The Best Car Auction Sites to Buy a Used Car Online

• Top 13 Auction Sites to Buy a Used Car in the USA
• How to Choose an Auction for Buying a Salvage Car
• What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Car from an Auction?
• Buying a Car at Auction: Tips and Tricks
• Final Thoughts
• Frequently Asked Questions: The Best Car Auction Sites to Buy a USED Car Online

There are so many ways to buy a car. However, with vehicle prices still higher than they were just a few years ago, savvy buyers are turning to auctions for better selection and pricing. This approach skips private sellers and retail prices at a used car dealership. With this in mind, we’re exploring the top used car auction sites in the USA.

While some of the best online car auctions are accessible only to licensed car dealers, it’s helpful if you are the average consumer to be aware of these outlets, which can prevent your wasting time and effort. Otherwise, look for other auction houses that sell used and salvaged vehicles at very affordable prices. 

Pros

There’s something for everyone on eBay Motors, including hard-to-find parts and obscure memorabilia. Because there are third parties selling cars (and everything else), it can be easier to locate bargains or negotiate for better pricing. 

Cons

eBay Motor’s mix of sellers can lead to inconsistent buying experiences and uncertainty about quality and promised conditions. The company regularly warns shoppers to be on alert for scams, meaning a really good deal could be a ripoff. Buyers on this online car auction site need to exercise caution.

Pros

With over 180 locations in the US alone, buying a car from Copart is easy and convenient. And purchasing from a nearby Copart center keeps time and transportation costs to a minimum. An extensive vehicle inventory also offers many buying opportunities.

Cons

For the casual car auction buyer, the biggest downside to buying from Copart is that a dealer’s license is required, which can be a turnoff for those looking for a used ride or project car.

Pros 

IAAI offers a wide range of vehicles for sale, with select auctions open to non-dealers. The company provides brokerage services to individuals not permitted to access dealer-only insurance auto auctions.

Cons

Non-dealers are required to pay a $200 registration fee before bidding is permitted. Plus, this charge doesn’t grant access to wholesale prices and dealer-only auctions.

Pros

Adessa specializes in consignments, meaning that it sells vehicles owned by others and provides a ready supply for dealers needing inventory for used vehicle sales. The company also has an established channel for auctioning fleet vehicles and off-lease cars.

Cons

As a dealer-only online car auction site, Adessa’s vehicles are off-limits to individual buyers.

Pros

Among the best online car auctions, A Better Bid auctions are open to everyone, and there’s no cost to register to bid online (a bidding deposit, though, is required). The company also offers low-priced membership upgrades that include discounted buyer fees and free vehicle history reports. 

More than 10,000 vehicles get added to the ABB website each week, so there’s always something new to bid on, whether it’s a salvage title car or a clean title vehicle. Finding clean title vehicles only requires one click on the website. Many cars feature a Buy It Now option (with a purchase price), skipping the auction process altogether. 

Cons

All vehicle listings can be previewed without registering, but complete registration (free) is needed to get full vehicle information and get set up for the bidding process.

Pros

Following registration and a security deposit ($1,000 or 15% of the bid amount—whichever is greater), anyone can jump in to bid on an SCA Auctions vehicle. Website features like Auto Finder and Watchlist make it easy to locate and keep an eye on prospective vehicles to buy. Basic membership is free, with upgrade options offering reduced buyer fees and other extras.

Cons

Buy It Now vehicles tend to sell fast. You’ll need to register to access full auction vehicle profiles.

Pros

Following registration and a required deposit, anyone can bid on and pay for an Auto Auction Mall car. 

Cons

Successful bidders have to pay a buyer’s fee (up to $299) to Auto Auction Mall on top of auction clearing house fees.

Pros

AutoBidMaster’s website has a dedicated section featuring salvage cars with a bid price of $2,000 or less. 

Cons

The free and basic ($69 per year) membership levels have a one-vehicle purchase limit and a bidding cap of $2,000 and $3,500, respectively. The limitations and caps are removed at the advanced membership level, which costs $199 per year.

Pros

Cars and Bids doesn’t charge a listing or selling fee (the buyer pays) and curates a club-like environment among bidders, traits that make it among the best online car auctions.

Cons

DeMuro’s celebrity status brings many buyers to this auction website (especially when he highlights a car on his YouTube channel). However, notoriety and extra visibility can drive up prices.

Pros

The sign-up process for Capital Auto Auction bidding is simple, and winners can pay with a Visa or Mastercard. It’s not difficult to find a cheap, running car.

Cons

The filtering features of the website aren’t as robust as other platforms, and the condition report for some vehicles can be lacking.

Pros

ACV Auctions is straightforward with its fees for buyers and sellers, charging a variable rate of $100 to $500 (depending on the vehicle price). 

Cons

The public doesn’t have access to ACV’s online auction site.

Pros

OVE offers specialized sections, like vehicles below $10,000, to make bidding quick and easy.

Cons

Like all wholesale auction sites, OVE is open only to licensed dealers.

An auction is an ideal place to find a salvage car at a reasonable price. However, the key is to find the right auction. Begin by researching auction options, and remember that online live auctions mean that you aren’t limited by geography. Ideally, you’ll want to focus on an auction that specializes in salvage cars. Salvage cars are different from other vehicles, and experienced auction houses will have information that is helpful to bidders. 

Narrow your salvage auction options by:

• Reading buyer reviews
• Reviewing policies, including bidder conditions
• Assessing auction fees and other charges
• Learning about car transport and pick-up options
• Confirming post-auction requirements, such as payment and pick-up deadlines

Buying from an auction is an excellent way to find a great deal on a second-hand car. But, as with most things in life, there are pros and cons to this approach. Here’s a look at some important considerations. 

• Opportunity to buy a pre-owned affordable vehicle
• Ability to inspect (either virtually or in-person) a car before bidding
• Access to a wide selection of vehicle makes, models, and styles
• A smooth transaction with no haggling

• Uncertainty about a vehicle’s past
• Risk of paying too much (overbidding)
• Inability to test drive before bidding
• No warranty or other assurances
• Possibility of concealed damage or unknown mechanical issues

There’s no shortage of vehicle auctions and major auction houses. However, not all auctions are a fit for every bidder. For those without a dealer’s license, you’ll want to exclude any dealer auto auctions immediately. There’s no need to waste any time on vehicles that can’t be bid on. 

Rather, find an auction that offers vehicles that match your interests (like salvage cars). But before jumping in, you’ll want to know about auction fees and other costs so you can set a budget (and stick to it!).