At an auto auction, you do not have to worry about high-pressure sales tactics at a used car dealership or the danger and unpredictability of buying a car on Craigslist Autos.
Car auction prices are often lower than what we might pay at a used car dealership. It is also good way to save money on a used car with your W-2 or income tax return. Instead of a down payment, you can leave the auction with the car in your name.
Keep in mind, the auctions mentioned here are “whole car auctions” aka “wholesale auto auctions“. That means, they are not parts cars or salvage auctions. These types of auctions we discuss below feature the same cars you would see for sale at a used car dealer’s car lot.
In fact, car auctions are where most used car dealers get their cars for sale, in addition to trade-ins. However, there are also many public auctions for non-dealers. These include police car auctions, tow impound sales, government surplus vehicle auctions, bank repo auctions, wholesale used car auctions, and more.
At most car auctions open to the public, you can browse a large inventory of used cars and trucks at your own pace before the auction starts. Some people imagine that you see the car for the first time as it is being bid on. On the contrary, most auctions will even allow you to have a mechanic inspect a vehicle before the auction starts.
Our Tips When Buying at a Car Auction Open to the Public (Online or Live) for Beginners
Tip #1 – Arrive at the car auction early so that you can view the inventory during the daylight at your own pace
While public car auctions move at a slower pace than a dealer auction, there is still only a few minutes of bidding for each vehicle. Even the most experienced car buyers can make mistakes in accessing the value of a car in such a fast-paced situation.
Auctions benefit the buyer when the buyer has the most amount of information available to them. We always recommend to first time bidders to arrive early to the auction so that you know the true value of a vehicle prior to placing your bid.
Tip #2 – Many car auctions have “Buy it Now” prices on cars so that you can make an offer and buy a car without having to bid during the auction
This is great for anyone that does not want, or is unable, to attend the actual auction. Fortunately, most car auctions allow a buyer to negotiate a price on their own. This is useful since the auction works off of the price given to them by the seller.
Typically, the auction staff are not the sales sharks that you see at most used car dealerships. This option allows you to receive the benefits of an auto auction without the pressure of the actual auction bidding that intimidates many people.
Tip #3 – Expect to wait at least a couple of weeks before receiving the title to your vehicle
In most cases, the auction must process your title through the state so that your tag and title can be mailed to you. You will be issued a temporary tag to satisfy your state’s vehicle registration requirements and you will also be able to obtain insurance on your vehicle right away.
On the other hand, if you plan to do something with the vehicle that requires the title, such as ship it internationally, expect to wait until the title arrives.
Tip #4 – Public Car auctions’ inventories change frequently – Do not worry if you do not find a suitable vehicle your first visit
Vehicles are sold frequently at car auctions so their inventories can change dramatically from week to week. Do not force yourself to “settle” for a car that you do not want when you can return the following week and likely find the one you are looking for.
Tip #5 – Most car auctions will have “reserves”(or minimum prices) on the cars
This means that if the seller wants $2000 for a car, but the bid only goes up to $1000, the vehicle will not be sold. In most cases, a compromise price between the buyer and the seller may be negotiated.
Important Items to Bring to a Public Car Auction
- Your driver’s license – out of state ID is ok, but it needs to be current so that they can title the auction vehicle in your name.
- Form of payment – Verify beforehand what forms of payments are accepted. This is very important since you will be expected to pay for the vehicle right away once the bidding has ended.
- Smartphone – This is vital so that you can research the value of a car and even obtain its VIN history.
- Flashlight – When you are wondering the parking lot in the dark after the auction, you will be glad you did.
At Car Auction Network, we want you to know there’s no need to be intimidated by an auto auction. Just be sure to ask questions and the auction staff will almost always help you with each step. Don’t expect to buy $20,000 cars for $500, but you will realistically find some great deals at both used car auctions and police auctions.
Car auction prices, or wholesale pricing, tends to be 20-30% lower than what you would pay at a used car lot for the same vehicle.
How Much is the Buyers Fee at Car Auctions?
This will vary on scale based on the selling price of the car. Contact a specific car auction location and request a fee schedule. Typically, public buyers and car dealers with auction licenses will have different fee schedules. For public buyers, expect at least around 5% added to the bid price.
Useful Car Auction Sites in Your State
Car Auctions in Alabama
Car Auctions in Arizona
Car Auctions in California
Car Auctions in Colorado
Car Auctions in Connecticut
Car Auctions in Delaware
Car Auctions in Florida
Car Auctions in Georgia
Car Auctions in Idaho
Car Auctions in Illinois
Car Auctions in Indiana
Car Auctions in Iowa
Car Auctions in Kansas
Car Auctions in Maryland
Car Auctions in Massachusetts
Car Auctions in Michigan
Car Auctions in Minnesota
Car Auctions in Missouri
Car Auctions in Montana
Car Auctions in New York & New Jersey
Car Auctions in North Carolina
Car Auctions in Ohio
Car Auctions in Oregon
Car Auctions in Pennsylvania
Car Auctions in Tennessee
Car Auctions in Texas
Car Auctions in Virginia
Car Auctions in Washington
Car Auctions in West Virginia
Search for police auctions online by state: https://policeauctionsusa.com/auto-auctions/
Last updated on January 23rd, 2025 at 03:39 am
