Ohio’s a hotbed for car auctions, and that’s a good thing for buyers. With so many locations around the state, you’re bound to find one nearby.
Car Auction Network can help you find the closest locations to you. The sheer volume of cars these auctions pull in can be a real advantage. I’ve seen some places with hundreds of cars on the block at once – talk about a one-stop shop! This kind of selection blows away your average used car lot or private seller, plus you’re likely to get a better deal.
Dealers and private sellers flood these auctions because they know that’s where the serious buyers are. If you’re in the market for a used car in Ohio, you’d be crazy not to check out a local auction.
There was this auction in Cleveland a while ago—place was buzzing with people. My eye landed on a shiny red pickup, barely looked like it had seen the road.
The bidding war was intense, but I didn’t back down. When the auctioneer slammed the gavel, it was mine. That rush? Unforgettable. Even now, I can’t help but smile when I think about it.
Addresses & Websites of Used Car Auctions in Ohio
The cars for sale at auctions in Ohio come from auto dealers’ trade-ins and repos, as well as bank repos and charity cars. The car auctions in Ohio that are open to the public do not require any special auction license in order to bid in the auction and buy a car.
Now, I’ve always been a bit of a gearhead, so I love the variety you find at these auctions. One day it’s a beat-up old truck, the next it’s a luxury sedan practically fresh off the lot. It keeps things interesting, that’s for sure.
You never know what kind of deal you’ll stumble on. Just remember though: car auctions can be a minefield if you go in unprepared.
Skipco Auto Auction
700 Elm Ridge Ave
Canal Fulton, OH 44614
(330) 854-4900
https://www.skipco.com/
Skipco car auction in Ohio allows public bidders to their weekly public auto auctions on Wednesdays at 1pm. You may bid live onsite or online — they also offer Buy It Now auction vehicles on their website with photos and prices.
I’ve always been a fan of having options, and Skipco gives you just that. Whether you like the energy of a live auction or prefer to browse online in your pajamas, they’ve got you covered.
Their “Buy It Now” option? That’s a game-changer. Sometimes you just know what you want and don’t have time to play the waiting game. Skipco gets that.
Plus, they’ve got clear photos and prices upfront, no surprises. I hate feeling like I’m in the dark, so I appreciate their straightforward approach.
Columbus Fair Auto Auction (America’s Auto Auction Columbus)
4700 Groveport Rd
Obetz, OH 43207
(614) 497-2000
https://www.americasaa.com/locations/columbus-fair/
I’m going to be honest with you, I have not enjoyed this auction as much since it was acquired by America’s Auto Auction. The good news is that it is still open to the public.
Wednesday mornings at 9:15 AM, the auction floor is a mix of big institutional buyers and dealers. That’s when I usually show up to dig for deals.
They run the wholesale and fleet lease vehicles through first. But for the public and repo sales, you’ll want to be there at noon.
Click here to view their inventory for public sales
Akron Auto Auction
2471 Ley Dr
Akron, OH 44319
(330) 773-8245
https://www.akronautoauction.com/
Weekly public car auctions at Akron Car Auction on Wednesdays at 9am. They also host public GSA Sales in Ohio with fleet vehicles from the General Services Administration. I suggest you check out the public GSA Sales for some deals on gov surplus vehicles and equipment. Especially if you need a work truck or utility van.
Value Auto Auction
3776 OH-93
Crooksville, OH 43731
(740) 982-3030
https://www.valueautoauction.com/
Value car auction in Ohio is open to the public with live auctions on Thursdays. Click here to view their latest public auction run list.
Manheim Cleveland (Formerly Greater Cleveland Auto Auction)
5801 Engle Rd
Cleveland, OH 44142
(216) 433-7777
Manheim.com
http://www.gcaacars.com/
Despite being recently bought by Manheim, this car auction in Cleveland is still open to the public. Even more surprising, especially for Manheim, is that they put their vehicle inventory online with photos for public viewing.
They also using a vehicle scoring system to give you an idea of the overall quality of the vehicle. Of course, I suggest you take that into account while also performing your own inspection.
Goodwill Auto Auction (Columbus)
666 S Nelson Rd
Columbus, OH 43205
(614) 444-2886
https://www.goodwillcolumbus.org/donate/auto-auction/
Click here to view their charity car inventory online at Copart
Unlike the other two Goodwill car auctions below, the one in Columbus uses the Copart website. Copart’s service is pretty bad, in my experience, and their fees are outrageous these days.
Goodwill Auto Auction (Dayton)
1511 Kuntz Rd
Dayton, OH 45404
(937) 228-2886
https://www.goodwilldaytonauto.com/
Goodwill Auto Auction – Cincinnati
10600 Springfield Pike
Cincinnati, Ohio 45215
513-771-4800
goodwillcars.com
Click here to see the latest donated cars for sale online
National Powersport Auctions
10132 Business Center Dr
West Chester Township, OH 45246
(888) 672-2460
https://www.npauctions.com/
Springbrook Auto Auction
4060 N West St
Lima, OH 45801
(419) 225-8829
http://www.springbrookaa.com/
This independent public car auction in Lima, Ohio is a bit old-school, but that’s a good thing, in my book. These are the types of auctions that will treat you like royalty.
Most of their auction vehicles are credit union and bank repossessions, so they can be in rough shape, but the bargains are certainly there. You can check out the public auctions on Mondays at 5:30pm.
Auction Info & Locations: Tow Impound Lots and Police Car Auctions in Ohio
Now, if you’re looking for something a little different, check out your local city and county government websites.
They often hold auctions for impounded, seized, and surplus vehicles. 1 These are open to the public, and you can usually find photos of the inventory online before the bidding starts.
I’ve seen some real steals at these government auctions – everything from perfectly good daily drivers to the occasional classic car that someone forgot to pay their taxes on.
It’s a great way to support your local community and maybe snag a good deal while you’re at it.
Central Ohio Recovery – Auto Auction
5375 Navarre Rd SW
Canton, OH 44706
330-477-5178
https://www.centralohiorecovery.com/auto-auction
Toledo Police – Impound Tow Lot Auction
198 Dura Ave.
Toledo, OH
419-245-3399
toledopolice.com
Pike County Sheriff Impound Auto Auction
230 Progress
Dr. Waverly, Ohio 45690
pikecosheriff.com
City Cincinnati – Police Car Auction
3425 Spring Grove Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45225
[email protected]
(513) 352-6480
cincinnati-oh.gov
They will release a list of vehicles and VINs on their site once each auction is scheduled. However, they do not provide photos online of the auto pound vehicles for sale. It is open to public bidders.
Ohio State Surplus Public Vehicle Auction
4200 Surface Rd
Columbus, OH 43228
ohio.gov
Hamilton County Ohio – Online Surplus Auction
Website
I do not usually see a lot of surplus vehicles on this site, but they do list a few here and there. I recommend just checking back every so often.
Check Out This Video to See How an Auto Auction Usually Looks and the Low Prices on Cars
This video from Everything’s Regular gives a live shot of the action at a car auction in Ohio. As you can see in this video, it is very important to look over each car very carefully for any prior damage or mechanical issues. With things like transmissions, you just have to use your instinct and experience.
Most of the auction cars have clean titles, but if not, the auctioneer will always announce it before the bidding begins. Pay very close attention to these announcements before you bid in the auction.
Helpful Guide: Tips for Buying a Used Car in Ohio
See Also: Car Dealer King’s Auto Auction Directory: Car Auctions in Ohio
Last updated on February 9th, 2025 at 02:46 am
