How to bid on a vehicle offered for sale

General bidding requirements

Become an Engine Notes Member
Register for the sale you wish bid on
If you have any questions about how to bid, or queries about the vehicles listed prior to bidding, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Find your vehicle how to register to bid

1. Start the registration process via the following link - Register to Bid

2. Submit your details, complete onboarding processes, and send requested documents (typically 2 business days)

3. We authorise your bidding account and payment method

4. All bidders are assigned an Sales Specialist in case you need any help

5. Take part in the sale

6. You are the winner! Your Sales Specialist will assist you in finalising your sale.

Q. How much does it cost to registered to bid with Engine Notes?

A. It costs nothing to register with Engine Notes. We do charge a buyers premium (see T&C’s). In exchange for the buyers premium we do to make sure the vehicles listed are of good quality. We inspect vehicles for their condition so the buyer's charge is the same as if you had asked a specialist to inspect a vehicle and we typically live-stream/record inspections.

Q. Do you sell everything that you are offered?

A. No. Our entry criteria is strict. Not every vehicle will be consigned. We are known for quality of the vehicles we curate into our auctions. We choose which vehicles to list based on a number of factors, especially condition, we have inspected every vehicle you see on the platform ourselves.

Q. Do I need to view the vehicle?

A. A high percentage of buyers will be willing to purchase and trust us to have made sure the vehicle is of high quality. Because the vehicle is described in such detail, it's inspected by us, they have confidence to do so. But you may request a viewing, and we will work with the seller to arrange this. If there is significant interest in a sale rather than arranging viewings, Engine Notes will arrange to show your vehicle at one of our events, or a live-stream viewing, and its possible a live-streamed auction.

Q. What happens if the sale isn’t as expected and there are defects not mentioned in the listing?

A. As a bidder, you definitely should satisfy yourself you want to buy the vehicle before placing a bid. Though we do only consign vehicles we feel are of the right provenance, ultimately its your responsibility. All sales by traders made to consumers, whether sold by an individual or a business, do fall under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Act provides they must meet certain minimum standards (see our FAQ’s)

Q. How much are your fees, and why is there a charge on my credit card?

A. When registering we approve you to bid, and in doing so you commit to paying the buyers premium (See T&C's; 4.5% capped at £6000, with a minimum of £550). Should you win the auction, you will be charged the buyers premium. If not, the ‘’hold’’ will be released immediately at auction end. It can sometimes take a few days for your bank to indicate this. If you have any problems please contact us immediately.

Q. Can I bid on a car from another country?

A. Yes. For UK residents, please refer to www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk and www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk/paying-vat-and-duty. For buyers outside the UK, please check your country’s import laws and requirements for VAT, duties and taxes for imported cars prior to bidding.

Q. Can I buy a car that didn’t meet reserve?

A. If a vehicle gets close to its reserve, in some cases Engine Notes at our own discretion, will to make up the difference between the your highest bid and the reserve, therefore selling the vehicle to the highest bidder. Where a vehicle doesn’t sell, and you would like to discuss it, please contact us immediately.

Q. What happens after the auction, how do I settle with the Seller?

A. At the end of the sale the we introduce you to the selling and assist both of you to complete the trade; speak to us if you would like to arrange to transport and have you new vehicle delivered etc.