Top 12 Car Auction Sites Online - 2024 Update
The Explosive Growth of Online Car Auctions
Online car auctions have revolutionized vehicle purchasing, offering a convenient and affordable way for buyers to access cars worldwide. In 2023 alone, online car auctions experienced a staggering 20% growth, with platforms like Copart and IAAI playing a significant role in making over 1 million vehicles available to buyers globally. Whether you're looking for a used car, a rare collectible, or a repairable salvage vehicle, the options available through online auctions far surpass what traditional car dealerships can offer.
The convenience of browsing cars from home, coupled with the potential for significant savings, has led to a surge in participation from both individual buyers and dealers. According to the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA), auctions—both online and in-person—now account for a significant portion of used car sales, with over 10 million vehicles being sold through auctions annually. The benefits of variety, cost-effectiveness, and transparency are clear, but navigating these platforms can be challenging without the right knowledge.
This guide will help you explore the top 12 car auction sites online in 2024, understand their benefits, and ensure you have the best experience possible when purchasing your next vehicle.
Advantages of Buying Cars from Online Auctions
1. Cost-Effective Access to Affordable Vehicles
One of the key draws of online car auctions is the potential for buyers to find vehicles well below retail prices. Many cars are sold by insurance companies, banks, or fleets, meaning that they can often be purchased at 30-50% below market value. Additionally, salvage vehicles—often in need of repair—are available at drastically reduced prices for those willing to invest in repairs.
2. Extensive Selection of Vehicles
Traditional dealerships have limited inventory, but auction platforms provide thousands of vehicles at any given time. Whether you’re looking for a specific make and model, a high-end luxury car, or a project vehicle, sites like Copart and Manheim host auctions that feature a wide variety of cars, motorcycles, trucks, and even specialty vehicles like RVs and boats.
3. Convenience of Bidding from Anywhere
The ability to participate in auctions from the comfort of home cannot be overstated. Online auctions are available 24/7, allowing buyers to browse, research, and bid on vehicles without the need to attend physical auctions. Many platforms also offer mobile apps, making it easy to track and bid on vehicles on the go.
4. Transparency and Detailed Vehicle Reports
Most reputable auction platforms provide vehicle history reports, often through services like Carfax or AutoCheck, ensuring that buyers have access to accident history, odometer readings, and other important details before placing a bid. This transparency helps mitigate the risks of buying a vehicle sight unseen.
Things to Consider Before Using Online Car Auctions
While the benefits of online car auctions are considerable, there are some crucial aspects to consider before diving in.
Auction Fees and Hidden Costs
Most auction platforms charge a buyer’s premium, typically between 5% to 10% of the vehicle's sale price. This is a non-refundable fee added to your winning bid, and it can significantly impact the final cost of the car.
Additionally, platforms may charge registration fees, transaction fees, and transportation costs. For example, Copart and AutoBidMaster are transparent about their fee structures, but always review the terms carefully to avoid surprises.
Payment Security Concerns
Online auctions involve transferring large sums of money, so it's important to use secure payment methods. Auctions like IAAI and Manheim require wire transfers, which can be risky if not conducted through secure channels. Always double-check seller credentials, and consider using escrow services when possible to ensure secure transactions.
Vehicle Condition and Inspection Limitations
Unlike traditional car purchases, you won’t be able to physically inspect the vehicle before buying. You’ll need to rely on photos, condition reports, and vehicle history data. Some auction platforms like ACV Auctions provide live video inspections to give buyers more peace of mind, but these are rare. Be cautious and budget for potential repairs if you’re buying a salvage or damaged vehicle.
How to Secure Reliable Shipping
Once you’ve won a bid, you’ll need to arrange for the vehicle to be transported. Many auction platforms do not offer in-house shipping services, so buyers will need to coordinate this separately. AmeriFreight, an A+ BBB-rated car shipping service, specializes in affordable and reliable shipping for auction-purchased vehicles across the country. Get an instant quote from AmeriFreight to ensure safe, hassle-free transport.
Top 12 Car Auction Sites Online [2024 Update]
1. Copart
Overview: Copart is a global leader in online auto auctions, offering an extensive range of salvage and used vehicles sourced from insurance companies, rental agencies, and dealerships. Copart has over 200 locations worldwide and facilitates more than 150,000 auctions daily.
Key Features:
Specializes in salvage vehicles.
Offers international shipping options.
Pros:
Huge selection of vehicles at various price points.
Transparent auction process with detailed vehicle condition reports.
Cons:
Many vehicles require significant repairs.
Buyers must pay a membership fee to access premium features.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for affordable salvage vehicles for repair or parts.
