Would you like to buy or sell a vehicle through online car auctions in the United States? If so, you’re not alone, as nearly every step of the buying and selling process for new, used, and salvage cars can now be completed online.
Shopping for a used car through online car auctions is a convenient alternative to visiting a dealership in person, especially with the help of auto auction shipping services.
In fact, many dealerships that offer high-quality used cars source their inventory from the country’s largest car auction houses. This means you have access to the same premium vehicles that dealerships do.
Despite this, many consumers mistakenly believe that used car inventory primarily comes from dealerships and private sellers. In reality, a significant portion is sourced directly from online car auction websites.
Are you interested in discovering the best car auction sites for buying or selling your next vehicle?
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This article will describe the different vehicle types that can be purchased from an online car auction, in addition to the 15 best online car auction websites in 2025.
Which Kinds of Vehicles Are Found on Online Car Auction Sites?
Online car auction sites offer diverse inventory across multiple categories:
- Salvage Vehicles: Declared total losses by insurance companies due to accident damage, flood, hail, or theft recovery. These often sell at 40-70% below market value but require careful inspection and may need significant repairs.
- Dealership Trade-Ins: Vehicles that dealerships couldn’t retail locally. These range from nearly-new cars to older models, often in good condition with clean titles.
- Repossessed Vehicles: Banks and financial institutions liquidate these to recover loan losses. Many are well-maintained and sell below market value, representing excellent opportunities for savvy buyers.
- Fleet and Rental Returns: Rental companies like Enterprise and Hertz auction vehicles after reaching 30,000-50,000 miles. Despite higher mileage, these cars typically receive regular maintenance and can be reliable purchases.
- Insurance Buybacks: Vehicles with minor damage that owners chose to keep after receiving insurance payouts. These often have rebuilt or salvage titles.
- Government and Seized Assets: Vehicles from government fleets, law enforcement seizures, or tax auctions, often sold at below-market rates.
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15 Best Online Car Auction Sites in the USA
1. eBay Motors
eBay Motors (the leader in online car auctions) offers new and used vehicles as well as parts for fixing, updating, and maintaining your existing vehicle. Browsing through vehicles, categories of products, events, and brands of cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, and SUVs is straightforward.
Private sellers and automotive dealerships are the two types of sellers here. eBay Motors is immediately available to registered users of the traditional eBay platform. Simply go to eBay Motors to find a vehicle of your choice, then bid accordingly. The rules for bidding on eBay Motors are the same as those for traditional eBay, and no auction fee is charged.
eBay Motors does not offer the same discounts typically found on other online auction sites. Buyers can still find some affordable vehicles here, as well as parts cars. However, finding a “great deal” on eBay has become harder as more people have learned to bid and wait until the very last second to win. This can result in a significant price increase.
Ideal Purchase: Clean title used cars from private sellers, parts vehicles, project cars
Read Later: Does eBay Ship Cars?
2. Copart
With operations in 11 countries, Copart Auto Auctions is one of the largest car auction houses in the world. This company was founded in 1982, sells over 3 million vehicles a year, and maintains a reputable site.
When you need a repossessed, vandalized, clean title or salvage car, then Copart is the online auction site you should use. This site offers cars, trucks, classic cars, motorcycles, industrial vehicles, and more.
Most of Copart’s vehicles come from insurance companies, financial institutions, and banks. In addition, Copart directs various marketing arms to buy vehicles from the public for resale.
There are no minimum bids or reserves, so you only have to bid what you feel comfortable with. Additionally, a mobile app allows you to place bids wherever you are. As an added convenience, you can bid on a vehicle before the auction starts.
You must have a full dealer’s license to participate in Copart’s auctions.
Ideal Purchase: Repairable vehicles, parts cars, total loss vehicles for rebuilding
Pro Tip: We recommend reading this Copart review before using this site for your next purchase.
