Car Auction Websites I Use for Flipping Cars
Hey everyone, it’s the Car Dealer King here, back with another guide. This time, I want to introduce you to my favorite type of auctions: online car auctions (Click that to view all of my listings for local wholesale online car auctions in the USA). Keep scrolling to view my list of online-only car auction websites below.
Now, I’ve been buying and selling cars at auctions for longer than I care to admit, and let me tell you, the online bidding popularity has exploded. I’m a former used car dealer and car flipper, so I like to keep up with the latest trends. I even still flip a ride here and there.
There are tons of car auction sites out there, each with its own quirks and advantages. I’ve put together this guide to share my firsthand experience with some of the biggest players and a few hidden gems you might not know about.
My Advice on Popular Public Auto Auction Sites with Online Bidding
These are are the more mainstream of online car auction sites. It does not matter if you’re a car flipper, rebuilder, or just looking for a personal ride, you should be able to find something interesting in all the auction websites below.
They vary greatly though in what sort of used cars they auction and also how they auction them off. As far as free online car auction sites goes, almost all will allow you to browse their inventories for free. There is typically not a fee just to see the cars for sale or anything like that.
Manheim – Manheim? Yeah, they’re huge—they’re everywhere. They’ve got the biggest network, and they do a lot more than just auctions. You can get your cars fixed up there, move ’em around, the whole nine yards. I’ve done business with them, but honestly, I usually hit up the smaller auctions first.
You never know what you might find at those local spots, and sometimes you can get a better deal when you’re not bidding against a hundred other guys. The thing about most Manheim locations though is that it’s easy to get overlooked as a little guy while the big dealers get the most attention from staff.
Copart – They’re all over the US and even have spots in other countries. They built their business on wrecked cars, but these days they’ve got all sorts of vehicles, from clunkers to some that are in pretty good shape.
I’ve picked up a few cars from them over the years for flipping, but you gotta be careful. Some locations are open to the public, and some are just for dealers, so make sure you can actually buy from them before you head over.
My problem with Copart is that the fees have gotten quite high over the years. They are no longer by go-to online auction site like in the past, but I still bid there from time to time.
Remember, with Copart, you’re usually buying as-is, so you need to know what you’re looking at. I’ve seen some people get burned because they didn’t inspect the car properly before bidding.
Adesa – They’re another one of the big auction houses. I’ve been to a few of their locations over the years, and they’re usually pretty well-run.
They’ve got a good selection of vehicles, and their staff is generally helpful. They do a lot more than just auctions, too. You can get your cars fixed up there, and they can even help with transportation.
I’d put them up there with Manheim in terms of size and what they offer. If you’re looking for a solid auction with a good reputation, ADESA is worth checking out.
IAAI – They’re a big name in the salvage auction business, with locations all over the United States, Canada, and even the UK. They made their name with wrecked cars, but these days they’ve got a real mix of vehicles – from barely damaged to completely totaled.
I’ve even seen some pretty clean cars come through their auctions lately. Just remember, some IAAI locations are dealer-only, so do your research before you show up. Like most salvage auctions, everything’s sold as-is, so you gotta be extra careful and know what you’re getting into.
Apple Towing Auctions – I’ve poked around their website a few times. It’s pretty straightforward – easy to find what’s coming up for auction and how to bid.
They’re known for having a ton of seized vehicles, and they seem to be pretty upfront about everything. If you’re looking for something that might have been confiscated by the government, they’re a good place to start.
They handle stuff for agencies all over the US, so they’ve got a pretty big reach. I’ve never actually been to one of their auctions, but I’ve heard they do both online and live events. Might be worth checking out sometime.
Bar None Auction – They’re not as big as some of the other auctions, but they’ve got a decent reputation. They’ve got a few locations out west – California, Texas, and Washington – and they do both live and online auctions.
One thing I’ve noticed about them is they often have some heavy equipment up for grabs – bulldozers, front loaders, that sort of thing. If you’re in the market for that kind of stuff, it might be worth checking them out. I haven’t bought anything from them myself, but I’ve heard good things.
Ride Safely – An online auction website that specializes in the sale of used vehicles, with a huge selection of cars from all over the country and services, including transportation and financing. In my experience, they almost always have a decent selection of auction cars and are open to the public.
Purple Wave – It’s pretty easy to use, and they’ve got a ton of stuff – tractors, excavators, trucks, you name it. They’re all about online auctions, and they don’t do any reserve prices, which can make things interesting.
I’ve never actually bought anything from them, but I’ve heard they’re a decent company to deal with. If you’re in the market for agricultural or construction equipment, it might be worth checking them out.
GSA Auctions – A website run by the U.S. government where they auction off all kinds of stuff they don’t need anymore, from cars and trucks to office furniture and lab equipment. I’ve found some surprisingly good deals there, and it’s a fun way to support the government while potentially scoring something unique.
Gov Auctions – A website I often use that specializes in the sale of vehicles that have been seized by government agencies, including the police and FBI, with a large selection of vehicles, including luxury and high-end cars, offering some of the best deals on the market.
Bid on police seizures, tow impounds, government fleet surplus, and more online. I always liked how it easy it is to search for auction listings.
