Yeah, you can browse repo cars online—title loan castoffs, bank seizures, all that. Most auctions post pics (grainy thumbnails, but still). Heads up: Some rigs get added last-minute, like a shady Craigslist seller dumping a “ran when parked” special at 2 AM.
First-timer? Chill. Public repo auctions have staff who’ll babysit you through the chaos. They’ve heard every “dumb” question—trust me. No shame in asking how to bid, where to pee, or why that Silverado smells like a fishing boat.
Scour the rules. Actually read ‘em. And eyeball the inventory: trucks, SUVs, vans, ATVs… I’ve seen Jet Skis, bulldozers, even an RV that probably hosted a Florida Man documentary. Just remember: If you skip the fine print, that “steal” might come with a lien thicker than a gator’s hide.
While some people find car auctions intimidating, learning how to buy bank repos is not as difficult as you may think. Most of my customers are pleasantly surprised when they arrive at the auction and the staff helps them through the process.
At Car Auction Network, I hope to help you learn more about these auctions and to find one near you. It truly is a great way to buy a low priced used car without the hassle of car dealers or the dangers of buying cars online from classified listings.
Bank Repo Auction Fee Calculator
I want to get the most common concern I hear out of the way: When a car auction says it is “open to the public”, that means anyone with a driver’s license may buy a vehicle. There is no special license or membership needed for local public car auctions and police car auctions.
A public online auto auction provides a safe place to see lots of cars and trucks for sale at a single location without an annoying salesperson following you around and hassling you. Bank repo cars for sale are not hard to find if you know where to look and, these days, bank car auctions are starting to fill with inventory as used car prices begin to fall.
Repossessed cars for sale can be riskier to buy, but offer bargains to those that are patient. This is especially true about title loan repo cars — it is important to know what you are bidding on. Repo car auctions open to the public will answer any questions you have upfront about the bidding process.
My Advice on Buying Bank Repo Auction Cars at Repo Car Auctions Open to the Public
It is important to follow these few tips when bidding on bank repos (including cars, trucks, SUVS, RVs, and motorcycles) at a public car auction. Also keep in mind that many auctions allow you to buy a car without having to attend the actual auction.
Some people find this method more convenient than bidding against others but this option varies by location so be sure to ask. Either way, this information could come in handy when buying a second hand car at an auction.
Auction cars online are an easy way to bid, but it’s very important to look at all photos of the car you want to bid on. Most auctions have very limited or no warranties or refunds after the auction is over.
My Tip: I Suggest You Arrive Early at the Auction for a Thorough Inspection of Auction Cars
Based on our years of experience attending auctions, I can’t stress enough the importance of arriving early. This gives you ample time to inspect the cars, especially if the auction is held in the evening.
Daylight is your best friend when evaluating a vehicle’s condition.I’ve found hidden dents and scratches that were only visible in natural light.
Bank-repossessed cars often come straight from repossession to the auction lot, so they may not be in the cleanest condition. A close inspection will help you gauge the car’s state and avoid any surprises later on. You need to be extra diligent about checking engines, transmissions, and body damage at repo car auctions open to the public.
Plan Your Payment Method in Advance
Cash is the simplest way to pay, but carrying large amounts isn’t always safe or practical. Many auctions allow a small cash deposit post-purchase, enabling you to fetch the remaining amount later. Credit and debit card payments are usually accepted but often come with fees.
In our experience, you can even squeeze out a bit extra from the auction on the price if you are willing to pay with cash.
Here’s my pro tip: Contact your bank before the auction to pre-approve the large purchase. I’ve seen instances where people couldn’t complete transactions due to daily spending limits, especially since many auctions occur when banks are closed. Sort this out ahead of time to avoid any hiccups.
Bring a Valid Driver’s License
The buyer’s name that will be on the title must present a current, non-expired driver’s license. It’s fine if the license is from another state, as long as it’s valid. I’ve seen deals fall through because someone forgot their license or brought an expired one, so double-check before you leave home.
Secure Auto Insurance Beforehand
Before driving off with your new purchase, make sure you’re insured. Most insurance companies offer temporary coverage for newly acquired vehicles.
While most auctions won’t require proof of insurance, you’ll need it to register the vehicle later. I recommend arranging this with your insurer in advance; it’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble with law enforcement down the line.
Where Do I Find Repo Car Auctions Near Me?
If you are wondering where to buy repossessed cars near you, here is our recommended lists of wholesale used car auction websites with links and directions to public car auctions:
Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New York & New Jersey
North Carolina & South Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Last updated on February 4th, 2025 at 11:43 pm
