Upcoming Car Auctions in Sydney NSW (11 Events)

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About Public Car Auctions in NSW

Pickles and Manhiem are the largest auto auctioneers in Sydney holding regular sales of vehicles from corporate fleets, government, and manufacturers. Usually these vehicles are 18-24 months old, in some cases retaining factory warranty. They also hold auctions for used vehicles which are often vehicle trade-ins from dealers, along with used cars with lots from private sellers. They also hold regular salvage vehicle sales featuring stolen and recovered, flood damaged, and accident damaged vehicles. Slattery, Grays, Lloyds are other options, as are small auctions such as business liquidations that may feature vehicles as part of the sale.

Manhiem or Pickles, Which is Better?

Over the years, I have bought vehicles from both, personally I think they are both very professional and that the most important thing is to understand the nature of buying at auction and to do your own research and inspection on any vehicle you wish to buy. Like any auction house, there is little chance for negotiation after the sale, but there is always an opportunity beforehand…

A Quick Guide to Bidding

1. Get your Bidder Number or create an auction account if bidding online – On-site auctions will require a photo ID (Australian passport or licence) to register for a bidder number. If bidding online, online registration is free on all major platforms (Manheim, Pickles, etc.).You will need an email address, an Australian Mobile Number, and an Australian Driver’s License or Passport. You also need to be at least 18 years old.
2. Holding deposit – some online auctions require a refundable deposit before you bid, others require a credit card to which a deposit will be charged upon successfully winning the auction. That deposit may be 10% of the sale price or $500 in some cases, and you can check this with the auctioneer.
3. Inspect the vehicles – most auctioneers will offer comprehensive photos and condition reports. Pickles and Manhiem offer more comprehensive vehicle grading services. You can also inspect in person (which we always recommend) at the designated inspection times. You should also do your own history checks on the vehicle’s VIN number.
4. Choose your bidding mode – Pickles and Manhiem offer onsite bidding (often called In-Lane), Simulcast live-online (watch a video feed and bid in real time), and Timed online/“BidNow” (similar to eBay).
5. Understand the fees – different sales have different fees, and each auctioneer has different fees. You should enquire as to what they are BEFORE bidding. For example, you may see fees like these in the table below. In this case a $10,000 winning bid quickly becomes an outdoor price of at least $10,778.
   

   Fee	Typical
   Buyers premium	$450 + 2% of Sale Price
   Admin Fee	$88
   Credit Card fees	0.4%

6. Pay & collect – again, check with the auctioneer. For most, the balance is due within 24 to 48 hours by EFT, BPAY or card (surcharge applies). Bring proof of insurance if you plan to drive the car away (some may not allow you to drive the car away, so enquire in advance); you will also need to show photo ID, and the winning email notification or invoice. Some offer towing services for an extra fee or may recommend services.

More tips here.

Dealer Auctions

If you are licenced car dealer you will also want to visit the sites listed here.