3. IAAI
IAAI is an online auto auction hosted by Insurance Auto Auctions. The company was founded in 1982, so they have a long history of auctioning cars.
IAAI sells drivable vehicles, lightly damaged vehicles, stolen recovered vehicles, parts vehicles, donated vehicles, and stolen vehicles to over 190 auction centers across the country by combining live auctions and live internet bidding.
For experienced bidders, Insurance Auto Auction Incorporated is the best online auction. The IAAI makes it easy to find a high-quality vehicle for both licensed dealers and non-licensed buyers.
Non-licensed individuals can bid on vehicles through IAAI’s broker services. Public buyers without a license will be charged $200 a year for IAAI’s service. Public auctions and public inventories are the only types of auctions where you can place a bid, so you might miss out on some high-end vehicles that are only available to dealers.
IAAI offers flexible payment options and brokers to assist with car shipping.
Bidding activity can be tracked. Monitor the status of the vehicle. Make smarter sales decisions by leveraging data.
Ideal Purchase: Lightly damaged vehicles, stolen recoveries, donation vehicles
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4. Auto Auction Mall
If you are searching for a one-stop shop with an impressive array of vehicle options, we strongly suggest you check out Auto Auction Mall. They have the largest database of salvage, pre-owned, and used cars. Motorsport enthusiasts can find virtually any type of vehicle they desire in these online car auctions.
Auto Auction Mall allows people without dealer licenses to bid on vehicles, saving you thousands off the retail price of your vehicle. Many of these auctions list vehicles at wholesale prices, which can save you thousands of dollars.
A security deposit of 10% of the amount you wish to spend is required at Auto Auction Mall. However, Auto Auction Mall’s membership is free, and registration is easy. After winning an auction, you’ll be required to pay Auto Auction Mall a $299 fee.
Auto Auction Mall is unique in that it offers financing options to help you buy the vehicles you want. Certain offers have no down payment and super-low interest rates. You can even apply for financing without hurting your credit score. You’ll be glad to know that Auto Auction Mall offers customer support that will help you throughout the bidding process.
Ideal Purchase: Wholesale-priced vehicles, financed purchases, first auction experience
5. ADESA
ADESA connects buyers with many different car auctions online around the country and the world. Their offerings are primarily dealer consignments, off-lease vehicles, fleet vehicles, and rentals; while there is no formal marketplace for salvaged vehicles, they do appear in the listings occasionally.
To join, you must be a licensed dealer. Members also have access to other automotive remarketing services, including title services, marshaling, financing, transportation, and inspections.
ADESA serves manufacturers, banks, rental companies, fleet companies, and insurance companies. In addition to having the largest selection of low-mileage, one-owner cars, ADESA is good at marketing older and high-mileage vehicles. Motorcycles, RVs, boats, and more can be found at their nationwide vehicle auctions.
Ideal Purchase: Off-lease vehicles, rental returns, fleet vehicles, low-mileage inventory
6. AutoBidMaster
AutoBidMaster‘s online auto auctions have a wide range of repairable cars, trucks, and SUVs available for sale to the general public and businesses at very affordable prices.
AutoBidMaster is a registered broker with Copart. Upon joining AutoBidMaster, you’ll also be able to access Copart’s inventory. The registration process is free and takes less than 30 seconds, so you have nothing to lose.
You can even browse their inventory of over 173,597 cars without a dealer’s license, including models from Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Volvo, Nissan, and Mercedes-Benz.
AutoBidMaster online auto auctions provide access to over 150,000 new vehicles in their stock for daily and weekly auto auctions, so you can probably find a new car. Occasionally, you can even find motorcycles and quad bikes there!
It doesn’t matter if you are buying an automobile for personal use or business use; their experts can assist you throughout the entire car-buying process in English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, and French.
Ideal Purchase: Copart vehicles for non-dealers, international buyers, repairable inventory
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7. Cars and Bids
The best place to buy and sell modern enthusiast cars online is Cars & Bids, and that means pretty much anything cool from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, or 2020s.
