Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer helps motorist ‘save £500’ with simple tips

star Mike Brewer has helped a motorist save almost £500 on a second-hand used car. 

The presenter of the restoration series knocked hundreds off the cost of a Hyundai i20 by

Although auctions , savvy road users can often snag a bargain. 

Mike and co-host Marc Priestley went along to an auction to meet Rachel, a second-hand buyer, to offer tips on how to

It quickly became clear Rachel wanted to secure a small city runabout at a budget price. 

After looking through the auction list of models on sale, Rachel identified some target cars, with one of her top picks.

Wheeler Dealers presenter Marc Priestley said: “Auctions can be intense and there is no set timetable for each sale. A crucial time for learning about your target car is when it’s first started up. 

“You’ve really got to look out, listen and look for all the signs. You only get a second to study your target car.”

As well as thoroughly inspecting the bodywork, Marc revealed two simple checks motorists heading to auctions should consider. 

Waiting for the engine to start up could be crucial with any blue smoke from the exhaust indicating a major problem which could cost hundreds to fix. 

Meanwhile, looking for any warning lights on the dashboard is crucial as these may be hidden by sellers looking for a sale. 

Rachel had set a maximum budget of £1,200 but became the highest bidder at just £1,000. 

However, it quickly became apparent the sale was only provisional as the auction had not met the vehicle’s minimum price set by the seller. 

It emerged this was just £100 more with Rachel agreeing to a sale at £1,100 and securing the keys.

Mike suggested it was a great buy with the model likely to cost hundreds of pounds more elsewhere. 

He said: “What a result. A smart city runabout for just over £1,000. On the open market it might have cost £1,500. A discount like that seems well worth anyone’s effort.”