Merlin Car auctions - good value??

Lmnover

Hi
just wondered if anyone had any experience in buying from Merlin car auctions - what the value for money is like? And also the quality of cars being sold?

Is there any other auctions across the country that would be recommended?

Looking for small hatches - Honda civics, ford focuses etc

thanks in advance

mickdw

IMO not great value at the minute. Too many private buyers paying too close to retail price.

Flyboy!!!

Very true. Most preople don't seem to realise that we're now in a recession and that even when you look up a car valuation, the car isn't realistically worth it, no one is going to pay full price. Most cars go for about two grand below dealer prices even though they're still worth less again.

If you are going to buy at auction, at the very least try and get a look under the bonnet, check the oil and everything else you can. Set yourself a limit and do not get carried away. My horror story is I bought a running car, the next day the engine was blown, a main bearing gone. Not a drop of oil in the motor, it ran just long enough to be sold and probably seized as they drove it back to the lot. I replaced the engine and still made a profit on it though.

Lmnover

mickdw wrote: »

IMO not great value at the minute. Too many private buyers paying too close to retail price.

Is there anywhere you would suggest that I could turn a bargain?????

Matt Simis

Lmnover wrote: »

Is there anywhere you would suggest that I could turn a bargain?????

A private seller directly most likely.

Lmnover

Matt Simis wrote: »

A private seller directly most likely.

Thought there had to be an easier way. I have been buying to sell on for the past while and sourcing through private sellers - but its very time consuming as if you travel to see a car and its not up to standard, you dont have another option.

Everyone is saying there is no value in the north and its better to buy in the south - but no one will suggest where.

I am buying in the north at the moment and doing ok but its alot of hassle.

Hard to know what the best way is??

drver1

I was up at belgard car auctions on tuesday, there only new, but have some decent stuff up there, might be worth a trip up during the week to have a look

member2009

Hi I'm looking to buy a car. Can you tell me where Belgard Auctions is? Thanks

yop

Goggle!!!

http://www.belgardauctions.ie/

HashSlinging

I see the helpdesk is open today!

louth87

Anyone any experience selling a car through one of these auctions??

Have been trying to sell a 03 astra privately for a few months now, and obviously finding it difficult with the way the economy is at the mo, and am getting a little frustrated!

drver1

It says on their website that the first 1000 cars are free entry, if you read the website it will tell you all the fees

minikin

I hear there's a new auctioneers down in collon

member2009

Rang them yesterday about the free entry. Think I'm gonna put my car through and see how it goes. They said it won't cost me anything unless it sells. I'll try somewhere else if it doesn't sell. Thanks for the reply Yop

drver1

Let us know how you get on,

mannurse

I put a car in with Merlin a few years back, I had bought it from them 2 months earlier, when I realised it wasn't as good as it seemed I decided to bring it back and sell it with them. The guy there that valued it pulled out a book and said they would not allow the reserve price to be more than the value they had on it, which was 2 grand less than I had payed.

Seems they dont like putting reserves too high as it puts off buyers. Although some cars that have been going through are not even getting near the reserves.



I stopped going to them in Naas when I figured out how to watch it free online : )

member2009

Hi, car didn't sell first time round but they put it through the auction again for no extra cost and it sold. Thanks for the help

shuffles03

I'm looking to buy a BMW 5 series 2004. I've checked cbg.ie and carzone and I'd say I could pick one up for 12,000 - 13,000. I can't spend more than 13,000. Would I get one cheaper at Merlin auctions? Does anyone know what the going rate for a 5 series is at Merlin? (I know theres so many different types of specs but roughly).

I'm in two minds about using Merlin. I'm also thinking about importing as well.

bf

shuffles03 wrote: »

I'm looking to buy a BMW 5 series 2004. I've checked cbg.ie and carzone and I'd say I could pick one up for 12,000 - 13,000. I can't spend more than 13,000. Would I get one cheaper at Merlin auctions? Does anyone know what the going rate for a 5 series is at Merlin? (I know theres so many different types of specs but roughly).

I'm in two minds about using Merlin. I'm also thinking about importing as well.

There was a 04 520 sold for about €10.5k last night, add your buyers ffes on an you wouldnt have much change out of €11.5k. More value in private sales out there at the moment IMO

shuffles03

Sweet! Wat about a 7 series? Do any of those go for auction at Merlin? I was checking prices for a 2002. They seem to be going for 12,500 and upwards. Quick question.... why would a 7 series be selling so cheaply?? Are they not good? Personally I love the look and I'm trying to get the biggest car possible within my price range ie. no more than 13,000.

Does anyone know how much a 3.0 7 series petrol costs to refuel?

Tipsy Mac

shuffles03 wrote: »

Does anyone know how much a 3.0 7 series petrol costs to refuel?

It's an 88 litre tank.

Brabus

drver1 wrote: »

It says on their website that the first 1000 cars are free entry, if you read the website it will tell you all the fees

Just wondering are Merlins & Belgard car auctions owned by the same company cos their selling and buying fees are exactly the same.