This is the most user-friendly online automotive marketplace, with easy sorting and searching. Simplified auctions tell you everything you need to know about each vehicle.
There is no charge for sellers to list, and buyer fees are just 4.5%, with a minimum of $225 and a maximum of $4,500 – far below other auction houses and enthusiast car auction websites.
Cars & Bids provides vehicle history reports free of charge for every vehicle listed, so they do not ask sellers to pay for their own.
In contrast to other car auctions, online that can take weeks or even months before your car is listed and available to buyers, Cars & Bids will list your car quickly – and will even work with you on the timing of the auction.
Cars & Bids may be a relative newcomer, but they are a contender. With lots of social media followers, it seems to be fairly easy to buy and sell used cars. Worth a shot!
Ideal Purchase: Modern classics, enthusiast cars, performance vehicles, well-maintained specimens
Recommended: If you would like more information about cars and bids, please visit our car and bids reviews page.
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8. Capital Auto Auction
Capital Auto Auction is a public car auction based in the District of Columbia that specializes in live online car auctions. They offer a variety of vehicles for every need and budget, including family minivans, sports cars, boats, campers, and motorcycles.
Capital Auto Auction holds three large live automobile auctions every week at its four locations on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
Hundreds of cars can be purchased for less than $1,000 at their auctions. The selection of used cars changes from week to week, but the prices are always great for quality, clean vehicles.
Capital Auto Auction is free to browse if you register. However, a fee will be charged when you place a bid. Fees are based on the selling price of the vehicle. You can see the fees at their auctions online once you have logged in. In order to bid in the auction, you must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and be over 18.
Ideal Purchase: Budget vehicles, local pickups, variety shopping
9. A Better Bid
We have seen that A Better Bid has about 100,000 cars in its inventory, which is lower than some of the other options, but they keep adding new vehicles every day.
Their inventory includes electric cars, sedans, salvage title cars, ATVs, motorcycles, and many more. You do not need a dealer license to bid here. With A Better Bid’s website, you can easily identify only vehicles with clean titles. Even though the site also offers used and salvaged vehicles, clean titles are separated for easy access.
You can browse A Better Bid for free if you register. However, a fixed transaction fee of $250 will be charged, plus applicable fees determined after your purchase. The Premium Membership is $150 a year but offers a discounted transaction fee and five free vehicle history reports.
Ideal Purchase: Clean title vehicles, electric cars, non-salvage inventory
10. ACV Auctions
ACV Auctions is the leading digital wholesale vehicle marketplace in America, bringing unparalleled transparency and trust to the process of buying and selling used cars, trucks, and SUVs.
ACV allows dealers to buy and sell vehicles anywhere, conveniently and quickly, by selling cars and trucks in a 20-minute digital auction.
You can even see the undercarriage of a car in high definition with a virtual lift. That way, you can hear a clear audio clip of a running engine. This recording proves even better and provides more information than standing next to the vehicle and hearing it revved up a few times.
ACV Auctions’ app allows car titles to be transferred seamlessly. Additionally, the company provides a 10-day arbitration guarantee to all buyers. You can pay a little extra if you would like 20 or 30 days of protection.
ACV Auctions offers free sign-up and low buy fees. A secure transaction platform will also give you peace of mind.
Recently, they added the True360 Report, an unbiased third-party inspection that is linked to Autocheck and CARFAX in real time. The report provides dealers and their customers with a complete history of cars involved in accidents.
Ideal Purchase: Dealer inventory acquisition, remote purchases requiring detailed inspections
Read Also: Classic versus Antique vs Vintage Cars
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11. Salvage Bid
Salvage Bid is a large online auction marketplace dedicated to used, salvaged, and repairable vehicles.
Every day, the platform offers more than 200,000 salvage & repairable vehicles for sale, allowing you to buy and sell vehicles with clean and salvage titles without the need for a dealer’s license.
