what does the buyers fee cover at car auctions?

Question

I have someone coming to buy a car tonight (I am a dealer) and he wants to be sure that the car is hpi clear. I said that the buyers fee I paid at the auction house covers this as I know from reading it on the t & c's in the auction hall but do not have anything in writing to show him. He sounds really awkward and to me is a tight bastard for not paying £30 to check the car himself!

As a trader, I do not particularly wish to show the buyer my invoice from the auction house. It is my business to make a profit but not let anyone but myself and my accountant know my profit margin. (Which is £1000 btw!!)

Also the car is not a wreck, it is a legitimate BMW Z3 in excellent condition. I don't buy wrecks or sell them. Some people are honest believe it or not!

Answer 1

If bought at a reputable auction house the buyers fee will cover the fact its not stolen, not insurance write off and not declared also no outstanding finance on the car. Its up to your buyer to get an HPI check for himself if he wants to. However if i was selling cars like BMW Z3 i would HPI it myself and provide potential buyers with the relevant paperwork..its a good selling point.

Answer 2

The buyers fee covers the auctioneers hand right! Here in the usa it does and you get a wrecked overheated car patched up and engine sealer to get it down the auction block when you have problem with the purchase They say read the fine print "all auction sales final." Rather than sell a bad car to the public auction it off quick.

Answer 3

If you had it hpi checked recently and have the original paperwork it seems reasonable for a buyer to accept this. If you don't have the paperwork or it hasn't been checked it is up to you to negotiate with the individual. Some dealers offer hpi checks as standard others leave it to the customer to do. As you do not have the HPI documents in this situation the buyer is entitled to be a bit cautious.

Answer 4

Auctioneers fee