“The Total Is?”: BMW Sold at JHB Auction Has South Africans Asking About Hidden Costs

• A car auction page shared footage of a BMW One Series being sold at a Johannesburg auction
• The video sparked confusion among viewers about the actual total cost, as auction rules require additional fees
• South Africans flooded the comments asking about auction locations, finance options, and whether there were hidden costs
• Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha which financial strategies individuals should use when buying vehicles at auctions to secure the best deal

A car auction specialist page has got South Africans talking after sharing a video of a BMW being sold at a Johannesburg auction on 16 July 2025.

The TikTok page @topnicecars, which regularly features vehicles from auctions across the country, posted the clip showing the moment a BMW One Series went under the hammer.

The video captures the auctioneer announcing that the BMW has been sold for R90,000, with rows of potential buyers seated alongside the road holding pamphlets with auction details. The scene shows the excitement and energy of a live car auction, where people bid on vehicles that could be bargains compared to dealership prices.

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However, the video has caused some confusion among viewers who want to understand the real cost of buying at auction. The R90,000 figure is just the hammer price, and buyers need to factor in additional costs that can significantly increase the final amount.

Briefly News asked financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha for tips on financial strategies to get the best deal when purchasing vehicles at auctions. She said:

"Attending a few auctions as an observer before bidding can provide insight into pricing trends and bidding dynamics.

"Lastly, arranging financing in advance whether cash or through vehicle loan where applicable ensures readiness to secure a good deal without making rushed financial decisions."

South Africans react with interest

@Kubeshniee_Govender asked:

"Do they have Burchmores' auction in Durban?"

@singi calculated:

"Meaning the total is R106,000."

@Star questioned:

"Are there hidden costs? Or it's 90k straight?"

@Brilliant wondered:

"So with 80k, can I get a car?"

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@Wendz1409 admired:

"I love this car."

@Hadassah_The_Favoured inquired:

"Is finance available for this kind of car?"

@winnetymuskwemahl wanted to know:

"Where's this place, I want to go?"

@Siviwe_Prince_Matsha asked:

"Is this auction available in the Eastern Cape?"

Auction rules and requirements explained

According to Bidvest Burchmore's, which runs legal vehicle auctions, there are specific rules and costs that buyers must understand before participating. All bids exclude an admin fee of R2,500 and 15% VAT, which means the actual total for this BMW would be much higher than the announced R90,000.

The auction house requires an R8,000 registration deposit per vehicle that buyers want to bid on. They don't accept cash or cheques on their premises, only electronic transfers that must clear on auction day, or credit and debit cards for the deposit only.

Bidvest Burchmore's has strict payment policies to ensure smooth transactions. All buyers must provide original or certified copies of FICA documents, and the company reserves the right to remove vehicles from the catalogue without notice.

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For those who want to finance their auction purchase, the company works with major financial institutions to help buyers get pre-approved loans. This makes car auctions accessible to people who don't have the full cash amount available immediately.

The process after winning a bid involves collecting an invoice and ensuring all payments clear in the company's bank account before any vehicle can be collected. No cash payments are accepted for the balance, and buyers must use electronic transfers or bank deposits.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

When buying a car at auction in South Africa, it's crucial to be cautious due to several factors highlighted by Arrive Alive:

1. Sold "As Is": Vehicles are sold without warranties, and buyers cannot return them if issues arise.
2. Limited inspection: Test drives are typically not allowed, and buyers can only inspect the vehicle visually.
3. Hidden costs: Additional fees, such as buyer's commissions and roadworthy certification costs, may apply.
4. Scams: Be wary of online scams where fraudsters impersonate auction houses, offering vehicles at fixed prices and requesting upfront payments.
5. Vehicle history: Ensure the vehicle has a clear history. Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any discrepancies.

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Other stories about cars in South Africa

• Briefly News recently reported on luxury cars spotted at Stellenbosch University that sparked debates about student wealth.
• Music producer Prince Kaybee reacted to a businessman flexing his lavish car collection in a convoy video.
• A Johannesburg man paying R20,000 for his apartment found his BMW damaged overnight, exposing the harsh reality of estate living despite paying hefty rent for supposedly safe accommodation in the big city.

Updated by Hilary Sekgota, Human Interest HOD at Briefly News.

Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News