Buying at a car auction can be a little daunting to an auction newcomer. The process is easy. Below is some information on buying at our auction, what protection we offer to customers, and what you need to know when you bid.
Buyer Protection
You are indemnified against any vehicle you buy at SWVA car auctions being stolen property or being subject to outstanding hire purchase payment. This is through payment of the compulsory Purchase Fee – see under Purchase Fee. All entries in our car auctions undergo a mandatory HPI check. This helps protect you the customer from any hassle once you have purchased the car.
Bidding At Our Car Auction
First time visitors to a car auction can often be put off bidding by the fast pace of proceedings. Please don’t be. The fast pace merely enables us to give every vehicle a chance to sell within the allotted time. The auctioneer is not your adversary and he is sufficiently experienced to recognize whether or not you wish to bid. Simply signal to him with a hand or a nod and it is highly unlikely that he will misunderstand you. Do bear in mind, however, that a legal contract is entered into once the hammer has fallen and there may be no question of your changing your mind after that point.
Purchase Fee
The purchase fee is a compulsory payment on top of the amount you successfully bid. The charges are available upon request from the office.
Payment of the purchase fee indemnifies you against any vehicle you buy at SWVA being stolen property, or subject to outstanding hire purchase payments. The purchase fee is not refundable.
Payment
A legal contract is entered into once the hammer has fallen. You will be asked to go immediately to the cash desk to give your name and address and pay 10% with a minimum £300 deposit; cash or any Debit Card. The deposit cannot be paid by Credit Card. The balance however can be paid by Credit Card, Debit Card, Cash or Bank Transfer, payment of which must be within 24 hours, and then you may take the vehicle away.
Balances can now be paid by credit card, for which there is a surcharge details of which are displayed at the cash desk and reception. Any cash payment will incur a charge.
Vehicle Condition
Vehicles are sold “As Seen” which means just that; no description is implied or given and it is up to you to judge its condition and value before bidding. You should consider the mileage to be incorrect unless otherwise stated.
Delivery
SWVA offers a vehicle delivery service. Please ask at the office for details.
Warning
If you are offered a car outside our premises BEWARE. Although it may seem cheap you could end up purchasing a stolen vehicle or a vehicle on Hire Purchase or a total loss which would involve you in a loss of all your money. Vehicles purchased outside our car auction are not protected. Please notify the office immediately if you are approached.
Subject Bid/Private Treaty
If a vehicle fails to reach the reserve price in the auction hall and the highest bid is recorded, the bidder will be required to go to the front office and give their name and address accompanied by a £300 deposit A Credit Card is not acceptable as a deposit (refundable if the bid is not accepted) Our staff will then negotiate on your behalf to try to secure the vehicle for you.