1
Check the auction terms
Before you pick a vehicle, review how the platform works
Fees and taxes
Payment deadlines
Transport or collection costs
Documents included
Option to inspect the car
Return conditions
Liability for defects
⚠ Before you bid
Do not bid until you know exactly what the price includes and what costs you will have afterwards.2
Check the administrative status
Issues that can stop you from driving or transferring the vehicle
Reservation of title
Liens or seizures
Administrative deregistrations
Outstanding taxes (IVTM)
ITV / MOT issues
Errors in ownership or documentation
ℹ DGT report
Request a full report to check liens, incidents, previous owners, ITV history and recorded mileages.3
Check the mileage and history
The odometer does not always reflect the vehicle’s real use
ITV history
Full DGT report
CARFAX or similar report
Service book
Workshop invoices
ECU data
Check that the mileage increases logically and that wear on the steering wheel, pedals, seat and interior is consistent. A duplicate registration document is not necessarily a problem, but it is worth investigating why it was issued.
Guide to buying cars at auction
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4
Study the inspection carefully
In online auctions it is your main source of information
Exterior and interior photos
Start-up and running videos
Bodywork damage
Tyre and brake condition
Oil or coolant leaks
Warning lights on
Diagnostic result
5
Check the mechanical condition
Full inspection, ideally with a professional
Engine and cooling
Cold start with no noises
No vibrations or abnormal smoke
Oil in good condition
Coolant clean and at the right level
Correct operating temperature
No visible leaks
⚠ Head-gasket warning signs
Persistent white smoke · Lost coolant · Oil mixed with water · Overheating. The repair can be very expensive.More information
Injection and power
Smooth acceleration, no jerking
Stable idle
No excessive smoke
No fuel smell
More information
Clutch and transmission
Clutch does not slip (manual)
Gears engage correctly
No jerking or jolts (automatic)
No dashboard warnings
More information
6 Diagnostics
Active faults
Pending faults
Cleared faults
Engine · ABS · Airbags
Emissions
Pending faults
Cleared faults
Engine · ABS · Airbags
Emissions
7 Lift
Engine/gearbox leaks
Underside impacts
Rust · Exhaust
Silent blocks · Driveshafts
Structural damage
Underside impacts
Rust · Exhaust
Silent blocks · Driveshafts
Structural damage
8 Road test
Acceleration and braking
Steering · Suspension
Gear changes
Temperature · Noises
Test cold and hot
Steering · Suspension
Gear changes
Temperature · Noises
Test cold and hot
Guide to buying cars at auction
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9
Return guarantee
Check before you take it out
Guarantee duration
Allowed mileage
Valid reasons for return
How to request the return
Costs that are refunded
Situations that void it
10
Calculate the real cost
The bid price is not the final cost
Price
Fees
Taxes
Transport
Transfer
Maintenance
Tyres
Repairs
Contingencies
Set your maximum price before bidding and do not go over it.
Purchase checklist
Tick each point before you confirm the deal
Before you bid
I have read the terms
I know the fees and taxes
I have calculated transport and transfer
I have reviewed the full inspection
I have room for repairs
I have set a maximum price
Administrative status
The vehicle can be driven
The vehicle can be transferred
No reservation of title
No liens or seizures
Road tax (IVTM) is in order
History and mileage
Mileage matches MOT / ITV records
I have checked CARFAX or similar
Maintenance is consistent
Interior wear matches the mileage
No unusual mileage drops
Mechanical condition
Engine starts well from cold
No abnormal noises
No excessive smoke
No visible leaks
Oil in good condition
Coolant is clean
No head-gasket symptoms
No power loss
Clutch does not slip
Gearbox is correct
Diagnostics show no serious faults
Underside inspected
Brakes, steering and suspension OK
Before you accept
I have done a road test
Tested cold and hot
Condition matches the inspection
I know the claim window
The total cost still leaves a margin
Do not buy only because the price looks low.
A safe purchase is one where you know the administrative status, the history, possible faults and the real cost before you decide.
