Buying at auction for the first time
Your first auction can feel fast. It does not have to. These five habits come from watching thousands of bidders, the happy ones and the sorry ones.
By the Autobid inspection team. Example article for this demo.
An auction is the fairest way to buy a used car: everyone sees the same report and the same bids. But the clock rewards bidders who prepared, and punishes the ones who did not.
Set your limit before the clock starts
Use the total cost calculator on the lot page, including the premium, VAT and delivery. Then set that number as your highest bid and let us bid for you.
Read the report, then see the car
Photos cannot show how a gearbox feels. If you are near Uyo, view it on a weekday; if you are not, ask an inspector on WhatsApp.
Do not chase the last minute
Every late bid adds two minutes. You cannot snipe a lot here, so there is no point waiting to the last second.
Have your money ready
You have 48 hours to pay after you win. Speak to your bank before the sale, not after.
In short
- 01
Know your total
Bid plus premium, fees and delivery.
- 02
Use a highest bid
Let us bid one step at a time.
- 03
View or ask
Never bid blind.
- 04
Money ready
48 hours to pay.
- 05
Walk away
There is another sale every Thursday.
Read next
How to read an inspection report
See it on a real lot
Every live lot has a full report.