Buying a non-runner from Copart or another vehicle auction sounds simple enough at first. You win the bid, sort the paperwork, and then reality kicks in. The car doesn’t start, it’s not road legal, and suddenly you need to work out how it’s actually getting from the auction site to your driveway or garage.
This catches a lot of buyers out, especially first-timers. Across Kent, we regularly deal with auction vehicles that people assumed they could “sort later”, only to realise moving them is the first real challenge.
What Auction Buyers Often Don’t Expect
Auction listings don’t always make things obvious. A car might be described as a non-runner, but that can mean different things in practice.
Common surprises include:
- cars that won’t start at all
- vehicles with locked wheels
- steering that won’t turn
- accident damage affecting alignment
- missing keys or immobiliser issues
By the time the purchase is complete, the vehicle is usually sitting in a compound that expects it to be collected within a fixed timeframe.
Why Driving an Auction Car Isn’t an Option
Even if the car appears intact, driving it away isn’t usually legal or sensible.
Most auction vehicles:
- don’t have MOT
- aren’t taxed
- may not be insured
- haven’t been checked for roadworthiness
Trying to get it running just to move it can cause further damage or legal problems. Transporting the vehicle avoids all of that.
How Non-Runner Auction Cars Are Collected
Auction collections are very different from roadside recoveries. The vehicle is static, often surrounded by other cars, and usually can’t be rolled easily.
Typical collection methods include:
- flatbed transport
- winching vehicles that won’t start
- using wheel skates for locked wheels
- careful loading to avoid further damage
This is especially important for accident-damaged vehicles, where dragging or incorrect towing can make repairs more expensive later.
From Auction Yard to Driveway or Garage
Once collected, the car usually needs to go somewhere specific. That might be:
- your home driveway
- a storage unit
- a garage or body shop
- a workshop for repairs
This is where earlier non-runner planning matters. Driveway access, tight spaces, and limited manoeuvring room all need to be considered before the vehicle arrives.
This ties closely into situations where dead cars need to be moved into tight residential spaces, not just collected from open yards.
Common Mistakes Buyers Make
We see a few patterns repeat themselves.
Some common mistakes include:
- assuming the car will roll
- booking transport too late
- not checking access at delivery location
- trying to push or tow the car on arrival
These issues are usually avoidable with the right transport setup from the start.
How Reds Recovery Handles Auction Non-Runners
Reds Recovery Services regularly transports non-runner auction vehicles across Kent, including Copart collections and private auction purchases.
Our car transport service is designed to handle:
- non-starting vehicles
- accident-damaged cars
- locked or seized wheels
- delivery to tight driveways or garages
More details about our transport service can be found here:
https://redsrecovery.co.uk/car-transport-services/
Each job is assessed based on the vehicle condition and the collection and delivery locations.
Why Timing Matters With Auctions
Most auction sites have collection deadlines. Leaving it too late can result in storage fees or complications.
Booking transport early:
- avoids extra costs
- gives time to plan access
- reduces stress on collection day
It also ensures the vehicle is moved in one controlled process rather than multiple attempts.
Once the car arrives, many buyers realise it doesn’t have MOT or tax, which raises questions about what’s legal and what isn’t when moving vehicles.
Buying a non-runner can be a good decision, but only if you plan the logistics properly. Transport is part of the purchase, not an afterthought.
If you’ve bought a non-runner from Copart or auction and need it moved anywhere in Kent, call Reds Recovery Services on 01634 926 801 and we’ll help you get it where it needs to be.
FAQs – Auction Non-Runner Transport
Can you collect cars directly from Copart?
Yes, non-runner vehicles can be collected from auction sites.
What if the car won’t roll at all?
Wheel skates allow vehicles with locked wheels to be moved safely.
Does the car need MOT or tax to be transported?
No, transport does not require MOT or tax.
Can you deliver to a residential address?
Yes, including tight driveways and garages.