Auction bargains

Nov 23 2009 Matt Tumbridge

STANDING in Wymondham auction on a warm summer's evening a few months back, I was seduced by the low, low prices perfectly sound family transport were 'knocked-out' for.

Then, standing under a heater on a chilly winter's day watching 20-odd cars go through the sausage factory that is BCA's Blackbushe auction, my romantic fling with auctions came to an abrupt end.

You see, these 20 lots were different to every other auction car I have seen: I knew how well each car had coped with the last 1,500 miles of driving, who owned them and how they drove them.

What became apparent to me is that if a popular car with a good reputation is at auction, it has probably got a problem. If an unpopular car with no particular reputation turns up, it is just not desired. There's no reason to think it has a problem.

So here are three cars that don't have a reputation one way or another, which will make them cheap at auction. And in the real world they have as good a chance of being reliable as anything else.

Rover 25

Well built, sensational value small hatchback. Reasonable equipment levels, average interior space and simple, timeless looks. It is a Honda Civic but without the reputation.

Most economical: 2.0D

Best used buy: 1.6 iL has ABS brakes.

UsedCarExpert guide price: Year 2000 1.6 with 50,000 average miles is worth £1,000 - £1,400 retail. At an auction you'll pay less than £500.

Renault Scenic

The first small MPV. A good looking alternative to a family estate. Lots in the market, so you can be fussy and find something for any budget.

Most economical: 1.9 dti

Best used buy: 1.6 petrol.

UsedCarExpert guide price: A 2001 1.6 petrol will be anything from £1,000 - £2,000 retail depending on mileage, spec and condition. But at auction it's more like £600 - £800.

Vauxhall Omega

Luxury saloon available at bargain prices. Relatively cheap to keep on the road too.

Most economical: 2.2 diesel

Best used buy: 2.5 or 2.6 petrol

UsedCarExpert guide price: A 2002 2.5 or 2.6 petrol with 70,000 average miles will be £2,000 - £3,000 retail. The one that went through auction with a decent service history last week was £425.