Where these vehicles in Germany come from
The lots come from German public sales. Zoll-Auktion, the platform of customs and administrations, auctions decommissioned police cars, fire service vehicles and municipal commercial vehicles. Justiz-Auktion offers vehicles seized by bailiffs and courts. VEBEG, a federal company, sells equipment from the administration and the army, including vehicles from the US forces via IFMS, often without VAT. Add to that liquidations and insolvencies of bankrupt companies, via specialised platforms and regional liquidators, as well as hundreds of private auction houses. Many of these sales are little known outside Germany, which means lots pass without a bid. Bidorado groups them and translates them for English-speaking buyers.
How to bid from the UK
Bidorado does not sell anything: it displays the lots and you bid on the official website of the seller. Create an account with the relevant seller, read the terms of sale and check the registration procedures. At private auction houses, a deposit may be required. At Zoll-Auktion and Justiz-Auktion, there are no buyer's fees. At VEBEG, some lots are sold by sealed tender, with prices excluding VAT. Auctions are conducted in German: conditions are described with terms such as defekt, ungeprüft, ohne Festplatte or BIOS-Passwort. Bidorado flags them. A viewing before the sale, the Besichtigung, is often possible: ask for it if you have any doubt. Arrange a payment method accepted by the seller and respect the deadlines.
The real price: fees, VAT and all-in price
The price displayed at a private auctioneer is not the final price. Buyer's fees, the Aufgeld, are added, often between 15 and 33%, plus German VAT of 19% depending on the regime: VAT added, VAT included or the margin scheme, the Differenzbesteuerung. Bidorado displays the all-in price to avoid unpleasant surprises. At Zoll-Auktion and Justiz-Auktion, there are no buyer's fees. At VEBEG, prices are often excluding VAT. A professional from the EU with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport, the Gelangensbestätigung, depending on the seller. Always check the conditions before bidding and keep a margin for any administrative fees.
Collection and transport of the vehicle
Vehicles are almost always to be collected on site, in Germany. The mention nur Abholung means the seller does not ship. Some sellers ship within Germany or the EU, but this is rare for a roadworthy vehicle. You can appoint a transporter or use a relay address in Germany to bring the lot. To drive to the UK, you need export plates, Ausfuhrkennzeichen, or temporary plates, Kurzzeitkennzeichen, valid for a limited journey. Check the actual condition of the vehicle before departure: battery, tyres, brakes, levels. A vehicle that is defekt or ungeprüft must not take to the road without a check. Plan for tools, a spare battery and insurance suitable for the journey.
Paperwork and formalities to register in your country
The German documents handed over are the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II, the registration certificate, the former Fahrzeugbrief. The German technical inspection, HU or TÜV, may be valid or expired: check its date. To register in your country, you need a certificate of conformity and the registration procedure of your country. The certificate of conformity is obtained from the manufacturer or its representative. Without these documents, registration is blocked. For a non-compliant vehicle, an individual approval may be necessary. Keep the purchase invoice and proof of VAT payment. Anticipate these procedures before bidding: some take time.
Pitfalls to avoid before bidding
Read the German description word for word: defekt, ungeprüft, ohne Festplatte, BIOS-Passwort, nur für Gewerbetreibende. These details change the value of the lot. Check whether the vehicle is roadworthy or not, and whether collection in person is mandatory. At private auction houses, calculate the Aufgeld and VAT before placing a bid: Bidorado's all-in price helps you do this. At VEBEG, watch out for sealed-bid tenders and prices excluding VAT. Do not rely on a photo: ask for a viewing, the Besichtigung, or ask the seller questions. Arrange transport and plates before the sale. Finally, many lots sell without a bid: Bidorado's Radar flags these opportunities, but always check the seller's official terms.