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 Much Do Car Auction Consignment Fees Cost?
Car auction consignment fees usually total 5% to 10% of the sale price, but the seller’s all-in cost can rise with listing,…
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How to Read a Vehicle History Report Before an Auction Bid
Read the title, damage, odometer, and recalls first. Salvage, flood, junk, or odometer issues usually mean walk unless the price fits parts…
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What Seller Fees Does Copart Charge?
Copart seller fees are not fixed. Your payout can also shrink from storage, pickup, title work, towing, and condition-related deductions. This page…
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Rebuilt Title vs Clean Title: Is the Discount Worth It?
A rebuilt-title car is worth it only with a verified 20% to 40% discount over a comparable clean-title car.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Why Does a Car Get a Salvage Title Without an Accident?
A car can get a salvage title without a crash when repair costs, theft recovery rules,…
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Best Online Auto Auctions for Public Buyers: How to Compare
Use a 5-part scorecard to compare online auto auctions for public buyers by access, total cost,…
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How to Read an Auction Report Without Missing Red Flags
Read the condition report in three passes: body, mechanical, and disclosures. Compare sections for conflicts, then…
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How to Sell Your Car at Auction Step by Step
Auction your car by choosing the right house, setting a reserve, bringing title and ID, approving…
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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…
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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…
Recent Guides
- How Much Do Car Auction Consignment Fees Cost?
- How to Read a Vehicle History Report Before an Auction Bid
- What Seller Fees Does Copart Charge?
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