Participating in a damaged car auction can be an exhilarating and financially rewarding endeavour. However, a lack of experience in the salvage car auction industry can set you back and leave you disappointed at the final hammer bang. At Hallmark Auto, we want to arm you with expert advice to launch into our auctions with confidence and achieve your goals of buying cheap accident-damaged cars for sale.
You may have several questions before you bid on the vehicle of your choice at the latest damaged car auction (many of which are answered in this FAQs blog). We want to make the process of finding a smashed car for sale more straightforward by outlining the available options for buying a salvage car, types of vehicles on sale and tips before placing a bid.
Your Options for Buying a Crashed Car for Sale
Hallmark Auto provides two main ways to purchase salvage vehicles:
- Online Timed Auctions: Taking place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, these auctions allow buyers to bid remotely over a set period. If your bid is the highest at the end of the damaged car auction, the vehicle is yours. This format is perfect for buyers seeking flexibility and convenience.
- In-Person Sales Floors: Prefer a hands-on experience? Visit Hallmark Auto’s sales floors in Pretoria or Johannesburg to inspect and purchase vehicles on-site.
Types of Vehicles on Auction
Hallmark Auto specializes in salvage vehicles, including accident-damaged and stolen-and-recovered cars. While these vehicles are sold as-is and may require repairs, they typically cost around 40% less than second-hand cars in good condition. From slightly dented vehicles to badly smashed cars for sale, there’s a wide range to choose from.
Expert Tips Before Placing Your Bid
- Select a Reputable Auction House: Hallmark Auto has a proud reputation for offering quality smashed cars for sale. Check online reviews to confirm you’re buying from a trusted source.
- Observe Before You Participate: New to auctions? Watch a few Hallmark Auto online auctions to familiarise yourself with the process and learn the best strategies for bidding.
- Register to Bid: To participate, you’ll need to register with valid identification. Clients may also opt to register as a business, which requires a BNRC (Business Registration Number Certificate) as well as the proxy ID of the business owner. Foreign nationals must provide a passport and a valid Traffic Register Number Certificate.
- Inspect Vehicles Thoroughly: Hallmark Auto allows buyers to view vehicles in person or via a virtual 360° video call. This lets you scrutinise the car’s condition and get advice from their knowledgeable team, ensuring you make an informed decision.
- Understand the “Voetstoots” Policy: All vehicles are sold as-is, with no guarantees or returns. Inspect carefully, as your purchase is final.
- Know Vehicle Codes:
- Code 2: Pre-owned, drivable vehicles.
- Code 3: Vehicles with significant damage but repairable.
- Code 3A: Accident-damaged vehicles requiring extensive repairs.
- Budget Smartly: All smashed cars for sale at Hallmark Auto are listed excluding VAT. Remember to account for VAT and additional fees like the R500 NATiS registration charge. Setting a firm maximum bid will help you avoid overspending.
- Use the Auto-Bid Option: Set a maximum bid amount to stay competitive without constant monitoring. The system will automatically place bids for you up to your limit.
3 Reasons to Bid at Hallmark Auto
- Affordability: Our unbeatably low prices and selection of over 1,000 smashed cars for sale mean you’re spoilt for choice, even on a tight budget.
- Convenience: View vehicles online without sales pressure or opt for a virtual inspection.
- Customer Support: From a live chat to sound advice, Hallmark Auto ensures buyers make the right choice when shopping at our damaged car auctions.
Bidding on Hallmark Auto’s damaged car auction is a savvy way to get incredible value. Bear these tips in mind so that you can bid with confidence and certainty on the vehicle your heart desires.
Walk away with a great deal by diving into a damaged car auction at Hallmark Auto today! Contact us to explore our selection of vehicles.