At first, buying at auction may seem daunting. For many people once an auction is experienced, it becomes their preferred way of purchasing a vehicle.

The first step is to do your research – find out what best suits you and your budget.

Next, is finding your vehicle. Catalogues for QFleet auctions are available via the Public Trustee of Queensland.

Take the opportunity to inspect the vehicles on offer before auction day.

At the QFleet auctions, bidding initially increases in regular increments of $250 for passenger vehicles and at $500 increments for commercial and luxury vehicles. However, at the auctioneer's discretion, or as lot value increases, the auctioneer may invite bids of a lower value increment.

All QFleet vehicles are subject to a 'reserve' price, which is a price that QFleet assesses as the market value of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not meet the reserve price it is 'passed in' and the highest bidder has an exclusive right to negotiate on that vehicle.

Passed in vehicles, where no bid is received, are available for sale immediately at reserve price.

Once the vehicle has been declared sold, bidders are required to pay a $500 deposit. The balance of the sale price must be paid within three full working days (after the sale) in Brisbane and two full working days (after the sale) in regional areas.

Acceptable payments are cash and bank cheque only. EFTPOS (excludes credit card transactions) is only available at Brisbane. Payment can be made through the Public Trustee Office in Queensland.