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What's the best way to buy a Porsche 911 at auction?

Oh, to have the courage to buy at auction. They are still a "dark art" for insiders only in my opinion. I ventured to two BCA auctions to have a look at what goes on and they are certainly not customer friendly. I actually felt like a bacon roll at a barmitzvah. We are constantly tempted by auction adverts in your paper, but try finding out about the buyer's commission rates etc. I am a typical possible customer who wants to buy a Porsche for about £30,000, and am tempted by the auction route. How do I know that the car is not a pup, put into auction because of potential expensive needed repairs, or a damaged/repaired car, clocked etc? Is there a reputable service out there, independent of the auction house, who will hold your hand through the entire process?

Asked on 22 December 2012 by JJ, Taunton,

Answered by Honest John
Auction buying serviced: www.fairtradecars.net; www.auctioncarsdirect.co.uk; www.cars-on-commission.com; www.autobarn-cars.co.uk. These are for cash purchases only. Customers must have the cash with them and must commit to the purchase. They cannot change their mind after the hammer falls.

It’s very risky to buy a car like a Porsche 911 at auction. It could be okay (finance snatchbacks are probably best, or ex-lease when a director has been fired and lost his car). But if it is a trade entry there will probably be something seriously wrong with it, and on a 911 that could be £20,000 worth. Better to buy from a good independent such as Autofarm or Paragon Porsche.
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