Are Auction Cars Still Worth It in 2025?

Are Auction Cars Still Worth It in 2025? – What the Latest Data Tells Us.

As we pass the halfway point of 2025, one question continues to come up time and again from car buyers across the UK:
“Are auction cars still worth it?”

The short answer? Yes — and in many cases, now more than ever.

At Car Auction Buying Service (CABS), we help everyday buyers access trade-only auctions across the UK — from BCA and Manheim to Volkswagen Financial Services and more. And while the retail market remains unpredictable, the auction lane continues to be one of the smartest places to secure genuine value.

Here’s what you need to know.

Forecourt Prices Remain High — But Auction Values Are Holding Their Own

The UK’s used car market has shifted dramatically over the past 18 months. Prices surged post-COVID, dipped in 2023, and have since levelled out — but not in a way that always benefits the buyer.

Retailers continue to list vehicles well above true trade values. In fact, many forecourts are still asking 10–20% over CAP Clean (the trade benchmark). That might mean an identical 2021 VW Golf GTD advertised for £21,495 on the forecourt could be secured at auction for as little as £17,800, including all fees — a £3,600 saving.

We’re seeing this time and again at CABS. In most cases, even after auction fees and our service charge, customers are walking away with thousands still in their pocket compared to retail.

What’s Selling Well at Auction in 2025?

Trends change fast, but here’s what we’re currently seeing demand for — and value in:

• Small Petrol Hatchbacks: Corsa, Fiesta, Yaris and Clio models under £6,000 remain hugely popular for new drivers and budget buyers.
• Executive Diesels: Despite the EV shift, many private buyers still want well-specced diesel saloons and estates — and they’re becoming cheaper by the week.
• Premium EVs: Polestar 2, Tesla Model 3, Audi e-tron and BMW i4s are coming into auction more frequently, with prices dropping below CAP Clean in some cases.
• Ex-Lease Fleet Vehicles: Well-maintained company cars with full histories often represent superb value — especially when Grade 2 or better.

We track these trends daily so our clients can move quickly and bid confidently.

Grading and CAP: Two Tools — Not the Full Picture

A common misconception among auction newcomers is that condition grade and CAP pricing tell the whole story. They don’t.

A Grade 3 vehicle, often dismissed as ‘average’, may simply have light cosmetic wear — a scuffed alloy or stone chips. That could save you £1,000–£2,000 on hammer price versus a Grade 1 or 2, with minimal impact on real-world condition.

Likewise, CAP Clean is a helpful benchmark, but not gospel. Some cars go for well below CAP Average if interest is low — while rare specs or in-demand colours can fetch more than CAP Clean.

Our job at CABS is to help customers interpret this data correctly. We combine industry knowledge, condition reports, historical pricing and buyer demand to give a full, honest picture of each car’s value and likely result.

Real-World Example: How CABS Saves Customers Money

Let’s take a recent auction cars example from earlier this month.

Customer brief: 2022 BMW 320d M Sport, low mileage, full history, budget of £26,000.
Forecourt price range: £27,995–£29,500.
Auction result with CABS: Grade 2, 1-owner car with full BMW service history, sourced and secured for £25,100 all-in.

That’s over £2,800 saved — with peace of mind included via a third-party Platinum warranty.

Are There Risks with Buying auction cars?

Yes — but only if you go it alone.

Auction vehicles are sold “as seen,” and for the public, that can be daunting. There’s no test drive, little comeback, and limited warranty — unless you know what you’re doing or have someone experienced to guide you.

At CABS, we provide:

• Expert analysis of auction listings
• Professional bidding and handling
• Independent delivery options and trade warranties
• Total cost transparency (no hidden surprises)

We’ve helped hundreds of clients — from first-time buyers to serious collectors — get the car they want at a price they didn’t think was possible.

Why 2025 Might Be the Best Year Yet for Auction Buying

With more vehicles entering the auction system (thanks to expiring lease deals, rising PCP returns and falling EV prices), we expect the remainder of 2025 to offer even more buying opportunities.

The key is timing and knowing where to look.

Many of the best opportunities never make it to the public eye. They appear at 7am on trade platforms and are sold by lunchtime. That’s where our systems — and experience — give buyers the edge.

Final Word: Still Worth It? Absolutely — But Only with the Right Guidance

In summary:
Auction cars remain one of the most cost-effective ways to buy in 2025. But the days of turning up with a bidding paddle and hoping for the best are long gone.

The market is faster, more data-driven, and more competitive than ever. That’s why services like CABS exist — to give regular buyers access to trade-only stock, smart advice, and real savings.

If you’re thinking about your next vehicle and want to avoid paying over the odds, let’s talk.