ea123-logo

The pros and cons of buying at auction

easyauto123

Buyers Handbook

May 23, 2025

5 minutes minute read

Car auctions have a certain allure. If you’ve ever wandered through one, you’ll know the feeling: the buzz of expectancy, the flurry of fast bids, and the hope of scoring a bargain on a car you’ve had your eye on for months.

Whether it’s a rare marque, a commercial fleet vehicle or simply something that fits your budget, auctions can be a great place to look. They often feature a wide variety of makes and models, and if you know what you’re doing, you might just walk away with a solid deal.

But as with anything that moves fast and promises big savings, it’s worth knowing the risks before raising your hand.

What you see is what you get

The majority of cars at auction are sold 'as is'. In most cases, that means no warranties, no cooling-off periods, and limited time to inspect the vehicle thoroughly. You’re buying based on a visual once-over, a basic description, and, sometimes, a quick listen to the engine starting up.

And while you can certainly get a feel for a car in a few minutes, it’s hard to know exactly what’s under the surface without a comprehensive inspection. If there are mechanical issues or repair work is needed, that becomes your responsibility as soon as the hammer drops.

Unless you’re a seasoned buyer or you’ve brought a qualified expert with you, there’s a real chance you might miss something critical.

Auctions favour the informed

Let’s be clear: auctions aren’t bad. In fact, for well-informed buyers and experienced car enthusiasts, they can be a fantastic way to snag a vehicle below market value. And our partners at Carlins do a great job presenting a wide range of vehicles from trusted sources like fleet companies and ex-government departments.

But it’s a buyer’s environment. The auction house provides a platform – not a promise. You need to do your due diligence, understand the fine print, and be prepared to act quickly.

If you’re confident in your knowledge and enjoy the thrill, an auction might be your kind of shopping. But if you’re unsure, the safest bet might be a different path altogether.

When certainty matters

At easyauto123, we cater to buyers who want the excitement of choice without the uncertainty of auctions. Our vehicles are competitively priced and undergo a thorough inspection process before they’re listed. We provide detailed vehicle history reports, and many of our cars come with warranty options, so you’re not left guessing what you’ve just driven off with.

Whether you’re buying your first car, upgrading the family SUV, or replacing a work vehicle, we make it easy and transparent from start to finish. And unlike auctions, there’s no pressure to make a split-second decision. You can browse online, come in for a test drive, or talk through your options with our friendly team. Plus, with our 7-Day Money Back Guarantee, you can try before you fully commit.

With hundreds of cars to choose from, you can shop smart, safe, and stress-free at easyauto123.

Explore our full range of Quality Verified™ used cars now.