Wheeler Dealers' star Mike Brewer has suggested second-hand car buyers could be caught out by this major issue.

14:00, Wed, Jan 8, 2025 | UPDATED: 14:00, Wed, Jan 8, 2025

mike brewer stading in front of two vans

Mike Brewer has issued a warning to second hand used car owners (Image: X / @MikeBrewer)

Wheeler Dealers' host Mike Brewer has issued a crucial warning to those looking for a second-hand used car in 2025. 

Car auctions may look like an ideal destination for those on the lookout for certain models with dozens of machines all under one roof. 

More than 12,000 vehicles are sold at car auctions every week with well over half a million models shifted annually. 

However, Mike has admitted auction houses may not be ideal for private buyers with road users at risk of “taking a gamble”. 

Auction rules mean motorists get limited hands-on time with cars compared to a private sale which may be off-putting for many. 

car auctions

Mike warns car auctions may not be the best location for second hand buyers (Image: Getty)

Speaking on YouTube, Mike said: “You need to know what you're looking at. You get that one opportunity to buy the cars. 

“And when you buy it, if the cars sold what they say at auction with warranty, you get one hour at the end of the sale to test drive the car, make sure you’re happy without otherwise you’ve got to stand on what you’ve paid for. 

“So you have to really have your wits about you. That's why in an auction environment like this you’ll only see dealers really. 

“You get the odd private individual but you are taking a bit of a gamble.”

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According to AutoExpress, car auctions can offer good value for money while no haggling or negotiating is required to get a decent deal.

However, they stress road users will often have “no opportunity for a detailed mechanical inspection” while road users "can’t test drive” a model beforehand. 

They also stress models will usually come with no warranty in place with many sales likely to "require work” before they can legally drive on UK roads. 

Experts at SwapAuto also warned that a “lack of transparency” was one of the biggest drawbacks for road users. 

He commented: “One of the biggest drawbacks of car auction sites is the lack of transparency in the buying and selling process. 

“Unlike traditional dealerships or private sales, where you can inspect the vehicle in person and ask questions directly to the seller, online auctions often provide limited information and photos, making it difficult to assess the true condition of the car.”