[petecooper]

Manheim policy may vary across the world, but here in the UK they're open to private buyers on most lots.

My nearest auction house is Saltash, Plymouth and twice/weekly sales and upwards of 200 vehicles go through the books. It's quite something to see a car brought to the line, bid on and sold in 2 minutes.

Private buyers pay a larger commission per sale compared to bulk buyers, but hammer price is the same.

There's a twice-yearly plate change in the UK also, so in the coming weeks (from Sep 1) there will be a glut of used cars traded as part exchange for new vehicles.