Overview: Copart is a global leader in online auto auctions, offering an extensive range of salvage and used vehicles sourced from insurance companies, rental agencies, and dealerships. Copart has over 200 locations worldwide and facilitates more than 150,000 auctions daily.
Key Features:
Specializes in salvage vehicles.
Offers international shipping options.
Pros:
Huge selection of vehicles at various price points.
Transparent auction process with detailed vehicle condition reports.
Cons:
Many vehicles require significant repairs.
Buyers must pay a membership fee to access premium features.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for affordable salvage vehicles for repair or parts.
2. IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)
Overview: Specializing in insurance-salvage vehicles, IAAI provides access to a wide range of cars, many of which have been damaged in accidents or floods. The platform is a favorite for dealers and individuals seeking repairable cars or cars sold by banks and insurance companies.
Key Features:
Focuses on salvage vehicles from insurance companies.
User-friendly bidding interface.
Pros:
Affordable prices for repairable vehicles.
Large inventory of "run and drive" cars that still operate despite needing repairs.
Cons:
Many vehicles require extensive repairs.
Membership is needed for full access.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers who are experienced in repairing cars or seeking affordable salvage vehicles.
Overview: Specializing in insurance-salvage vehicles, IAAI provides access to a wide range of cars, many of which have been damaged in accidents or floods. The platform is a favorite for dealers and individuals seeking repairable cars or cars sold by banks and insurance companies.
Key Features:
Focuses on salvage vehicles from insurance companies.
User-friendly bidding interface.
Pros:
Affordable prices for repairable vehicles.
Large inventory of "run and drive" cars that still operate despite needing repairs.
Cons:
Many vehicles require extensive repairs.
Membership is needed for full access.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers who are experienced in repairing cars or seeking affordable salvage vehicles.
3. eBay Motors
Overview: eBay Motors is one of the most well-known online auction platforms, offering everything from used cars to rare collector vehicles. The platform operates as both a traditional auction site and a buy-it-now marketplace.
Key Features:
Offers a wide range of vehicles, from regular used cars to rare, collectible models.
Buyer protections through eBay’s feedback and resolution system.
Pros:
Extensive vehicle selection and detailed listings.
Secure platform with buyer protections.
Cons:
Competitive bidding can drive prices up quickly.
Who It’s Best For: Individual buyers seeking rare, collectible, or used vehicles with strong buyer protection.
Overview: eBay Motors is one of the most well-known online auction platforms, offering everything from used cars to rare collector vehicles. The platform operates as both a traditional auction site and a buy-it-now marketplace.
Key Features:
Offers a wide range of vehicles, from regular used cars to rare, collectible models.
Buyer protections through eBay’s feedback and resolution system.
Pros:
Extensive vehicle selection and detailed listings.
Secure platform with buyer protections.
Cons:
Competitive bidding can drive prices up quickly.
Who It’s Best For: Individual buyers seeking rare, collectible, or used vehicles with strong buyer protection.
4. AutoBidMaster
Overview: AutoBidMaster is a licensed Copart broker that allows individuals without a dealer license to access Copart’s extensive inventory of salvage and used vehicles.
Key Features:
Access to Copart’s large inventory without needing a dealer license.
Offers salvage, clean-title, and used vehicles.
Pros:
Transparent pricing and detailed vehicle histories.
User-friendly interface for easy bidding.
Cons:
Salvage vehicles often require repairs.
Registration and membership fees apply.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers without dealer licenses who want access to Copart’s large selection of affordable vehicles.
Overview: AutoBidMaster is a licensed Copart broker that allows individuals without a dealer license to access Copart’s extensive inventory of salvage and used vehicles.
Key Features:
Access to Copart’s large inventory without needing a dealer license.
Offers salvage, clean-title, and used vehicles.
Pros:
Transparent pricing and detailed vehicle histories.
User-friendly interface for easy bidding.
Cons:
Salvage vehicles often require repairs.
Registration and membership fees apply.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers without dealer licenses who want access to Copart’s large selection of affordable vehicles.
5. ACV Auctions
Overview: Originally designed for dealer-to-dealer sales, ACV Auctions has opened its inventory to individual buyers. Known for its high-quality, dealer-inspected cars, ACV offers live video inspections to give buyers confidence in their purchase.
Key Features:
Live video inspections for reliable vehicle condition reporting.
Dealer-inspected vehicles only.
Pros:
High-quality inventory, thoroughly inspected by dealers.
Mobile app for convenient on-the-go bidding.
Cons:
Limited geographic availability (North America).
Faster-paced auctions can be challenging for inexperienced buyers.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for dealer-inspected vehicles and those seeking greater transparency through live video inspections.
Overview: Originally designed for dealer-to-dealer sales, ACV Auctions has opened its inventory to individual buyers. Known for its high-quality, dealer-inspected cars, ACV offers live video inspections to give buyers confidence in their purchase.
