Buy smart at auction
Win the right car at auction, without the costly surprises.
Plain-English guides to auction fees, inspection, salvage titles, online and dealer auctions, and how to sell your car at auction for a fair price.
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Explore Auto Auction Guides
Pick a topic for step-by-step advice on buying or selling at auction.
Auction Fees
Buyer premiums, gate, late, storage and seller fees, and your real out-the-door cost.
Explore topic →02Salvage & Rebuilt Titles
Salvage vs rebuilt titles, state rules, rebuild math and resale value.
Explore topic →03Inspection & Checks
Condition reports, VIN and history checks, flood, frame and odometer red flags.
Explore topic →04Selling at Auction
Consignment, reserve prices, paperwork and getting the best price.
Explore topic →05Online Auctions
Copart, IAA, ACV and others: bidding, payment, pickup and storage rules.
Explore topic →06Dealer Auctions
Dealer-only auctions, access, arbitration and sourcing for small dealers.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Essential Auction Guides
The questions first-time auction buyers and sellers ask most.
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How Much Does a Salvage Inspection Cost?
A salvage inspection has no single fixed price. Your budget should cover the inspection fee, the inspection form, a possible reinspection, and…
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How Much Are Buyer Fees at Dealer-Only Auto Auctions?
Buyer fees at dealer-only auto auctions often land in the low hundreds, rising with the hammer price. This guide breaks out hidden…
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Can You Get a Dealer License Without a Lot?
Yes, sometimes, but only if your state allows a dealer license for a home office, office-only, or wholesale-only setup and you meet…
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How to Sell a Car at an Online Auto Auction
Set your lowest net before choosing a reserve, gather title and lien paperwork, and disclose condition issues before listing.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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How to Fill Out a Car Auction Consignment Form
A car auction consignment form authorizes the auction to list and sell your vehicle, record title…
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Online Auto Auctions Near Me: How to Find Local Pickup Cars
Filter by yard ZIP code, then confirm release timing, title status, and pickup hours before bidding.…
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Can You Get a Pre-auction Inspection on a Car Before Bidding?
Many auctions allow pre-bid inspections only for on-site lots with seller approval. A paid condition report…
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Are Auto Auction Fees Tax Deductible for Dealers and Flippers?
Yes, usually: dealers can deduct ordinary auction fees as business expenses, while flippers often treat buying…
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What Storage, Gate, and Late-Payment Fees Auctions Charge?
Car auctions can charge storage, gate, and late-payment fees separately when the contract allows it. This…
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How to Check VIN and Reg Match on an Auction Vehicle
Check the VIN on the vehicle, title, auction listing, and registration, and only bid when every…
Recent Guides
- How Much Does a Salvage Inspection Cost?
- How Much Are Buyer Fees at Dealer-Only Auto Auctions?
- Can You Get a Dealer License Without a Lot?
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