Merlin Car Auctions Ireland

SIMI Approved
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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers

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. You can also watch MERLIN LIVE ONLINE.

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 vehicle 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. A 'buyers fee' is charged for this checking service, which ensures that the buyer has an absolutely clear title to the vehicle. WARNING! If you purchase a vehicle privately you could be legally liable for any loan amount outstanding on it, and in the case of a stolen vehicle, 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 vehicles are sold. The reason for this is to allow as many vehicles as possible to be sold within an allotted time frame. At Merlin we auction a vehicle every 40 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 vehicle being sold. Display screens in the auditorium will also help you keep track of the auction. You can also bid live online.

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 (vendor) is willing to accept for a vehicle. The auctioneer will not sell a vehicle for less than the reserve price without the sellers consent.

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. View commercial vehicles.

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 48hours, either by banker's draft, electronic transfer or credit card.

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. Prior to auction you can view the engineers report online

Q. Are the vehicles covered by warranty?

A. Where applicable the balance of manufacturer`s warranty still applies.

Q. How can I tell that the vehicle I am interested in is roadworthy?

A. Many of the cars sold at Merlin Car Auctions have a completed engineers report and every car is graded here at Merlin Car Auctions.  We also complete a full car history on every vehicle prior to sale. 

Contact Merlin today and join thousands of buyers who bought their car at Merlin Car Auctions, Irelands Only SIMI Auction!