Key Features:
Live video inspections for reliable vehicle condition reporting.
Dealer-inspected vehicles only.
Pros:
High-quality inventory, thoroughly inspected by dealers.
Mobile app for convenient on-the-go bidding.
Cons:
Limited geographic availability (North America).
Faster-paced auctions can be challenging for inexperienced buyers.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for dealer-inspected vehicles and those seeking greater transparency through live video inspections.
6. Manheim
Overview: Manheim is the largest wholesale auto auction company in the U.S., primarily serving dealers. However, individuals can gain access to Manheim’s auctions through brokers. It’s known for selling fleet, rental, and lease-return vehicles.
Key Features:
Extensive network of both physical and online auctions.
Large selection of fleet and lease vehicles.
Pros:
Vast inventory and a trusted industry name.
Rapid turnover of high-quality vehicles.
Cons:
Primarily for licensed dealers, but individuals can access through brokers.
Auction fees and broker fees can add up.
Who It’s Best For: Licensed dealers, or individuals working with brokers, seeking well-maintained fleet and rental cars.
Overview: Manheim is the largest wholesale auto auction company in the U.S., primarily serving dealers. However, individuals can gain access to Manheim’s auctions through brokers. It’s known for selling fleet, rental, and lease-return vehicles.
Key Features:
Extensive network of both physical and online auctions.
Large selection of fleet and lease vehicles.
Pros:
Vast inventory and a trusted industry name.
Rapid turnover of high-quality vehicles.
Cons:
Primarily for licensed dealers, but individuals can access through brokers.
Auction fees and broker fees can add up.
Who It’s Best For: Licensed dealers, or individuals working with brokers, seeking well-maintained fleet and rental cars.
7. Bring a Trailer
Overview: Bring a Trailer is one of the most respected auction sites for rare, classic, and enthusiast vehicles. With a strong community of car collectors, it’s a haven for anyone looking for well-preserved vintage cars, muscle cars, and other unique vehicles.
Key Features:
Focus on rare and classic cars.
Transparent bidding process with detailed vehicle histories.
Pros:
Well-vetted vehicles, often with extensive documentation.
Active community providing feedback and insights on each auction.
Cons:
Vehicles are often sold at premium prices due to competition.
Limited to classic and enthusiast vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Enthusiasts and collectors looking for rare, well-maintained vehicles.
Overview: Bring a Trailer is one of the most respected auction sites for rare, classic, and enthusiast vehicles. With a strong community of car collectors, it’s a haven for anyone looking for well-preserved vintage cars, muscle cars, and other unique vehicles.
Key Features:
Focus on rare and classic cars.
Transparent bidding process with detailed vehicle histories.
Pros:
Well-vetted vehicles, often with extensive documentation.
Active community providing feedback and insights on each auction.
Cons:
Vehicles are often sold at premium prices due to competition.
Limited to classic and enthusiast vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Enthusiasts and collectors looking for rare, well-maintained vehicles.
8. Cars & Bids
Overview: Founded by automotive YouTuber Doug DeMuro, Cars & Bids focuses on modern enthusiast cars, primarily from the 1980s and onwards. It has quickly become a favorite for buyers seeking quirky, unique, and enthusiast-oriented vehicles.
Key Features:
Modern enthusiast cars, from the 1980s to the present day.
Detailed listings and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
Wide variety of interesting cars, often with rare features.
Strong community of modern car enthusiasts.
Cons:
Focuses on modern cars; limited options for classic car collectors.
Who It’s Best For: Modern car enthusiasts looking for unique and rare vehicles.
Overview: Founded by automotive YouTuber Doug DeMuro, Cars & Bids focuses on modern enthusiast cars, primarily from the 1980s and onwards. It has quickly become a favorite for buyers seeking quirky, unique, and enthusiast-oriented vehicles.
Key Features:
Modern enthusiast cars, from the 1980s to the present day.
Detailed listings and user-friendly interface.
Pros:
Wide variety of interesting cars, often with rare features.
Strong community of modern car enthusiasts.
Cons:
Focuses on modern cars; limited options for classic car collectors.
Who It’s Best For: Modern car enthusiasts looking for unique and rare vehicles.
9. GovPlanet
Overview: GovPlanet is a government auction platform offering surplus vehicles from the military and other government agencies. The inventory includes military trucks, buses, and other unique vehicles.
Key Features:
Access to surplus and military vehicles.
Regular auctions with affordable prices.
Pros:
Niche inventory not available elsewhere.
Many vehicles are sold at low prices.
Cons:
Limited to government fleet and surplus vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers interested in government and military surplus vehicles.
