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.

Explore Auction Guides →Latest Articles
Know the real costBuyer premiums, gate, storage and transport fees.
Check before you bidCondition reports, VIN, title and damage checks.
Buy and sell with confidenceStep-by-step help from bidding to pickup.

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Explore Auto Auction Guides

Pick a topic for step-by-step advice on buying or selling at auction.

01

Auction Fees

Buyer premiums, gate, late, storage and seller fees, and your real out-the-door cost.

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Salvage & Rebuilt Titles

Salvage vs rebuilt titles, state rules, rebuild math and resale value.

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Inspection & Checks

Condition reports, VIN and history checks, flood, frame and odometer red flags.

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Selling at Auction

Consignment, reserve prices, paperwork and getting the best price.

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Online Auctions

Copart, IAA, ACV and others: bidding, payment, pickup and storage rules.

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Dealer Auctions

Dealer-only auctions, access, arbitration and sourcing for small dealers.

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Featured reading

Start Here: Essential Auction Guides

The questions first-time auction buyers and sellers ask most.

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Latest Auction Articles

New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.

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