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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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…
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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 page covers payment, pickup, and access…
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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 tracking. This guide compares coverage, gaps,…
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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 guide explains what is owed, withheld,…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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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…
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Can You Register a Car with a Salvage Title?
Usually, a salvage title alone is not enough to register a car. Most states require a…
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How to Bid at an Online Car Auction Without Overpaying
Set a hard ceiling bid before auction day by subtracting repairs, fees, taxes, title, transport, and…
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What Are the Dealer License Requirements by State?
Dealer license requirements vary by state, but most states require a business location, surety bond, sales…
Recent Guides
- What Does “in Negotiation” Mean on ACV Auctions?
- What Are the IAA Auction Rules Buyers Should Know Before Bidding?
- Carfax or AutoCheck: Which Is the Better History Report?
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