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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Why Was a Rebuilt Title Issued Without an Accident?
A rebuilt title can follow a non-collision total loss, such as flood, fire, theft recovery, hail, or mechanical damage. Trace the brand…
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What Is in a Car Auction Consignment Agreement?
A consignment agreement usually covers commission, reserve price, title status, seller fees, payment timing, arbitration, and liability.
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Best Vehicle History Report for Auction Buyers
AutoCheck is often the first pull for auction buyers because it flags title brand, odometer issues, theft, and auction history before you…
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Are Salvage Title Cars Worth Buying?
Buy only if the total cost lands 30% to 40% below a clean-title equivalent after repairs, inspection, insurance, and resale loss.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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What Are the Copart Bidding Requirements Before You Bid?
You need an active Copart account, the right buyer type, and any required license or broker…
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Can You Bid on Copart Without a Membership?
No. You can browse Copart lots without a membership, but bidding requires a paid membership or…
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Online Auto Auctions: How They Work and Where to Buy
Online auto auctions split between public marketplaces and dealer-only sales. Budget 10% to 20% above the…
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Buyer Fees at Car Auctions: What You’ll Actually Pay
Your auction total is more than the hammer price. See buyer fees, taxes, title and registration…
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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…
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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…
Recent Guides
- Why Was a Rebuilt Title Issued Without an Accident?
- What Is in a Car Auction Consignment Agreement?
- Best Vehicle History Report for Auction Buyers
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