The 5 Best Online Car Auction Sites of 2022
Would you like to buy a vehicle at an online car auction from the United States? You’re not alone. If you have been considering the idea of purchasing a used or salvage car online, now is the time.
Many consumers believe used cars come from dealerships and private sellers, but most used vehicles that dealers buy come from these marketplaces. A majority of dealerships that are selling relatively new cars at good prices are probably purchasing them from the country’s biggest car auction houses that specialize in connecting dealers to these vehicles.
Shopping for a used car online may seem like you still need to visit a dealer in person. Thanks to the Internet age, you are able to purchase a car online and even have it delivered to your home with car shipping services; however, you need to know which sites to visit to find quality ones; many are worthless.
Certain sites can even be dangerous. So, proceed with caution and KNOW where you will be buying your next used car or salvage vehicle. Would you like to learn more? This article will describe what types of vehicles we can purchase from an online car auction as well as 5 of the best online car auction sites.
Which Kind of Vehicles can be Found in Online Car Auctions Sites?
Online car auctions Sites offer almost every type of vehicle, including salvage cars, trade-in cars, repossessed vehicles, and totaled cars.
- A salvage vehicle is usually a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurance company due to its high maintenance costs.
- Dealerships that can’t clear out their inventory will send their cars to auctions for quick cash. Therefore, you can get fantastic deals on brand new vehicles.
- Repossessed cars from banks are next in quality. The banks want to sell these vehicles to recover at least some of their losses. . These are often in excellent condition, which is ideal for a used car dealership.
- Rent-a-car companies also sell their vehicles to auctions once they reach a certain mileage. Due to their high level of maintenance, these cars can also be great deals.
Remember: Consider your budget before bidding. Be aware of the vehicle’s value, the auction site’s policies on minimum bids, and any fees attached to the auction.
5 Best Online Car Auctions Sites in the USA
1. eBay Motors
eBay Motors offers new and used vehicles as well as parts for fixing, updating, and maintaining your existing vehicle. It offers a straightforward way to browse through vehicles, categories of products, events, and brands of cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, and SUVs.
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 on it. 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 types of deals 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.
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. It was founded in 1982 and sells over 3 million vehicles a year, so it’s 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, they have a mobile app that allows you to place bids wherever you are. As another advantage, you get to make a bid before the auction starts, so you don’t have to wait till the auction starts to do so.
You must have a full dealer’s license to participate in Copart’s auctions.
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 and auto transportation. Bidding activity can be tracked. Monitor the status of the vehicle. Make smarter sales decisions by leveraging data.
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. The LARGEST database of salvage, pre-owned, and used cars.
Motorsport enthusiasts can find virtually any type of vehicle they desire in online auctions. With an unlimited number of options, you can get exactly what you’re looking for.
Auto Auction Mall allows people without dealer licenses to bid on vehicles, saving you thousands off the retail price of your vehicle. These auctions often involve vehicles listed 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 they offer financing options to help you buy the vehicles you want. Some of the offers they have include no down payment and super-low interest rates. Even without hurting your credit score, you can apply for financing.
You’ll be glad to know that Auto Auction Mall offers customer support that will help you throughout the bidding process.
5. ADESA
ADESA connects buyers with many different car auctions around the country and the world. It is primarily used for dealer consignments, off-lease vehicles, fleet vehicles, and rentals. There is no marketplace for salvaged vehicles, but they do appear 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.
They serve manufacturers, banks, rental companies, fleet companies, and insurance companies. Adesa has a great inventory and a wide reach. They are also good at marketing older and high-mileage vehicles.
ADESA has the largest selection of low-mileage, one-owner cars. Additionally, ADESA offers motorcycles, RVs, boats, and more at its nationwide vehicle auctions.
Read Also: Classic versus Antique versus Vintage Cars
Bottom Line
Many other online car auction sites include major auction houses in addition to these five. However, keep in mind that not all of them are safe for you to use. You should verify the accuracy of any site prior to bidding, as not all are worth your time.
Many online car auction sites only sell to dealers, so it is recommended that you use a site that’s open to all customers or work with a third-party middleman to get your bids through the site. These 5 auto auction sites are among the best on the market, with Copart topping the list for consumers and dealers abroad.
Get in Touch!
Whether you are interested in buying or selling a car at an online vehicle auction site. Your vehicle will need to be shipped to your doorstep by someone who understands your needs. AutoStar Transport Express has been shipping cars to and from car auctions in the United States for over 14 years.
For more information on car shipping services, get in touch today.