Online car auctions feature a great selection of both new and used vehicles at good prices, with the ability to search by make and model to find exactly what you’re looking for. Here’s a list of the top seven online car auction sites to check out.
Before bidding, know how much you’re willing to spend and stick with that number. Know the value of the vehicle you’re bidding on, and check the auction site’s rules for information such as minimum bid, fees, and more.
Best Online Car Auction Site for Fixer-Uppers: Salvage Bid
Ready to give your next vehicle some TLC as long as it saves you thousands? Salvage Bid has you covered. This auction website is strictly for as-is vehicles, often selling for as much as 75% off the retail price.
There are many vehicles in great condition on Salvage Bid that just need some TLC to get up and running again.
Cars on this site are extremely affordable.
The premium membership will cost you $200 a year, regardless of how often you use it.
For live auction bidding, a premium membership is required.
To get started on the platform, you’ll need to register. Salvage Bid offers a free membership that allows you to bid only during preliminary bids. You also only get to purchase one vehicle on the free plan. For $200 a year, gain access to the Premium plan, which unlocks every auction and feature on the website. Live auctions require a Premium plan.
Best Website for Dealer-Only Access: Auto Auction Mall
Auto Auction Mall provides those without a dealer’s license the ability to bid on dealer-only auctions. These auctions often involve vehicles listed at wholesale prices, potentially saving you thousands. There are thousands of vehicles available of all different makes and models here.
You get access to dealer-only auctions, saving you thousands off the retail price of your vehicle.
After spending cash on a vehicle, you’ll be required to pay Auto Auction Mall a $299 fee for allowing you entry into the auctions on its website.
Auto Auction Mall requires a security deposit of 10% of the amount you wish to spend. However, Auto Auction Mall’s membership is free for everyone and registration is simple. If you do win an auction, you’ll be required to pay Auto Auction Mall a $299 fee for its services.
Best for Finding a Clean Title: A Better Bid:
We all know how important a clean title is when purchasing a vehicle. This means the car or truck hasn’t sustained any severe damage and is of high quality. A Better Bid makes it easy to find only vehicles with clean titles using its website. Although the site also offers used and salvaged vehicles, clean titles are separated for easy access.
It’s easy to find vehicles with a clean title here.
The website is simple to use and navigate.
Payments can be made only by wire transfer after vehicle purchase.
Residents of Florida who purchase a vehicle are also charged a higher transaction fee of $399 for premium and $499 for basic membership.
A Better Bid offers free registration to browse. However, to bid, you’ll pay a fixed transaction fee of $250, plus applicable fees that are determined after your purchase. The Premium Membership will cost you $150 annually but gives access to a discounted transaction fee and five free vehicle history reports.
Best Auction Website for All Types of Vehicles: Purple Wave
Maybe you’re looking for a car, or maybe you’re looking for a tractor. Whatever the case may be, Purple Wave has it. This auction website is home to thousands of vehicles, including cars, trucks, tractors, semi-trucks, and trailers, and even construction equipment. If you’re looking for something special, this is where you’ll find it.
Purple Wave is free to use and only charges a 10% buyer’s premium after an auction is won.
It takes a bit of searching to find vehicles that are not tractors or commercial-grade vehicles.
The Purple Wave platform is free after registration and there are no fees. However, there is a 10% buyer’s premium added to the end of every purchase price to be paid along with your invoice. For bids of more than $10,000, you might be required to provide a bank letter of guarantee or a credit card pre-authorization.
Best Online Auto Auction Website for the Experienced: IAA
IAA, or Insurance Auto Auction Incorporated, is the best online auction for the experienced. Providing services to licensed dealers as well as non-licensed buyers, IAA makes it easy to find a high-quality vehicle. IAA offers broker services for non-licensed individuals who wish to bid on a vehicle.
IAA offers flexible payment options and brokers to assist with vehicle transportation and shipping.
You’re only able to bid on auctions open to the public.
As a public buyer without a license, you’ll be charged a $200 annual fee for IAA’s service. You’re eligible to bid only on auctions that are open to the public and on inventory available to the public.
Best Hidden Secret for Dealers and Non-Dealers Alike: Cranky Ape
Cranky Ape is an exceptional online auction website for vehicles of all types. Dealers and non-dealers are able to bid online after account registration. Cranky Ape does charge a $50 fee for first-time users, but it drops to $45 each year after that.
The fee is lower than others on this list that charge fees.
Dealers and non-dealers are both welcome for the same price.
The website isn’t as user friendly as the others on this list.
Cranky Ape allows you to set an absentee bid, letting the website bid on your behalf up to your max. The website also lists vehicles for Buy Now privileges, meaning you can skip the online auction and purchase directly.
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
