If you know your onions then picking up vehicle from auction can be a viable source of rolling stock. RT.com is travelling to ProTruck Auctions on Tuesday 26th May 2009 to see what is going under the hammer.
As of now - 09.11am on 21 May 2009 - there are 199 lots listed with a broad mix. There are a quite a few 53 and 03-plated tractors and rigids as well as municipals. A couple Daf CF85 480 6x2 with Astronics on 05-plates stands out, as does a MAN TGA 18.430 [see blow] 4x2 sleeper.
So, what should you look out for when buying from auction?
Documents, the auction should say if they are all in, if not then it's worth avoiding. Some come with tax, others with MoT remaining and late-year vehicles with warranty as well.
HPI check, make sure it doesn't have outstanding cash owed - www.hpicheck.com is worth a visit.
Smoke, if it comes around the corner billowing more smoke than Mad Men's Joan Holloway its worth avoiding.
Noises, when ticking over, and people are landing bids, stand close to the vehicle and listen for knocking, vibrating, clanking, anything out of the ordinary.
Condition, make sure any damage on the vehicle, scrapes and dents, doesn't require you to fix if you buy it. It'll costs extra.
Price, at the moment prices are down but creeping up. At auction price is relative to a specific vehicle at a specific moment.
Budget, if you have done your homework you'll go with a predetermined budget for what you want. Don't exceed it. If you do, you'll start losing any margins that go with it. Budget, stick to it.
Bidding, don't get drawn into any bidding wars and always remember your budget.