Using Salvagebid, you have the opportunity to bid or buy used and salvaged cars in the USA sold by top brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and many others.
This site offers extremely affordable cars.
The Salvage Bid program offers a free membership that allows you to bid only in preliminary bids. In addition, you are only allowed to purchase one vehicle under the free plan. By paying $200 a year, you can access every auction and feature on the website.
Ideal Purchase: Extreme budget vehicles, parts donors, rebuild projects
12. Bring a Trailer (BaT)
Best For: Classic, vintage, and collector vehicles
Founded in 2007 by Randy Nonnenberg, Bring a Trailer has evolved from a classified ads aggregator into the premier auction platform for collector and enthusiast vehicles. The site’s curated listings and passionate community make it stand out.
Key Features:
- Curated selection of vintage, classic, and collectible vehicles
- Three service tiers: Classic (7-day auction), Plus (professional photography, 7-21 days), White Glove (for significant collections)
- No seller listing fees
- Transparent buyer fee: 5% of final bid ($250 minimum, $5,000 maximum)
- Active community with over 1.1 million users and 500,000+ registered bidders
- Free CARFAX reports for all listings
- Detailed comment sections where experts vet vehicles
- Anti-sniping protection (2-minute extensions on late bids)
- Mobile app for bidding anywhere
- Requirements: No dealer license required; credit card for registration
What to Know:
BaT specializes in quality over quantity, with auction specialists writing detailed listings without hyperbole. The engaged community actively discusses each vehicle, often uncovering details sellers miss. Auctions typically run 7 days, creating excitement and competitive bidding. However, BaT is not for budget shoppers—vehicles sell at fair market value or above due to the enthusiast audience.
Presentation Matters:
High-quality photos, maintenance records, and honest descriptions are essential. Sellers who engage with commenters typically see higher final bids.
What’s NOT on BaT:
Salvage vehicles, flood-damaged cars, or typical daily drivers—this is strictly an enthusiast platform.
Ideal Purchase: Air-cooled Porsches, classic muscle cars, vintage motorcycles, well-maintained Japanese imports (1980s-2020s), unusual European cars, vintage RVs, classic trucks
13. Mecum Auctions
Best For: Live auction experience and American muscle cars
Founded in 1988 by Dana Mecum, Mecum Auctions is North America’s largest collector car auction company, hosting live events across the United States with simultaneous online bidding.
Key Features:
- Live auctions at major venues (Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Kissimmee, Monterey)
- Simultaneous online bidding for remote participants
- Specializes in American muscle cars, classics, vintage motorcycles
- No buyer’s premium for in-person bidders at most events
- Online bidders pay 3-4% buyer’s fee (typically capped at $1,000-$6,000 depending on event)
- No seller’s commission on most vehicles
- Professional photography and videography
- Massive inventory at major events (3,000+ vehicles at Kissimmee in January)
- Broadcast partnerships (NBC Sports coverage)
- Requirements: Registration required; credit card verification for bidding approval
What to Know:
Mecum combines the excitement of live auctions with online accessibility. Major events like the Kissimmee auction in January attract thousands of buyers and feature everything from barn finds to million-dollar muscle cars. The company pioneered the “no reserve unless disclosed” policy, meaning most vehicles will sell to the highest bidder.
Event Schedule:
- Kissimmee, FL (January) – 3,000+ vehicles
- Indianapolis, IN (May) – 1,500+ vehicles
- Monterey, CA (August) – High-end collectors
- Las Vegas, NV (November) – 1,000+ vehicles
Costs:
- In-person bidding: Typically no buyer’s premium (varies by event)
- Online bidding: 3-4% buyer’s fee with caps
- Seller’s commission: Typically none, but varies by vehicle value/reserve status
- Transportation: Mecum partners with transportation companies, but buyers arrange their own shipping
Ideal Purchase: American muscle cars (Chevelle, Camaro, Corvette, Mustang), classic trucks, vintage motorcycles, resto-mod vehicles, barn finds, celebrity-owned vehicles
14. Barrett-Jackson
Best For: High-end collector cars and charity vehicles
Founded in 1971, Barrett-Jackson is the world’s most famous collector car auction house, known for its “Sold at No Reserve” policy and glamorous events broadcast on television.
