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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Reserve Price vs Market Value: How to Compare Them
Use net proceeds, not sticker value, to set reserve. Compare reserve price and market value with fees, reconditioning, and transport.
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How to Schedule a Salvage Inspection Appointment in Your State
Check whether your state books salvage inspections through the DMV, state police, highway patrol, or an approved site. Gather title and repair…
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Do auction announcements override arbitration rules?
Auction announcements can override arbitration for a specifically disclosed defect. Vague, late, or incomplete notices usually do not.
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Can You Check VIN or License Plate for an Auction Car?
Use the VIN first, and the plate only as a cross-check. Check what each lookup can reveal, then verify an auction car…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Wholesale vs Retail Dealer License: Which One Do You Need?
Use a wholesale dealer license for dealer-to-dealer sales and a retail dealer license for public sales,…
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Why Are Some Car Auctions Dealer Only? Key Reasons
Dealer-only auctions are restricted to licensed dealers, and that access is usually tied to wholesale inventory,…
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How much are buyer fees at public car auctions?
Buyer fees are added to the winning bid, and they can turn a low bid into…
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Are auction fees taxed when you buy a car at auction?
Auction fees can change the taxable base for a car purchase at auction, depending on state…
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Do online car auctions charge different fees than live?
Online car auctions often add buyer premiums, platform fees, and payment charges. Compare the fee table…
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How to Sell My Car at Auction Near Me: What to Check
Check auction fees, reserve rules, and likely net proceeds before you book. Compare local houses with…
Recent Guides
- Reserve Price vs Market Value: How to Compare Them
- How to Schedule a Salvage Inspection Appointment in Your State
- Do auction announcements override arbitration rules?
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