Buying Questions

How many cars are there to choose from?

At any time there will be over two hundred cars on site.

Can I test drive?

Yes, as long as you have a current driver's licence. You can test drive at any time during normal business hours. The management may request that a staff member accompany you on a test drive.

What protection do I get buying through auction?

Buying through auction is 'as is, where is', which means that there are no guarantees as to the condition etc. of a vehicle, but you are most welcome to examine the vehicle or to arrange for someone else to check it out for you, or we can arrange for an independent mechanical inspection on your behalf.

When can I look at the cars?

During our normal business hours.

How do I know if a vehicle is likely to be in my price range?

You can either ask one of the sales staff or look at the bottom of the window card (usually in the rear left window of the car) where you should find a price range estimation.

What do I have to do before the auction if I want to bid?

You need to register at the office in order to receive a bidder's number. This involves filling out a simple form and there is no charge for this.

Do you do finance?

No. Generally, buying at auction is a cash process but we can help to organise finance for you if necessary. Enquire at the office.

If I buy a car at auction when do I have to pay for it?

We require a deposit on the night of auction, with the balance due by midday the next weekday. The deposit is $200 if your purchase is under $2000 and $400 if your purchase is $2000 or more than that. Of course you can pay in full at any time, as long as it is payment by cash, eftpos or bank cheque.

Do you accept personal cheques or credit cards?

We can accept credit cards for up to your deposit but not for the balance. The balance needs to be paid by cash, eftpos or bank cheque. If you wish to pay by bill payment or internet banking you can but the car will not be released until we sight these funds in our bank account. This is not until the next day.

When can I take the car I have bought away?

As soon as you have paid the full amount in clear funds. This may be on an auction night or the next day. For security reasons, cars purchased and paid for on auction night are released after the conclusion of the auction.

What other charges are there, apart from the price bid?

There is a buyer's premium which is explained in our buyers guide

How do I know when the car I'm interested in is going to come up?

A list of vehicles in lot order is available at the office from about midday the day of auction. During the auction the auctioneers work at the rate of about a car a minute so if, for example, the car you want to bid on is Lot No. 20 it will probably come up around 6.20 - 6.30 pm.

How do I bid?

By making a clear hand signal.

What if I move at the wrong time and the auctioneer thinks I am bidding?

Our staff are well trained to distinguish a genuine bid from an accidental movement, but it does pay to be conservative with your gestures at auction.

What if I'm too nervous to bid?

Our staff are available to assist you at any time with your bidding. Just ask at the office.

What if I can't make it to the auction but I still want to bid?

We can take absentee bids (where you authorise us to bid to a certain amount on your behalf). You will have to leave a deposit with us before we bid for you. If you are not successful with your bid then this deposit is refunded to you,

Do all the cars sold at auction have current warrants and registration?

Most do but it is not a requirement so it pays to check this out prior to auction.

What happens about insurance?

Most insurance companies have 24-hour help lines which you can use through the auction*

What about Ownership Change?

We will organise the Ownership Change but you must have with you a current Driver's Licence for ID purposes. If you do not hold a NZ Drivers Licence then you must have an alternative photo ID which is signed by you and has your Date of Birth. The vehicle cannot be taken until this paperwork is complete.