Hi all,

So in my quest to buy a RRS I phoned up a local dealer near to where I'll be living, the net result of which was to be told that all their vehicles over 5 years old are sold off via Manheim Auctions.

Intrigued I registered, and am considering an auction as a viable option. The info provided by them, plus checks carried out are more comprehensive than your average auto trader ad. There are obvious considerations that I'm mindful of, but to be honest if there is a FSH, recent service, MOT, lower mileage and inspection report - it looks like a viable option to me.

Anyone out there done it? Or a helpful trader

Cheers.

I don't know how much info you would get off the inspection report, but you would have to have a fair buffer in terms of what you bid, to cover things that are not noticeable without a drive. Things that might be an issue are air compressor (£800) suspension bushes (£300/corner and they tend to go in pairs/threes) handbrake motor (£500) that is all before even looking at the engine! (At five years the timing chain probably need done)
If you could buy £5k less than list, it might be worth a punt, but then you would probably be up against dealers wanting to make a quick buck.
You could get lucky and find a well maintained ex company/lease car!
Cheers
Dave MY10 TDV6 SE (debadged ), Santorini Black, Flappy paddles, Privacy Glass, 20" Stormers, Mudflaps!

Gone: a comprehensive list of imprezas and a Merc ML AMG

I went to a few auctions, BCA mainly, and I found that people were bidding up the Sports so much that they went for a premium to the list price. Recently bought a 2007 RRS HSE TDV6 for a Pimp-My-Ride-Project.
DONE: Meduza front bumper, AB rear bumper, AB tailpipes, calipers repainted, rear upper tailgate upgrade, side steps, AB front grille, AB side vents, rear LED lights, clear side repeaters, integrated daytime running lights, LED headlights.
TO DO: color code sills and pillars.

I got mine through a pal in the trade. The closed trade auctions are the ones to get into really. But it generally takes a pal to access as they do check you are actually a trader. Trade insurance, premises, VAT number, etc.

Not much point bidding against publics in public auctions IMO. As noted above, you can end up paying retail for something you didn't drive that may be a lemon. Get a 2005-2009 RRS (FAH500210) sat nav/dash mat here - the one that wasn't there when you bought the car.

Spiffing wheel centre caps available

Yes I would absolutely agree that often they do make near retail money and you have not been able to do a REAL inspection .

Would have to agree they tend to bid up the prices which makes the cars expensive as they have no warranty as such

It's worth going just to see what stuff sells for, but best to go once or twice before you are ready to buy, so that you get a feel for what goes on.
I've been a few times, and popular stuff, naturally, always seems to sell for almost retail prices.