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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Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title: What Is the Difference?
A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss; a rebuilt title means it passed inspection for road use.
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How Does Copart Bidding Work From Registration to Checkout?
Copart bidding starts with account approval, then moves to bidding, payment, and vehicle release. Know the deadlines and fees before you bid.
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What Is an Auction Inspection Report and What Does It Include?
An auction inspection report is a condition summary that helps you price risk before bidding. This page explains the line items, limits,…
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Who Issues Dealership Licenses in Each State?
Each state issues dealer licenses through its own agency, not a national office. This page maps the issuing office, renewal office, and…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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What Does Run and Drive Mean on an Auction Inspection?
Run and drive means the vehicle moved under its own power at inspection, not that it…
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How to VIN Check for Salvage Title Before Bidding
Check NMVTIS and state title records first; if either shows salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, or theft…
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Can You Get Buyer Fees Refunded If the Sale Is Canceled?
Sometimes yes, but only certain buyer fees are refundable, and the refund depends on why the…
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How to Buy Cars at Dealer Auctions Without Overpaying
Set a hard all-in ceiling: retail value minus reconditioning, auction fees, transport, and profit buffer. Skip…
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Sell Car at Auction vs Private Sale: Which Pays More?
Use a 5% to 10% break-even check: if a private offer does not beat your expected…
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How to Set a Reserve Price When Selling a Car at Auction
Set your reserve from adjusted market value after fees, transport, and repairs, then compare it with…
Recent Guides
- Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title: What Is the Difference?
- How Does Copart Bidding Work From Registration to Checkout?
- What Is an Auction Inspection Report and What Does It Include?
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