Auction FAQs

• Why auction? The auction process is an efficient, competitive environment that brings buyers together to achieve a quick outcome for a seller. Most vehicles are sold with a reserve but this does not limit the return for the seller. If the market dictates, the auction system has the potential for a better outcome.
• What does it cost to sell a car at Auto Auctioneers? Commission of $225 + 5% of the sale price (+ $55 admin) + gst is payable when the vehicle is sold. There are no booking in fees or auction listing or advertising fees.
• What does it cost to buy a car at Auto Auctioneers? All sales, whether in auction or otherwise, attract a buyer’s premium on top of the sale price. The buyer’s premium is based on the sale price:
• Can I sell my car without having to wait for an auction? We can certainly make your vehicle available for purchase directly from the yard if you prefer, or you can ask about our Wholesale Buy Direct option.
• What if I have never bought at auction before? Our consultants can assist you with the auction process prior to and during the auction. Please just ask at reception.
• What if I owe money on a car I want to sell? As we are required to guarantee clear title at the time of sale, any amount owing must either be settled before auction or arrangements made with our office to settle the amount owed from the proceeds of sale. Any undisclosed securities will attract a penalty fee.
• Does my car have to have a warrant/registration to be sold at auction? While a presentable car with current warrant and registration will achieve a better result for the seller, we can sell any vehicle in any condition. Auto Auctioneers reserves the right to refuse to offer or list for sale any vehicle for any reason.
• What happens if the vehicle doesn’t sell under the hammer? Any vehicle that does not sell under the hammer is firstly offered to the top bidder at the reserve, then to any other bidder at the reserve, then placed on the yard for direct sale. It may or may not be offered up for auction on another occasion.
• Can we inspect and test drive before auction? As all vehicles are being sold on behalf, pre-auction test drives and inspections are highly recommended. Auto Auctioneers can deliver a vehicle to an independent garage or your mechanic (within Hamilton city) for inspection by arrangement.
• What protection does a buyer have when buying at auction? Put simply, this depends. Auctions have long been used to dispose of vehicles of varying quality, age, mileage etc. and thus can carry a degree of risk for the buyer, but on the other hand many people are willing to take such a risk when they are able to buy a vehicle at a reasonable price. New regulations have brought auctions sales within the coverage of the Consumer Guarantees Act where the vendor is “in trade” and the buyer is “a consumer” as defined by the Act. Auto Auctioneers (Hamilton) Limited hereby contracts out of any applicable Act to the extent permissible by law.