I’m a car auctioneer… I’ve sold 2million cars ranging from £1 to £525,000 – here’s how to get the most from your motor
A CAR auctioneer who has sold millions of motors over three decades has revealed tips to get the most for your motor.
Jim Ronan has sold everything from bangers worth £1 to an Aston Martin DB4 which went for £525,000.
Jim started selling cars at auction in the 1980s when Arthur Daley type characters were still around sporting overcoats and cigars.
Jim remembers selling a Jaguar which burst into flames the moment he brought his gavel down.
But the internet has transformed the car market and Jim has seen the industry undergo major changes over the last decade or so.
He said that many of the more colourful characters who once contributed to the industry have moved on.
Now Jim, who has been selling motors since the 1980s, has provided some crucial tips to drivers who want to sell.
Jim’s first tip was for buyers to consider selling their car at an auction. He said that there unlikely to get “scammed” and that the process was very straightforward.
He said: “A lot of people who are selling a car just want convenience and will take whatever price they can get from a buying site or trader.
“They don’t realise how easy it is to sell at an auction. You don’t need to wait in for people to come and kick the tyres and you won’t get scammed.
“Some cars are now going for hundreds or even thousands above the reserve. At the moment it is older, small automatics that are going crazy. I’ve no idea why.”
Jim advised sellers to tidy their car and make sure all the documents and spare keys were in order.
Jim said honesty was the best policy with faults, and advised sellers to set a realistic reserve price.
He said: “My advice to sellers is to present a car well, get all the documents and spare keys in order and invest in a valet so it looks its best.
“If there are any faults, declare them. And set a realistic reserve price.”
And Jim also had some advice for punters looking for a car to buy at auction.
He said: “If you are buying at auction, the first thing is to look at the source. If it’s direct from a main dealer and is not their usual stock, it will be a genuine part-exchange and you know why it’s in the sale.
“If a private seller has put it in, you might wonder why, so look for cars that are sold with a trial or inspection because it will give you peace of mind.”
An iconic sports car which was owned and specially modified by a F1 cult hero could be yours.
The 1998 Nissan Skyline up for auction was previously owned and upgraded by Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert.
The former Sky pundit’s much sought after ‘Series 3’, which has just 45,000 miles, has a guide price of between £58,000 and £68,000.