My Advice on How to Bid in Michigan Car Auctions
Hey, I am Greg Smokes with the Car Auction Network, and I know from my decades of experience that used car auctions in Michigan are a good way to buy a car or truck and save money. 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. I always recommend picking a few auction cars to bid on and not just focusing on any single one.
If you are unsure about car auctions, do not worry, you can read my car auction bidder’s guide. The staff at car auctions are keen to help with new bidders, so do not let the process intimidate you.
I’ve found that many first-time car auction bidders get hooked on the thrill! Most auctions move fast, but public car auctions in Michigan often slow things down a bit for newcomers. This gives you time to get comfortable with the process.
Did you know you can also sell your car at some Michigan car auctions? It’s a fantastic way to connect with a large pool of potential buyers quickly.
The auction handles the paperwork and the bidding, and you can even set a minimum sale price for peace of mind. Just be sure to contact the auction location beforehand to confirm they accept vehicles from the public.
Auction Info & Links: Car Auctions in Michigan – Open to the Public
I find that a lot of my first-time car auction bidders enjoy the process and found it very fun. Most auctions are fast-paced, but public car auctions are slowed down a bit to accommodate for newer, inexperienced bidders in the auction.
These are public car auctions that do not require an auction license [Click to read my guide on auction licenses] in order to enter and bid. You will only pay a buyer’s fee if you bid on an auction car and are the winner.
Most of these auction cars for sale at Michigan public auto auctions will have clean titles, unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer so pay close attention. I always like to get there early so I can look over the auction cars in good daylight and without being hurried.
Greater Detroit Auto Auction
24354 King Road
Brownstown, MI 48174
734-479-4360
Auto auctions are on Saturdays at 10am and are open to the public. My Pro Tip: You can view past auctions on their website that have photos and prices of the cars sold.
Motor City Auto Auction
31065 Groesbeck Hwy, Fraser, MI 48026
586-285-9500
Charity car auctions open to the public are on Saturdays at 11am. You can still visit the auction lot during the week and “buy it now” if you see an auction car you like. They also sometimes have police auctions, but these are more rare, from my experience.
Midwest Auto Auction
14666 Telegraph Road
Redford, MI 48239
888-345-9100
[email protected]
Midwest Auto Auction will sometimes hold public government surplus vehicle sales to the public. They also have a live car auction every third Friday at 10am that is open to the public. Midwest car auction also specializes in gov liquidation auctions.
This auction is a bit smaller than some of the others around, but do not let that fool you. I have found plenty of bargains at this auction over the years.
Links: 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. An auction broker could bid and buy on your behalf, but you will need to rely on a third-party for it.
America’s Auto Auction Greater Kalamazoo (Dealers-Only) – Formerly called Greater Kalamazoo Auto Auction – (269) 679-5021
America’s Auto Auction West Michigan (Dealers-Only) – Formerly called Grand Rapids Auto Auction – (616) 877-2020
Where Do Car Auctions in Michigan Get Their Cars for Sale?
This is a very common question I get 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. These are my favorite because of the bargains.
- 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. These are much more of a gamble, in my experience, and it greatly helps if you have auto mechanical experience. [I also recommend PoliceAuctionsUSA.com]
- Tow Lot Impounds – These are abandoned vehicles and impounded vehicles auctioned off. Expect most to need some bodywork, from what I’ve seen.
- 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.
My List of Where to Bid in Police Car Auctions in Michigan & Government Surplus Auctions Open to the Public Online
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 (If the auction list is empty, check back in the future). I like this one in particular because of the incredible variety of vehicle types. From trucks and vans to heavy equipment and tractors.
Police Auctions – Goch and Son’s Detroit (Monthly tow company auctions to the public) – 750 S Deacon St. Detroit, Michigan 48217 – 313-382-2727 – They also hold various police auctions and tow impound auctions around the city of Detroit. I recommend that you check their website for upcoming auction announcements.
Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Auctions – Oakland County, Michigan (Confiscated and recovered stolen property, county surplus equipment & vehicles) Pontiac, MI 48341 – I recommend this tow impound auction to more experienced bidders, but not beginners.
Michigan Online Surplus Auctions via GovDeals – Public online auctions of surplus vehicles, tools, equipment, office furniture, etc. from around the state of Michigan. The items for sale are from state municipalities, sheriff departments, police impounds, etc.
City Surplus Auctions – Rochester Hills, MI – Bidding is handled by BidNetDirect.com
Abandoned Vehicle Auctions – Washtenaw County, MI (Abandoned Vehicle Auctions) Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Abandoned Vehicle Auction – Grand Traverse County, MI – For details and info, call 231-995-5030 – Traverse City, MI 49686 – In my experience, I do not see these held often, so you need to check back and stay on top of future scheduled auction dates.
Unclaimed Auto Auctions – Royal Oak – 303 E Harrison, Royal Oak, MI 48067 – 248-588-3640
Surplus Auctions – City of Birmingham MI (Automobiles, out-service equipment, & property)
Property Auctions – Royal Oak, MI (Live auctions at A & M Impound Yard) Royal Oak, MI 48067
Property Auction – Farmington, MI (Internet auctions to the public for used police vehicles, recovered bicycles, forfeited, unclaimed, and found property)
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.
Just ask any questions you have up front and do not be shy about it. Auctions are a lot of fun and can be a satisfying experience for first timers and they follow my tips and advice.
Car auctions are a way for you to buy or sell vehicles, and Michigan has its fair share of both public and dealer auto auctions. If you are looking for local wholesale car auctions near you, Michigan is a good place to start.
Last updated on December 12th, 2024 at 03:06 pm
