Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I have to pay to watch an auction?
A. No! Of course you don't. It's a public auction and anybody can watch. Entry is by catalogue only (€5)

Q. Why do so many people buy and sell at auctions?
A. Auctions are convenient, time-saving and hassle-free, there's no expensive advertising costs, no time-wasters or bounced cheques.

Q. Are there any other benefits for 'Buyers' at auctions?
A. Yes! You will be paying the same price as the 'trade'. And, since auctions are not tied to any particular manufacturer, the choice of makes and models available is far wider - so wide, in fact, that it could take you many weeks to view as many vehicles as you will see at a single auction.

Q. Buying at auction gives you important protections, what are they?
A. Every car sold at auction is checked against being stolen, or having an outstanding hire purchase agreement against it or if the vehicle has ever been an insurance 'total loss', which may, or may not, have been declared at the time of sale. This ensures the buyer has an absolutely clear title to the car.

WARNING - If you purchase a car privately you could be legally liable for any loan amount outstanding on it, and in the case of a stolen car, you could lose the car altogether.

Q. Have you any advice to give me before I start bidding?
A. Yes! It is advisable to use your first trip to the auction to familiarise yourself with the fast pace at which cars are auctioned. The reason for this is to allow as many cars as possible to be auctioned within an allotted time frame. At Merlin we auction a car every 60 seconds!

Q. Okay! How do I bid?
A. Simply catch the auctioneer's attention by waving your bidding number. As the bidding progresses he'll constantly look back to you to see if you're still interested. Always listen very carefully to what the auctioneer is saying about the car being auctioned. Display screens in the auction hall will also help you keep track of the auction. You can also bid live online from your computer or smartphone.

Q. How do I get a bidding number?
A. Before the auction starts you pay a deposit and you receive a bidding number. If you do not purchase anything at the auction your deposit is refunded.

Q. What is the 'Reserve Price?'
A. It's the minimum amount of money that the seller is willing to accept for a car. The auctioneer will not sell a car for less than the reserve price without the sellers consent. We do not give out Reserve or "Guide Prices", however you can buy the latest Snapshot which lists all the cars we have sold here over the last four months showing you how much they sold for.

Q. What is a 'Provisional Sale?'
A. A provisional sale occurs when the last bid taken is below the reserve price. The seller is then contacted to see if this bid is acceptable.

Q. Does the auction sell commercial vehicles?
A. Yes, it certainly does. There are always a selection of commercial vehicles in each auction.

Q. Can I change my mind after I buy a vehicle?
A. No, sorry! A legal contract is entered into once the hammer has fallen and payment must be made within two working days, either by cash, debite / credit card or electronic funds transfer.

Q. Do I have to be over a certain age to buy at auction?
A. Yes. Under the Road Traffic Act 2004 it is a criminal offence to supply a vehicle under the age of 17.

Q. Can I check the car out beforehand?
A. Yes. We are open 6 days a week for viewing. You may start the car but unfortunately, for health and safety reasons, you cannot drive the vehicle.

Q. Are the vehicles covered by warranty?
A. Where applicable the balance of manufacturer`s warranty still applies. Otherwise, all cars are sold as seen.

Contact Merlin today and join thousands of buyers who bought their car at Merlin Car Auctions, a SIMI registered auction.

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