It’s a crazy time to be shopping for a new or used car, especially high-demand adventure-ready vehicles.
New vehicle shortages have pushed used car prices through the roof, and supplies are tight in all vehicle segments. This is especially true for classic 4x4s, sports cars, and models that have even a little value to collectors and enthusiasts.
Luckily, if you’re in the market to buy and absolutely cannot wait for the market to settle, you’ve got a few choices for the best online car auctions to shop for your next vehicle purchase.
Sure, you can try the dealership. But many are stretched thin on inventory, and you won’t find much outside of the most mainstream models on most lots. Websites like Autotrader, Cars.com, and others list thousands of cars, but they can be challenging to navigate, especially if you’re shopping for something out of the ordinary.
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The Best Online Car Auctions: What to Know Before You Bid
If you’ve already tried all of the major channels to buy a vehicle, your next step should be to check out the best online car auctions. Yes, an auction is a bit less certain than shelling out a set amount on a listed price. And yes, you could end up not winning the auction.
However, auctions are the best place to find weird, obscure, rare, and funky cars. They’re also a great place to learn about uncommon models. Online car auctions are big business these days. At any given moment, there are hundreds of vehicles up for bid.
We’ve gathered a few of the largest, most popular, and best online car auction sites below. Though they all function in generally the same way, the fees and rules are different for each site, so it’s essential to dig into the details before you place a bid.
Bring a Trailer
Bring a Trailer (BaT) wasn’t the first auction site to hit the streets, but it quickly became one of the most popular and well-known companies in the business. Media giant Hearst acquired the site in 2020, adding to the company’s portfolio of automotive media outlets, including Car and Driver and Road and Track.
Research
Interface and User Experience
Car Bidding Process and Fees
Cars & Bids
Research
Interface and User Experience
Bidding Process and Fees
eBay Motors
Research
Interface and User Experience
Bidding Process and Fees
Hemmings Auctions
Research
Interface and User Experience
Bidding Process and Fees
PCar Market
Research
Interface and User Experience
Bidding Process and Fees
Collecting Cars
Research
Interface and User Experience
Bidding Process and Fees
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best online car auction sites to buy and sell a car?
Choose the auction site that best suits your personality and the type of vehicle you’re shopping for or planning on selling. For example, if you are selling an obscure French car from the 1980s, eBay Motors might not be your best bet because of its massive reach and impersonal style.
You’ll have an easier time obtaining information from an engaged seller on the right forum and will have a better experience if you choose your venue wisely.
Is it safe to buy a car in an online auction?
Yes, but buying a car on the Internet comes with a few extra steps to protect yourself. The first is that you should buy the seller as much as you’re buying the car. Do they understand what they are auctioning? Are there detailed records of the car’s history?
You’ll also want to have the car inspected before bidding, if possible. Finding a shop and having the car checked over in the short window of time that the auction is active may be difficult. But you should do it no matter where you buy a used car.
Finally, make sure that your finances are in order and that you and the seller understand how and when you will make payment.
How do I get my auction car?
You have a few choices when it comes to taking delivery of your new ride. If you aren’t too far away or if you’re up for a road trip, picking the car up and driving it home is one of the most straightforward ways to get the vehicle where it needs to be. You may also have a loving friend willing to make the trip for you.
If you cannot pick the car up or have someone do so in your place, have it shipped. There are several companies that communicate with networks of truck drivers and operators to move vehicles around the country. Check online reviews and shop around to find the best prices.
Can I buy salvaged cars in an auction?
You can, but you likely won’t find salvage cars on the auction sites we have listed here. Companies such as Copart (CopartSelect also offers driveable and relatively easily repairable vehicles, many with non-branded titles), ACV Auctions, and others offer a variety of vehicle types, including both repairable and scrap cars.
Buyer beware: You’d better be knowledgeable enough to understand what you’re buying when you step into a salvage auction, as you won’t get a refund if you don’t get what you thought you were buying.