Online Auctions ( eg Bring A Trailer etc. ) - Pros and Cons

[Adventuresome02]

Hope everyone is keeping well in the run up to Christmas. We know there are many ways to sell your car online ( ebay, buy and sell, facebook marketplace, here/ other forums ) dealing one-to-one with potential buyers. And there are online auction sites ( Bring A Trailer is the one that comes to mind, though I see it's mainly USA/ Canada focused ) where you can interact with sellers ( as opposed to something like ebay that doesn't have running questions/ answers )

Question please :

a ) Are there UK based sites that operate like Bring A Trailer ?

b ) What are the pros of using an online auction site ? ( more realistic prices ? More visible to buyers ? )

c ) What are the cons of using an online auction site ? ( longer time to get a sale ? Less visible to buyers ? 

Any views very welcome. 

 

[Greydog]

Morning George

Whether you buy online (Ebay or similar) or at an Auction (by attending and bidding) or by a private sale you are very much buying "sold as seen" and have little protection in law, so BUYER BEWARE. Yes at auction you can get cars at "Trade" prices that is how car traders like all retailers make their money. Internet sites give wide coverage but make sure you know where the car is and the costs of delivery/collection are factored in. Not very cheap buying a car online in Aberdeen if you live in Margate !!

If however you buy from a "Trader" registered or not (there are many selling from the kerbside pretending to be selling from home) you will have some protection under the Sale of Goods Act.

Where ever you buy from do your homework use the internet not just to search but to research the car your buying what issues to look for, what average cost of repair, servicing costs, tyres, insurance road tax band. If you aren't mechanically adept find someone who is to go with you. Don't buy with your heart a "cool looking car" can be a money pit buy with your head.

Hope that helps

Dave