Key Features:
- Prestigious live auctions in Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Houston, and Uncasville
- 100% no reserve policy (vehicles sell regardless of final bid)
- Simultaneous online bidding for remote buyers
- Buyer’s premium: 10% of hammer price
- Professional vehicle inspections and authentication
- Celebrity and charity vehicles
- Broadcast coverage (FYI Network, Discovery Channel)
- Vehicle authentication services
- Automobilia and memorabilia auctions
- Requirements: Registration required with credit approval and deposit
15. Manheim
Manheim is the largest auto auction in the United States, serving dealers, manufacturers, and brokers. They operate hundreds of locations nationwide and provide both in-person and online auctions for vehicles of all types, including used, off-lease, rental, and repossessed cars.
While primarily dealer-focused, public buyers can access inventory through licensed brokers. Manheim also offers financing, inspection, and transportation services, making it a comprehensive solution for buying and selling vehicles.
Ideal Purchase:
Dealer inventory, off-lease vehicles, rental returns, repossessed cars
What to Know:
Barrett-Jackson focuses on the premium end of the collector car market, with average sale prices significantly higher than other auctions. The Scottsdale event in January is the automotive world’s equivalent of the Super Bowl, featuring rare vehicles, celebrity appearances, and record-breaking sales. The company’s authentication services and “Sold at No Reserve” policy create confidence for buyers.
Event Highlights:
- Scottsdale, AZ (January) – The flagship event with 1,800+ vehicles
- Las Vegas, NV (June) – 600+ vehicles during SEMA week
- Houston, TX (September) – 500+ vehicles
- Uncasville, CT (June) – Northeast collector market
Charity Connection:
Barrett-Jackson regularly auctions charity vehicles, with 100% of proceeds going to designated charities. VIN 001 vehicles (first production units) often sell for massive premiums.
Costs:
- Buyer’s premium: 10% of hammer price (non-negotiable)
- Seller’s commission: Typically 8% with reserve; lower for no-reserve
- Registration deposit required (varies by event)
What Makes Barrett-Jackson Different:
The auction house focuses on spectacle and entertainment, making events destinations for car enthusiasts. Vehicles are presented like Broadway shows, with dramatic lighting, rotating platforms, and expert commentary. This theatrical approach often drives prices higher than more subdued auctions.
Ideal Purchase: American muscle cars, classic hot rods, custom builds, celebrity-owned vehicles, charity VIN 001 models, six-figure+ collector cars, resto-mod showpieces
How to Get Started with Online Car Auctions
Step 1: Research and Registration
Choose the platform matching your needs (dealer vs. public access, clean vs. salvage titles). Complete registration, which typically requires:
- Valid government ID
- Payment method (credit card/bank account)
- Dealer license (if applicable)
- Refundable deposit (varies by platform)
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Calculate your true maximum bid:
- Vehicle bid amount
- Buyer’s premium (typically $100-$400)
- Transaction fees (platform-dependent)
- Shipping costs (if not local pickup)
- Title transfer fees ($75-$300)
- Sales tax (varies by state)
- Repairs (for salvage/damaged vehicles)
Step 3: Research Vehicles
Use the VIN to pull comprehensive reports:
- CARFAX or AutoCheck: Accident history, ownership, service records
- NMVTIS: Federal database checking for salvage, theft, flood damage
- Manufacturer recalls: Outstanding safety issues
- Market value: Compare with Kelley Blue Book, NADA, Edmunds
Step 4: Inspect Before Bidding
When possible, inspect in person or hire a mobile mechanic ($100-$200). Virtual inspections work for remote purchases, but note limitations in detecting hidden damage.
