CAR boot sales can be a treasure trove for bargain hunters, if you know what to look for.
Among the mountains of used toys, mismatched mugs, and bric-a-brac, there are hidden gems that are worth serious cash.
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And nobody knows that better than thrifty Mary Hagan, from North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
She picked up her love for car boot sales from her parents, visiting Paddy’s Market in Glasgow every week as a family before it was closed down by the city council in 2009.
She said: “I loved it and was very sad to see it close, as were loads of others.
“It was a big talking point in Glasgow years ago and families and friends would meet to show their bargains off.
“I even got my prom dress there for high school. It was a £5 bargain but I felt amazing in it.
“Times were hard then and although my mum worked, my dad didn’t due to his health but it didn’t stop us ever looking good.”
Now, the 48-year-old loves nothing more than scouring car boot sales and charity shops in her local area.
“I’ve had loads of bargains over the years”, she told Fabulous.
“I hardly ever buy anything new. But I love it as it saves things going to the landfill, and it’s better for your pocket.
“Also, with the way things are going, you need every penny you can get to survive.”
If she’s at her caravan holiday home, Mary ventures through to the Silloth boot sale in Cumbria – which she hails as a “money town where you’re guaranteed the best”.
And it’s here that she bagged a £600 designer gem for just £8.
The tan Mulberry Alexa satchel was wrapped in a dust bag when Mary stumbled across it towards the end of the day.
After sharing her find on TikTok (@mazzah77), she said: “I asked if I could have a look. The seller said ‘of course’ and I knew instantly I was onto a winner.
“I could tell it was genuine right away. It’s real leather, and the insides, the emblems, and condition are all spot on.
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“I asked how much and the seller had said because it was the end of day £10.
“Inside I was like ‘wow I’m definitely taking it anyway’ but the Glaswegian in me knew to haggle. I mean, who goes to a car boot and doesn’t haggle? It’s part of the excitement.
“So we agreed on £8. I was delighted and walked away Googling it straight away to realise a pre-loved Mulberry bag the exact same was fetching £600.
“I don’t know if I will resell or keep it, it’s not my usual style so who knows – if the price is right!”
She adds: “It’s always worthwhile going to car boots and charity shops as you just never know what you will find.
“Just remember to rummage and haggle.”
The nine best items to find at car boot sales
Self-professed ‘Car Boot Queen’ Ellie Macsymons, from NetVoucherCodes, has revealed the nine items you should hunt out at car boot sales that could sell for hundreds of pounds:
- Vintage Pyrex Dishes
- Retro Gaming Consoles & Games
- Branded Vintage Clothing
- Mid-Century Furniture & Decor
- LEGO Sets
- Vintage Cameras
- Rare or First Edition Books
- Designer Handbags or Accessories
- Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, or Denby Ceramics
Ellie says: “Car boot sales are the perfect place to spot a deal. Often sellers don’t know what kind of treasure they have right under their nose, and often sell luxury items for a fraction of their price.
“If you know what you’re looking for, you could resell some of these items for hundreds of pounds, giving you an extra boost coming into summer.”
