My Thoughts on Buying a Used Car or Truck at a Used Car Auction in NY & NJ
Listen, I’ve spent years buying and selling cars, and let me tell you, finding a good auction can be a real difference-maker. Now, in states like New York or New Jersey, you might need to put a few extra miles on the odometer to find one. But don’t worry, the deals are out there.
The good news is, most auctions post their inventory online these days, complete with photos. Makes it easier to spot potential buys without wasting a whole day.
I’ve put together a list of New York and Jersey auctions, some open to the public, some dealer-only. You’ll find your regular wholesale spots, plus police auctions and tow lot impound sales.
Those last two? They’re not everyday things, and they usually have fewer cars. But when it comes to grabbing a bargain on a used car or truck, they’re hard to beat.
If you’re not a gearhead yourself, bring a buddy who knows their way around an engine. They can help you avoid any lemons.
Addresses & Websites For New York / New Jersey Car Auctions
Maltz Auctions – Used Car Auctions / Statewide Auto Auction
39 Windsor Pl
Central Islip, NY 11722
(516) 349-0007 maltzauctions.com
You can find almost anything at Maltz Auctions, including cars, trucks, boats, real estate, etc. With online bidding, they have tri-weekly police impound and seizure auctions that are open to the public. It is possible to view the cars at the auction lot prior to the bidding.
Car Club Auction
1908 McDonald Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
(718) 975-7797
https://www.carclub.auction/
They’re over in Brooklyn, on McDonald Avenue. Not a bad place to check out if you’re in the area. They’ve got a decent selection, and their website’s not bad either – gives you a good look at what they’ve got before you head over.
Car-Tech Auction Inc.
528 Morristown Rd
Matawan, NJ 07747
(800) 868-4700 ctaa.com
Car Tech’s a bit different. It’s a dealer auction, but they get cars from all over, including the public. So, you’ve got regular folks selling their cars alongside the usual dealer inventory. They do online auctions, which means dealers from anywhere can bid on the cars, including yours if you sell through them.
Manheim New Jersey (Dealers Only)
730 NJ-68
Bordentown, NJ 08505
(609) 298-3400 manheim.com
Located right on Route 68 in Bordentown. Problem is, it’s dealers only. Honestly, between you and me, those big corporate auction houses can be a real pain. Fees stacked on fees, and it feels like the little guy always gets squeezed. If you’re a small-time dealer or just starting out, it can be tough to compete with the big boys.
Copart Auto Auctions (Salvage Auction)
108 N Main St
Windsor, NJ 08561
(609) 918-1720 copart.com
Copart’s got a few spots around New Jersey, but they make you jump through hoops to get in. It’s open to the public, but you can’t just walk in and start bidding. They make you use a broker, which means extra fees and more hassle.
They mostly deal with wrecked cars, insurance write-offs, that kind of thing. So, unless you’re a dealer or a mechanic looking for a fixer-upper, it might not be worth the trouble.
I’ve seen some killer deals at auction, but you gotta be smart about it. Don’t just jump in blind. Do your homework. Know the car you’re interested in inside and out. And for crying out loud, read the auction rules!
Those things are there for a reason. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. Don’t be shy. The more you know, the better chance you have of snagging a great car without getting burned.
Do not be afraid to ask questions to the auction staff, they sincerely want to help you and understand that you may not have any past experience bidding in auto auctions.
There are several car auctions around the state of New York, including New York City. New Jersey also features both public car auctions and dealer auto auctions.
Auction Info: Police Auctions & Tow Impound Auctions in NYC & NJ / NY States
I’ve seen some guys try to flip cars from police auctions and government sales, and let me tell you, it’s usually a recipe for disaster. The thing is, most of the time, you’re buying these cars sight unseen.
Unless you’re a top-notch mechanic who can diagnose a problem from a blurry photo and a short description, you’re taking a big gamble.
Now, the good news is that a lot of these auctions have moved online. It’s free to register, and you can bid from anywhere in your pajamas.
The downside is that everyone else is doing the same thing, so you’re bidding against a whole lot of people.
City of New York Police Seized Vehicle Auction – These police auctions in NYC are held frequently in Brooklyn, Queens, and Bronx. These are drug vehicle seizures, tow impounds, abandoned vehicles and more around NYC. The public are welcomed to bid on the auction cars for sale.
New York State Surplus Auction – I’ve dealt with the New York State Surplus Auction a few times, and I’d call it a mixed bag. The inventory is what you’d expect—government vehicles, fleet cars, and the occasional oddball like an old fire truck.
The prices can be decent if you’re sharp, but the competition is fierce, especially from scrappers looking to part out cars. What bugs me is how inconsistent the listings can be. Sometimes you get solid details, and other times it feels like you’re bidding blind.
If you know how to spot value from a distance, you can make it work, but it’s not a great place for someone just starting out.
Auctions for Vehicles and Surplus Property – State of New Jersey – New Jersey’s auctions are a bit more organized compared to New York’s. The online system is straightforward, which I appreciate because I’m not here to waste time fumbling around.
The inventory leans heavily toward utility vehicles and police cars—good if you’re into flipping Crown Vics or trucks. They tend to be upfront about vehicle conditions, but you still have to read between the lines.
I’ve had decent luck with these auctions, but you’ve got to factor in the buyer’s premium and transport costs, especially if you’re not local. It’s a solid option if you’re experienced, but for rookies, it’s easy to overbid if you’re not careful.
Police Car Auctions New York & New Jersey – This is an auction blog & directory I created that dives deeper into the nuances of car auctions in NY & NJ
You can get a great deal on a car or truck of your choice at a Public Auto Auction in New York or New Jersey – it’s a lot easier than you think! Car auctions can seem intimidating at first, but you will quickly see that they are fun and easy to participate in. We often notice that first-time bidders end up enjoying the process and finding it entertaining.
These auction locations bring in hundreds of used cars and trucks every week. Most have clean titles, and they’re open to everyone – dealers and regular folks like you.
If you’re looking for a good price on a used vehicle, and you want a decent selection to choose from, these auctions are worth checking out.
Last updated on December 15th, 2024 at 03:16 pm
