Why Buying a Used Car at Auction Could Save You Thousands (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

Why Buying a Used Car at Auction Could Save You Thousands (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

If you’ve ever walked into a dealership and walked out feeling like you’ve paid more than you should have — you’re not alone. The UK used car market is full of hidden margins, inflated retail prices, and hard-to-spot dealer tactics.

But there’s a smarter, more transparent route to getting the car you want for thousands less — and that’s buying through auction with Car Auction Buying Service Limited (CABS).

🚗 What Is a Car Auction?

Car auctions are where the motor trade buys its stock. Think BCA, Manheim, Aston Barclay, G3. These aren’t backstreet auctions for bangers — they’re trade-only platforms with thousands of vetted vehicles going under the hammer every day, from ex-lease and company cars to finance repossessions and part-exchange stock from main dealers.

While the public can’t buy directly, CABS gives you the keys to access this hidden market.

🔑 How Does CABS Work?

We act as your professional auction buying agent. You give us your requirements (make, model, mileage, spec, colour, budget), and we source matching vehicles from the auction houses.

• We check condition grades, service history, MOT records, and auction house reports

• You approve the vehicle and confirm your budget

• We bid on your behalf and notify you of the result

• If successful, you pay the auction house directly — not us

• We can even arrange delivery to your door

All you pay is a fixed fee based on the price of the vehicle — no markups, no percentage cuts, no hidden charges.

💰 How Much Can You Really Save?

We’re regularly helping buyers save £2,000 to £5,000 off forecourt prices — sometimes even more. Here’s why:

• No dealer markup – Auctions are where dealers buy cars, not sell them

• No upselling – You’re not being pushed GAP insurance, paint protection or finance add-ons

• Trade-level access – You’re buying the same vehicles the trade are bidding on, with the same insights and support

For example, we recently sourced a Volkswagen ID.3 Tour Pro S that was £5,000 less than the customer had been quoted by a main dealer. Same spec, better condition, and more options — and the dealer missed out because they took too long.

📉 Auction Prices vs CAP Clean

We use CAP (Current Auction Pricing) guides to help determine value. These are the same tools used by the motor trade to calculate part-exchange and auction benchmarks.

But here’s the key: CAP is a guide, not a rule.

Depending on market demand, condition, seasonality and other factors, a vehicle might sell:

• Below CAP Clean (a bargain)

• At CAP Average (still below retail)

• Occasionally above CAP Clean (for premium or in-demand stock)

We advise you accordingly, helping you decide when it’s worth holding out — and when to strike.

⚠️ Is It Risky to Buy at Auction?

There’s a misconception that car auctions are risky, full of rough cars and no comeback. That’s simply outdated.

In fact, CABS buyers benefit from:

• Full vehicle reports from the auction house

• Access to grade 1 or 2 vehicles (the highest cosmetic and mechanical standards)

• Warranties available via Warranty Solutions Group

• Support from us throughout — you’re never on your own

Plus, most of our clients never even set foot in an auction hall. Everything is handled remotely, and delivery can be arranged straight to your door.

⭐ What Makes CABS Different?

There are other companies offering auction services, but here’s why people choose us:

• We’re full-time specialists — this isn’t a side hustle

• You speak directly with us — no call centres or faceless systems

• We don’t charge until you win — so there’s no risk of paying for nothing

• Our reputation speaks for itself — hundreds of happy customers, many buying again

We take the stress out of buying at auction and replace it with clarity, confidence, and real savings.

📦 Bonus: Temporary Insurance, Warranties & Delivery

We’ve partnered with Go Shorty to offer instant temporary insurance, so you’re covered from the moment you pick up your vehicle.

Need extra peace of mind? Our third-party warranty provider covers you for major mechanical and electrical faults, with breakdown cover included — all at trade pricing.

Prefer not to collect in person? No problem. Our trusted transport partners can deliver your new vehicle straight to your home or workplace.

Ready to Buy Smarter?