…Buy a car auction

You may be considering treating yourself to the car of your dreams in time for spring. Finding it and buying at auction  need not be daunting.

The most enjoyable way to buy is to attend the auction and make your bid from the floor. Bonhams has published a helpful booklet to guide buyers through the process: it operates a simple paddle system. 

Once you have registered your details and proof of funds, you take a paddle with your own personal number. Each car will be on display in advance of the sale. When your car comes up, you simply raise your paddle to make your bid.

You can also bid by telephone, over the internet and as an absentee. Telephone bids are simple. On the day of the sale the auction house will call you and talk you through the bidding as it proceeds. These calls must be booked at least a day before the sale. 

Internet bids can be lodged ahead of the sale, although most auctions are not broadcast live on-line yet, so you will have to check the web site to find out if you have been successful at the close of bidding. 

You can also place an absentee bid – the auctioneer will try and secure the car at the lowest possible price.