Manheim Europe: how to buy a car at auction with turnkey delivery
Manheim is a Cox Automotive brand and one of the major remarketing operators: they sell vehicles coming off leasing, corporate fleets, rental programmes and dealer programmes. The format is closer to professional wholesale trading than to a retail purchase "like on a classifieds site".
For buyers from the CIS, Manheim is interesting because it's not a "random private seller" but a structured bidding system with a clear procedure: choose a lot, buy according to platform rules, collect, process documents, export.
What is Manheim Europe auction
Manheim in Europe operates as a network of auction sales and services for the professional market. Within the Cox Automotive Europe structure, Manheim Auction Services is highlighted as one of the major multi-channel wholesale platforms in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. Manheim Express is also mentioned — a digital auction platform for dealer-to-dealer transactions in continental Europe.
In simple terms, Manheim is:
- Sales channels (physical auctions and online bidding depending on the country).
- Infrastructure around the deal (inspections, preparation, logistics, document management).
- Professional purchasing rules: registration-based access, commissions, payment deadlines, handover procedures.
Where Manheim operates in Europe
On the Manheim Europe portal under "Our Countries", Portugal, Spain and UK are listed. Cox Automotive Europe also describes Manheim Auction Services specifically as a platform operating in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal.
For continental Europe, the group has separate digital solutions, including Manheim Express.
What cars are sold on Manheim
Manheim is about bulk stock. Most commonly found:
For any specific lot, it's important to check the listing: photos, condition description, specifications, sale conditions. In wholesale sales "perfection" isn't promised, but you get enough detail to make an informed decision.
- Vehicles from leasing and corporate use.
- Cars from fleet renewal programmes.
- Vehicles that dealers and large companies are decommissioning.
Who can buy on Manheim
Manheim is aimed at professional buyers: dealers, traders, companies that regularly buy and sell vehicles. That's why in most countries, auction access requires registration and status verification.
If you're a private buyer, the practical option is usually one — buy through a broker who has platform access and can properly handle payment, process documents and collect the vehicle on time.
How to buy a car on Manheim Europe: step-by-step process
Below is a process that works for Manheim in Europe overall, regardless of the specific country.
Vehicle selection
First, define the goal: a car "ready to drive", a vehicle for restoration, or commercial transport for work. Lots are then selected by market and country of sale. At this stage it's already worth estimating logistics: which country is easier and cheaper to export from, what documents will be needed, what restrictions apply at the time of purchase.
Lot verification
It's not just about photos. Check: condition description and noted defects, specifications and key options, seller documents and sale conditions, possible restrictions on handover and collection deadlines. If a lot is borderline on condition, it's better to plan for an inspection or at least additional verification through local partners.
Bidding or fixed-price purchase
Depending on the sales channel: live bidding, online bids with fixed end times, "buy now" options (if the specific sales programme provides for it). The key rule — set a price limit in advance. At auctions, overpaying usually happens not due to "miscalculation" but due to excitement.
Payment and commissions
After winning, an invoice is generated. Besides the vehicle price, the following are usually added: buyer's commission, administrative fees, handover/storage/preparation services, logistics (if ordered through the platform or service partners). Commissions vary by country and sale category, so they are calculated in advance, before bidding.
Vehicle collection and documents
After payment, handover is arranged: self-collection or carrier pickup, transfer document processing, export package preparation (if the car leaves the country of sale).
Delivering Manheim Europe cars to the CIS
Delivery to the CIS always consists of two parts:
There's an important nuance regarding routes: current export and transit restrictions may affect which vehicles can be exported, where exactly and by what method. That's why a proper calculation is done before purchase, not "after winning". Delivery timelines depend on the country of sale, logistics capacity, route and transport format. There's no universal "10-20 days" here.
- Intra-European logistics (collection from the site, delivery to warehouse, border or port).
- Onward transport and customs clearance in the destination country.
Manheim Europe reviews: what to consider
Most often, buyers note the clear auction organisation and convenience of purchasing through a professional system rather than through random listings.
But there are three points to keep in mind:
- Auction sales often operate on an "as is" basis — you need to carefully read the listing and conditions.
- Claims and complaint deadlines (if provided) are usually limited and require documentary evidence.
- The final cost is almost always higher than the "bid" because commissions and logistics are added.
Why buy through WESTMOTORS
WESTMOTORS handles the Manheim purchase and manages the deal until vehicle collection:
Lot selection
We select lots matching your budget and goal, filtering out weak options by listing and conditions.
Cost calculation
We calculate the total cost before purchase: vehicle price, commissions, logistics, documents.
Auction participation
We participate in auctions through professional access or purchase via available sale formats.
Payment and collection
We arrange payment, vehicle collection and delivery along the chosen route.
Documents and support
We prepare the export document package and support processing until vehicle handover.
Conclusion
Manheim in Europe is a professional channel for buying vehicles through wholesale sales, where regulations, documents and full cost calculation before bidding matter. If you're buying from the CIS, it's more convenient to go through a broker: easier access to auctions, payment, handover and logistics. WESTMOTORS can handle the entire process — from lot selection to delivery to your city.
Want a selection of current lots and a turnkey delivery estimate? Leave a request — we'll select options and show the final cost breakdown before purchase.
Manheim in Europe is a professional channel for buying vehicles through wholesale sales, where regulations, documents and full cost calculation before bidding matter. If you're buying from the CIS, it's more convenient to go through a broker: easier access to auctions, payment, handover and logistics. WESTMOTORS can handle the entire process — from lot selection to delivery to your city.
Want a selection of current lots and a turnkey delivery estimate? Leave a request — we'll select options and show the final cost breakdown before purchase.
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