On an online car auction website, you’ve got a huge selection to pick from, and the bidding process keeps things fair for everyone. If you’re hunting for a classic cruiser, a reliable daily driver, or even a project car to tinker with, there’s an auction out there with your name on it. They are a car flipper’s dream come true, in my opinion.
Just a heads up, though, not all of these online auctions are open to the public. Some are exclusive to us dealers, but most are open to the public or at least have public sales now and then. So, let’s get started and find the right auction for you!
Honorable Mentions: Niche Car Auction Websites
Car auction sites are now becoming very common with so many options for buying a car online. There are even specialty niche car auction sites like Cars & Bids that give sellers of sought after specialty cars their own websites for buying and selling.
These auction sites below are more rare finds, so car flippers should probably stick with the mainstream websites above. Either way, it’s fun to look through their online inventories and see what cars they have for sale.
Cars & Bids – An online auction website open to the public that specializes in the sale of collector and specialty vehicles, offering a unique and curated selection of vehicles, including classic cars, exotic cars, and sports cars, and providing a convenient and user-friendly platform for car buyers and sellers. I always enjoy looking through Cars & Bids’ online inventory, although most are out of my price range.
Bring a Trailer – A popular online classic car classifieds site and auction that specializes in the sale of vintage and enthusiast vehicles, offering a wide selection of vehicles, including classic cars, sports cars, and collectible vehicles, and providing a community-driven platform where car enthusiasts can buy and sell their vehicles. I wanted to include this one as it is one of my favorites.
If you are a car lover, I recommend following Bring a Trailer on Facebook or Twitter for the most interesting listings.
Rad For Sale – The only online auction site focused on the automotive lifestyle and culture of the 1980s and 1990s. This is definitely one of the more unique car auction websites out there, in my opinion. I am curious to see if it continues to grow at the same rapid pace that it has been.
Hemmings – Hemmings is the place to go if you’re into classic cars. They’ve got a huge classifieds section, and their auction platform is pretty popular too. I’ve seen some real beauties on there – muscle cars, antique cars, you name it.
It’s a good spot for car enthusiasts and collectors to buy and sell. I haven’t bought or sold anything through Hemmings myself, but I know they’ve got a good reputation in the classic car world.
VIDEO: There Are So Many Car Auction Sites Now
It almost feels like there is beginning to be too many car auction websites these days. Recent world events have ushered in a second coming of the online shopping era that first hit in the early 2000s and there is more incentive for companies to offer services like bidding online and being able to complete the entire transaction via internet.
This video touches on the massive growth in the number of auction sites with cars in recent years. It really can be daunting deciding which one to trust when you consider all the newer ones.
It is helpful to use sites like Better Business Bureau or Consumer Reports to read more specific information about one you want to use. Also, I highly recommend reddit as a good source of personal experience reviews.
The great thing about having so many options for auto auction websites is that you can easily browse photos of the cars for sale online. In the past, buying a car involved a lot of legwork and having to travel around a bit to look at various vehicles in different locations.
In my experience, here’s where online auto auctions really shine: You’re not just stuck browsing through whatever random cars they have on the lot. Nope, you can actually search for exactly what you’re looking for.
Want a cherry red 2018 Mustang GT with low mileage? Punch in those details, and boom – the site will pull up all the matches. It’s like having your own personal car shopper, but without the pushy sales tactics.
These sites above take a lot of the guesswork out of buying a car. You can check out detailed photos, vehicle history reports, and even get inspection reports in some cases. This way, you know exactly what you’re bidding on and can avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love saving a few bucks? Online auctions often have lower prices than traditional dealerships, so you can snag a great deal and still have some cash left over for those sweet aftermarket rims.
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about the savings. There’s a real thrill to bidding in an auction, that adrenaline rush as you try to outbid the competition. It’s like a game, and winning feels pretty darn good. So, yeah, I might be a little biased, but I think online car auctions are a blast.
Online car auctions are a super convenient way to find used cars, work trucks, etc. Does not matter if you’re a dealer looking to stock up your lot or just someone looking for a good deal, these websites offer a huge selection of preowned vehicles at competitive prices.
Keep in mind that buying a vehicle through an auction website comes with a bit of extra risk that I like to warn customers about upfront. Before making a bid, be sure to thoroughly review the terms and conditions, inspect the vehicle, and research its history.
Regardless of whether you are in the market for a car, truck, or any other type of vehicle, online car auction websites can help you find the perfect match at a reasonable price.
My Online Car Auctions Tip: You may also buy an auction car from another state and have it delivered to your door via a car auction shipping service.
Also, remember that you can sell your car at an auction as well. It is a good way for a quick and easy transaction without all the associated hassles like paperwork. The best online car auction sites will offer the ability to either buy or sell a vehicle.
Over the years, I've bought and sold countless cars at both local and online auctions. Trust me, there's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of bidding on a car and getting a nice deal in the process.
I want everyone to know how easy and accessible local car auctions open to the public can be. These are often local businesses ran by good folks supporting their families and their communities. In my experience, everyone is family at a local auto auction.
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Last updated on January 15th, 2025 at 04:32 pm
