How to Find the Most Profitable Car at a Public Car Auction in the UK
Defining a Salvage Vehicle
Salvage vehicles are auto that are so badly wrecked that an insurance company has decided the cost of repair is higher the worth of the car. But the car isn’t necessarily unsalvageable—it can be made road-worthy again. These cars are usually sold in a UK public car auction at a really low cost—they’re put in these categories.
Category A
Category A represents cars that can’t be fixed up at any reasonable price. The cost would be way over the car’s market value. Even purchasing parts off Category A autos is risky, so you normally want to steer clear of these in a public vehicle auction.
Category B
Mull over investing in a category B inside a public auto auction for parts only. The components should still be in good shape in these autos. Removal and resale of these and other parts is likely to exceed the market price, so you would make a profit.
Category C
In this category, the auto itself can still be fixed up and driven. This type of car can be a good buy at a public vehicle auction if you have extensive automotive knowledge and can repair the vehicle yourself.
Public auto auctions in the UK are popular ways for buyers to find reasonably priced vehicles at fair prices. It’s important to keep a clear head and not get caught up in the emotion of a public car auction. Only then will your purchase price be a fair one.
Category D
This type of vehicle is considered fully repairable at a cost that is estimated to be less than the market value. You should make some bucks selling the auto again at a vehicle auction or elsewhere.
Category X
Autos under this category need few repairs if any and wind up here because someone had previously stole them before being confiscated. Since they need few repairs, they are simple to sell over and receive profit at a live auto auctions or inside an online public car auction.
So what it boils down to for cars found at a public car auction inside the UK: If you’re not car-savvy and have a high budget, go with category D and category X. Consider category C if you’re car-savvy and can effect repairs yourself to save money. Category A and B cars are only good for components.