Step 5: Place Strategic Bids
Set your maximum bid based on research and budget. Use proxy bidding where available to automatically increment your bid up to your maximum without emotional decision-making.
The Future of Online Car Auctions
Emerging Trends
- AI-Powered Valuations: Platforms increasingly use artificial intelligence to price vehicles more accurately, reducing guesswork for bidders.
- Blockchain Title Transfer: Some states experiment with blockchain vehicle titles, potentially revolutionizing ownership transfer speed and fraud prevention.
- Virtual Reality Inspections: VR technology allows remote buyers to “walk around” vehicles as if present, improving confidence in remote purchases.
- Electric Vehicle Growth: Auction houses report increasing EV inventory as early-generation electric cars reach auction age, creating opportunities for budget-conscious EV buyers.
- Subscription Auction Models: Some platforms test membership models with reduced fees, exclusive inventory access, and premium services.
Bottom Line of the 15 Best Online Car Auction Sites in 2025–2026
Many other online car auction platforms exist beyond these fifteen, including major auction houses. However, keep in mind that not all of them are equally reliable or safe to use. Always verify a site’s credibility before placing a bid, and cross-check platforms using guides such as the best car buying sites, as some options may not be worth your time or money.
Several online car auction sites are limited to licensed dealers only. Because of this, it’s best to choose platforms that are open to all buyers—or work with a third-party broker who can place bids on your behalf.
These 15 auto auction sites stand out as some of the best for 2025–2026, offering strong inventory, competitive pricing, and trusted user experiences, with Copart remaining a leading choice for both consumers and international dealers.
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Frequently Asked Question
Who is the USA’s largest auto auction?
The largest auto auction in the USA is Manheim, a subsidiary of Cox Automotive. Manheim operates numerous locations nationwide, specializing in wholesale vehicle auctions for dealerships and manufacturers. Their online platform, Manheim.com, allows remote access to auctions, making it convenient for dealers to participate without being physically present.
How to buy a car from an auction in the USA?
To buy a car at an auction in the USA, follow these steps:
- Research reputable auction platforms.
- Register for an account.
- Inspect vehicles or view detailed listings.
- Set a budget for bidding and fees.
- Place bids strategically.
- Complete the purchase according to auction instructions.
- Arrange transportation for your vehicle if needed.
What types of vehicles can I buy at online car auctions?
At online car auctions, you can buy various vehicles, including salvage cars, repossessed vehicles, and specialty cars. Listings often include cars in different conditions, from those needing repairs to fully functional vehicles.
Can I inspect a vehicle before bidding?
Many auction platforms provide detailed images and descriptions of vehicles. However, physical inspections can be challenging. Some sites may offer inspection services or partner with local mechanics for thorough checks before bidding.
Can I sell my car through an online auction?
Yes, many online car auctions allow individuals to sell their vehicles. To do this, create a seller account, list your car with photos and details, and be aware of seller fees and terms before proceeding.
Are online car auctions safe?
While many online car auctions are legitimate, prioritizing safety is crucial. Research each site, read reviews, and ensure they have clear policies regarding bidding, payments, and vehicle condition disclosures to protect yourself during the purchasing process.
I’ve been using a few of these car auction websites and they’re all pretty good. I like the one that has the most up-to-date listings and the one that has the most user feedback.
Car auctions can really give you the best price for your well-cared car. The sites you have mentioned are the best. no doubt. You have done your research work well.
If you are really an old car enthusiast, let me suggest you most user-friendly online automotive marketplace, Cars and Bids. Oh my god! there is no match for the cars, they have. They have a variety of 90s cars that are auctioned for the public, also it’s free to list your car, who else does offer this in the market these days? If you would ask me, I would always stick to Cars and Bids for buying the auctioned cars.
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