Do Your Research

As with any major purchase, it’s best not to rush in. Do your homework first- how much do cars like the one you have your eye on normally go for? Check genuine reviews of the cars on consumers’ forums online, and ask questions (don’t just read the marketers’ hype- find genuine customers online and find out what they think of their cars). Remember too that the bigger the engine, the higher the running costs will be, including insurance and petrol, so that will need to be factored in if you’re looking for a bargain in the long term.

Choose Your Auction

eBay auctions are popular ways to buy many types of goods, including used cars. If you do use eBay, the famous “eBay guarantee” promises that you will get the item you paid for, or you will get your money back. This is an important protection in a notoriously risky purchase.
Before paying, it’s definitely best to check the car over in person, and examine the documents the seller provides (including their ID). If you don’t know much about cars, take someone with you who does. There are numerous tutorials and tips to be found online to help you ask the right questions.

Keep Your Cool

Auctions are exciting, and in the heat of the moment it’s totally possible to get carried away and pay more than you should. Be disciplined: use the research you’ve done to find out the car’s true market value, and don’t pay over the odds. If you’ve never purchased anything at auction before, it might be worthwhile attending one just as a spectator to get a feel for the whole thing before you attempt to buy.

The Citizens’ Advice Bureau has lots of information available to let you know your rights when you buy anything at an auction, but bear in mind that some auction houses have certain rules which exempt them from the Sales of Goods Act. Check the rules carefully before you bid.

1. Choose a company that will be able to donate your car for you

There are several companies that can donate your car for you – saving you a lot of time and hassle. These schemes usually have a list of charities that you can donate your car to, and some will even come and collect your vehicle for free. What happens to your car will depend on its condition; for example, if your vehicle is in a particularly bad state, it could be sold for scrap, or recycled. When choosing a company, find out whether the car will be recycled in accordance with environmental regulations, and what the process will involve.

2. Notify the relevant authorities

When donating your car, you will need to notify the DVLA and complete the relevant paperwork. This may include a Certificate of Destruction if a company you have chosen has decided to use your vehicle for scrap. Completing this form will free you of any responsibility in regards to the car. For more information about donating your car, refer to the DVLA website.

3. Choosing a charity

You might want to donate your vehicle directly to a charity of your choice. The charity will then sell your car and use the funds. For more information about whether the charity of your choice runs a scheme like this, refer to their website, or contact them by phone. Many people have donated their cars to charities when they no longer need them, and the money raised will be put to good use. Your car will usually be picked up shortly after you have contacted the charity, and the vehicle will then be sold for scrap or be put up for auction.