CAR auctions have often been seen as too daunting an experience for many private buyers, but many leading firms are making a real effort to make their sales centres more public-friendly.

Today there is the option to bid by phone, and even the Internet, if the thought of bidding in person against cash-laden dealers is still too much.

One vehicle auction company, Manheim, has introduced an online search tool, appropriately called Hammer Time, to allow private buyers to browse through car and van lots due to come up for sale.

The thousands of cars, light commercials, trucks and motorcycles offered at Manheim's 19 UK auction centres were previously only available to the motor trade, but Manheim's search facility has proved increasing popular with the wider public.

The downside to it is that there's a subscription fee to pay - from £4.99 for a week to £79.99 for a whole year, if the vehicle search looks like taking that long - but it's a fact that even the latter outlay could be repaid several times over if you do buy at auction as opposed to paying high street dealer prices.

Hammer Time subscribers have the ability to view, and print, specific auction catalogues, and to review photographs, condition reports and detailed vehicle specifications. And, if buyers cannot find the exact vehicle they're looking for, email alerts can be set up.

On the peace of mind front, there are mechanical checks on many vehicles offered by Manheim.

Mike Pilkington, managing director of Manheim auctions, said: "Private buyers are always looking for the best deal, and are increasingly utilising the internet to search for used vehicles. Hammer Time gives them access to arguably the widest selection of those vehicles."

If you didn't know, Manheim is the world's largest automotive services company and has been voted Britain's Best Remarketing company for the last three years.

Worldwide, the firm handles almost ten million used vehicles a year, these transactions totalling more than $58bn in value.