Buying Process

There's nothing complicated about buying at a Manheim auction. To make sure, we've created a handy guide that will make things as straightforward as possible

Register online and search for vehicles

Before visiting one of our friendly auction centres, first register online and begin searching for the kind of vehicles you’re interested in. Our online car and commercial vehicle auction catalogues will give you all the information you need about the vehicles, including detailed photographs and descriptions, and you can learn all about our auction centres too. Be sure to familiarise yourself with our Term and Conditions.

Test drive an auction

Once you’ve identified the vehicles you’re interested in and the nearest auction centres, it’s a good idea to pop along to see an auction in action. 

All our auctions are fast-paced, exciting and can be lots of fun. If it's your first time at an auction it might initially seem a little confusing, so we recommend you visit before you're ready to buy, just to get yourself fully acclimatised.

Make your bidding obvious

It’s time to bid. Make sure you stand in the hall where the auctioneer can see you and when you're ready to make a bid, signal clearly. Nods and winks and subtle signs don’t work at our car and commercial vehicle auctions, so raise your arm and make it really obvious.

The auctioneer will acknowledge your bid and then the fun starts, so listen out for rival bids and signal clearly each time you want to up your offer. Once the bidding has passed any reserve price, vehicles are sold to the highest bidder, so make sure you always stay focused and alert, and you only agree to pay what you can afford.

Remember, as a registered trader you can also bid online using your mobile phone, tablet or PC thanks to our award-winning Simulcast. At the times when it's not possible to bid online, you can still ensure you never miss out on a vehicle by making a proxy bid.