Overview: GovPlanet is a government auction platform offering surplus vehicles from the military and other government agencies. The inventory includes military trucks, buses, and other unique vehicles.
Key Features:
Access to surplus and military vehicles.
Regular auctions with affordable prices.
Pros:
Niche inventory not available elsewhere.
Many vehicles are sold at low prices.
Cons:
Limited to government fleet and surplus vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers interested in government and military surplus vehicles.
10. Auto Auction Mall
Overview: Auto Auction Mall is a broker service that allows individuals to access dealer-only auctions, giving them the opportunity to bid on vehicles normally reserved for dealerships.
Key Features:
Access to dealer auctions, including salvage and used cars.
Offers free car history reports for premium members.
Pros:
No dealer license required for participation.
Large inventory of vehicles at competitive prices.
Cons:
Membership fees apply for full access.
Primarily salvage vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for access to dealer auctions without a dealer license.
Overview: Auto Auction Mall is a broker service that allows individuals to access dealer-only auctions, giving them the opportunity to bid on vehicles normally reserved for dealerships.
Key Features:
Access to dealer auctions, including salvage and used cars.
Offers free car history reports for premium members.
Pros:
No dealer license required for participation.
Large inventory of vehicles at competitive prices.
Cons:
Membership fees apply for full access.
Primarily salvage vehicles.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for access to dealer auctions without a dealer license.
11. Capital Auto Auction
Overview: Capital Auto Auction offers both in-person and online auctions, with vehicles from government fleets, charities, and private sellers. It’s ideal for public buyers looking for affordable used cars.
Key Features:
Public auctions, no dealer license required.
Inventory includes charity vehicles and government surplus.
Pros:
Wide selection of affordable used cars.
Transparent bidding process with no membership required.
Cons:
Limited vehicle history information.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers seeking affordable used vehicles without the need for a dealer license.
Overview: Capital Auto Auction offers both in-person and online auctions, with vehicles from government fleets, charities, and private sellers. It’s ideal for public buyers looking for affordable used cars.
Key Features:
Public auctions, no dealer license required.
Inventory includes charity vehicles and government surplus.
Pros:
Wide selection of affordable used cars.
Transparent bidding process with no membership required.
Cons:
Limited vehicle history information.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers seeking affordable used vehicles without the need for a dealer license.
12. SCA (Southern California Auto Auction)
Overview: SCA is a public auction platform, offering access to salvage and used vehicles. Affiliated with Copart, it allows individuals to bid without a dealer license, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Key Features:
Access to salvage and used vehicles.
Public auctions with transparent fees.
Pros:
No dealer license required for participation.
Large selection of affordable vehicles.
Cons:
Most vehicles are salvage, requiring repairs.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for affordable salvage and used vehicles without the need for a dealer license.
Overview: SCA is a public auction platform, offering access to salvage and used vehicles. Affiliated with Copart, it allows individuals to bid without a dealer license, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Key Features:
Access to salvage and used vehicles.
Public auctions with transparent fees.
Pros:
No dealer license required for participation.
Large selection of affordable vehicles.
Cons:
Most vehicles are salvage, requiring repairs.
Who It’s Best For: Buyers looking for affordable salvage and used vehicles without the need for a dealer license.
Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Auction Site for Your Needs
With so many platforms available, selecting the right online car auction site depends on your needs. If you're searching for repairable salvage vehicles, Copart and IAAI are top contenders. For collectors, Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids offer rare, well-maintained cars. Always account for additional costs, such as auction fees and shipping.
After winning an auction, securing reliable shipping is crucial. AmeriFreight can ensure your vehicle is transported safely and affordably. Get an instant quote to have your new car delivered to your door without hassle.
FAQs About Online Car Auctions
Are online car auctions like Copart and IAAI safe for first-time buyers?
Yes, reputable auction platforms like Copart and IAAI are generally safe for first-time buyers, provided you do your research. Make sure to review vehicle history reports and understand the auction process before placing a bid.
What are the typical fees involved in online car auctions?
Auction platforms usually charge a buyer’s premium, ranging from 5% to 10% of the sale price. Additional fees may include registration, transaction, and shipping costs.
How can I ensure the vehicle is in good condition if I can’t inspect it in person?
Reputable platforms often provide detailed vehicle history reports from services like Carfax or AutoCheck. Some, like ACV Auctions, even offer live video inspections.
How do I ship a car after winning an auction?
Use a reliable car shipping service like AmeriFreight to transport your newly purchased auction car. AmeriFreight specializes in delivering auction-purchased vehicles safely and efficiently. Get a quote here.
Can I buy cars at these auctions without a dealer license?
Yes, many platforms, such as AutoBidMaster, Capital Auto Auction, and eBay Motors, allow public buyers without a dealer license to participate.
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