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 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 auction results and condition-based deductions.
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Auction Consignment: How It Works for Car Sellers
Auction consignment handles bidding and payment on your behalf. Learn the step-by-step workflow from intake to payout and how to protect your…
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What Documents Do You Need for a Salvage Inspection?
Bring title paperwork, a government ID, the salvage or rebuilt application, repair receipts, and photos. Add state forms only if your DMV…
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What Does “in Negotiation” Mean on ACV Auctions?
“In negotiation” on ACV Auctions means the vehicle is still in active price or terms discussion, and the listing is not final…
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 IAA Auction Rules Buyers Should Know Before Bidding?
IAA bids count only when your buyer type, bid status, and payment deadlines line up. This…
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Carfax or AutoCheck: Which Is the Better History Report?
Carfax is usually better for service records, while AutoCheck is usually better for auction and title…
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Do You Pay Seller Fees If Your Car Does Not Sell at Auction?
A no-sale can still leave you with a run fee, re-run fee, or no-sale fee. This…
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How to Start an Auction Arbitration Claim Step by Step
Start an auction arbitration claim by checking the sale clock, gathering the condition report and photos,…
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Are Rebuilt Title Cars Reliable Enough for Daily Driving?
A rebuilt-title car can be daily-driver material when repairs are documented and the structure checks out.…
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What Does Minimum Bid Mean on Copart Listings?
Minimum bid means the seller has set a floor price on a Copart listing. Bids below…
Recent Guides
- How to Set a Reserve Price When Selling a Car at Auction
- Auction Consignment: How It Works for Car Sellers
- What Documents Do You Need for a Salvage Inspection?
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