Last updated on April 10th, 2023 at 09:43 am
Car auctions in Michigan are the best way to buy a car or truck and save a lot of money in the process. Most Michigan auto auctions have 100+ cars for sale with more cars being brought in weekly so you will have a lot of choices on what to buy. Most of the auctions are held weekly or monthly so there are many chances to come back if you do not find a car the first time you visit.
If you are unsure about car auctions in general, do not worry, you can read our car auction bidder’s guide. The staff at car auctions are very eager to help with new bidders so do not let the process intimidate you. In fact, many first-time car auction bidders enjoy the process and found it very fun. Most auctions are fast-paced, but public car auctions tend to be slowed down a bit to accommodate for newer, inexperienced bidders in the auction.
Something else to consider is the possibility of using a car auction in Michigan to sell your own car or truck. Auctions are a good way to quickly sell your car to a lot of potential buyers. You can leave your vehicle for sale at the auction and they can handle all the hassle and the paperwork. Not all locations allow selling of cars by the public, so check with the location first to verify.
Where do car auctions in Michigan get their cars for sale?
This is a very common question about auto auctions and most of the cars up for auction come from the following sources:
- Bank Repos – Repossessed vehicles that are then sold at auction
- Trade-Ins – These are vehicles that car buyers traded in to a dealership when buying another car. These cars are then taken to an auction and sold for low prices.
- Police Drug Seizures – These are impounded vehicles that are auctioned to the public
- Tow Lot Impounds – These are abandoned vehicles and impounded vehicles auctioned off
- Salvage Car Auctions – Insurance car auctions and wrecked vehicles sold with salvaged titles. These will obviously need a lot of bodywork to be driven again and these types of auctions are for dealers that are more experienced with the process. These auctions are usually held online.
Car Auctions in Michigan – Open to the Public
Dealer Car Auctions in Michigan – Dealers Only Auctions
Dealer Auto Auctions in Michigan require a car dealer’s license in order to bid and purchase auction vehicles for sale.
Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
Grand Rapids Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
Police Car Auctions in Michigan & Government Surplus Auctions
These auctions are held by government entities and include police drug seizures, tow lot impounds, abandoned vehicles, municipality and state surplus fleet vehicles, and other types. These are mostly cars, trucks, Vans, and SUVS, but will also occasionally auction boats, RVs, ATVs, etc. Police auctions in Michigan are open to public and often have online bidding.
State of Michigan Surplus Online Auctions
Police Auctions – Goch and Son’s Detroit
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auctions – Oakland County, Michigan
Surplus Vehicles & Equipment for Auction – City of Holland Michigan
City Surplus Auctions – Rochester Hills, MI
Abandoned Vehicle Auctions – Washtenaw County, MI
Abandoned Vehicle Auction – Grand Traverse County, MI
Unclaimed Auto Auctions – Royal Oak
Surplus Auctions – City of Birmingham MI
Property Auctions – Royal Oak, MI
Property Auction – Farmington, MI
Do not be intimidated by auto auctions because most car auctions in Michigan for public buyers have staff that will guide you through the entire process.