Best Online Car Auction Sites Ranked & Reviewed

It's a common misconception that used cars come from dealerships and private sellers, but most dealerships buy used vehicles from car auctions. The majority of dealerships that sell relatively new cars for good prices are buying them from large auction houses that specialize in connecting dealers with these vehicles.

Some sites can even be dangerous. Therefore, proceed cautiously and KNOW where you'll be buying a used car or salvage vehicle.ย 

In this article, we will discuss what types of vehicles we can buy from an online car auction, as well as 11ย of the best online car auction sites.

What kind of vehicles can be found on online car auctions?

Most online car auction sites offer many types of vehicles, such as salvage cars, trade-in cars, repossessed vehicles, and totaled cars.ย 

Remember: Be sure to consider your budget before bidding. Know the vehicle’s value, the site’s minimum bid policies, and any associated fees.

ย 1. My car auction

My car auction

The best platform to sell your cars online because they have 30+ years of experience in car buying and will give you the best real-time price for your vehicle.

They give their customers offers on their cars in 45 seconds or less.

They are the easiest way to sell your car online in California or anywhere in the United States. It exposes your cars to 50,000 people. Whether it is the ideal opportunity for you to update your vehicle or you simply need to see the market as an incentive for it, you can use our basic apparatus to get a moment’s offer for your vehicle. Our free vehicle evaluation tool gives you an evaluation in less than a moment. All you need is your VIN, mileage, variant and postal district to get a quote.

The reviewย  of any website should make the reader sure they’re in the right place.

car auction review

  • Google :4.6 out of 5 people give 64 positive total reviews.
  • ย Facebook: 4.6 out of 5 Based on the opinion of 11 people.
  • Yelp: People got the best price for a car . There are 62 people give positive review overall rating is about 5/5
  • On the off chance that you are happy with the low cost, you can sell your vehicle in less than a day by addressing one of our purchasers and booking a review arrangement without any doubt. They will then send a buyer in less than 24 hours to confirm the condition, sign off on all the desk work and pay you!

2. Police Auctions Usa

police auction cars

PoliceAuctions.com, now with over 6 million members, was founded in 1999. Police Auctions has a revenue of over $6 million. The technologies that are used by Police Auctions are Amazon EC2, Font Awesome, Twitter for Websites, and Amazon S3. Participating in online auctions is free and open to everyone.

Police seizures, government fleet surplus, dealer trade-ins, bank repossessions, old [police cars, and more are just a few of the sources from which police auctions are held. In most cases, the individual or people whose property the items were taken are welcome to attend and place a direct bid on the seized things.

This gives an incredible chance to recover individual things and valuables that might have Worthwhile. Their mission is to deliver accurate and up-to-date data to propelled shoppers. Accurate and forward-thinking sell-off data is critical to the sales force’s ability to buy

  • ย ย ย Any person can attend the police auction.
  • ย Police Auctions USA has committed to providing the information needed in real time so buyers can research items before they are auctioned.
  • Over the last three months, policeauctionsusa.com’s global ranking has increased from 1,046,585 to 582,474.They are 55000 thousand weekly visitors to this website.

The reviewย  of any website should make the reader sure they’re in the right place.

Police car auction ratings and reviews

  • Facebook Rating: 1,146,414 people like this page and there are 1,151,953 followers 4.5/5.
  • ย Yelp rating: People give 90ย  positive reviews rating is about 4.5/5.
  • ย ย Google rating: There about 232ย  total reviews on google rating is about 4.4/5.

3. NJ State Auto Used Cars

NJ state auto car auction

The New Jersey State Auto Used Cars offers Free CARFAX Vehicle History Reports. All vehicles are checked by CARFAX and come with clean titles including the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee. They also offer Auto Loan Financing, Online Auction Bidding, Auto Insurance, Extended Warranty Plans and we have a Full Vehicle Service Department. We are ranked number one in customer service for all Public Auto Auctions in the Northeast Region.

They are the largest car auction in the tri-state metro area, serving New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and DC.

  • Their mission has always been to deliver the best automotive auction experience in the USA, passing substantial savings on to our customers.

The reviewย  of any website should make the reader sure they’re in the right place.

  • ย ย Google Rating: Total number of reviews on google are 1335 . Their rating is about 5 outย  of 4.
  • ย ย dealerrater.com: They have 6 cosumer satisfaction award and 432 people review on this site rating is 5 out of 4.7
  • ย Facebook Rating: There are no reviews on facebook.

4. Otay Auto auction

otay auto car auction

Otay Auto auction was established starting around 2008 to trade cars.

Otay Auto auction is an authorized and reinforced auto dealer. Otay Auto Auctionโ€™s headquarters are at 8955 Siempre Viva Rd, San Diego, California, 92154, United States. Otay Auto Auctionโ€™s revenue is <$5 Million.

It is an extraordinary method for buying a vehicle, setting aside cash and getting a reasonable plan. Most of these vehicles are looking good. Since the vast majority don’t search for vehicles at barters, it also implies you have a decent potential for success in getting an extraordinary arrangement.

  • To purchase a vehicle at closeout you really want to arrive as soon as possible to look at every one of the vehicles. These vehicles are sold quickly and for cheap!
  • Google Rating: Total number of reviews on google is 247 and rating is 3.7/5
  • Facebook Rating: The rating on facebook is about 5 out of 4.1
  • Yelp rating: There are 18 reviews on yelp and rating is 2/5
otay auto auction review

Buying a used vehicle, come to Otay Auto Auction, they are 5 minutes from the border.

5. CAR-RAC

car-rac auction site

CAR-RAC is an online trading platform for traders. This stage permits sellers to sell utilized stock, and get compensated quickly! Furthermore, the best part is, there is no expense to enlist. you are looking for a specialty vehicle, a work of art or fantastic vehicle, or a unique client demand, the stage makes it simple to look for vehicles by year, make, model, area, mileage etc . CAR-RAC associates ย with other web-based stages to promote your vehicle to north of 200,000 qualified purchasers, 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

ย This service is easy to use and the CAR-RAC staff makes the entire transaction easy and smooth.

car rac review

  • Google Rating: There are 200 review this page rating is about 2.3/5
  • Facebook Rating: 608,99 people follow this page and rating 3.9/5
  • Yelp rating: There are total 17ย  review on this page and rating is about 4.โ…•

6. Payless Auto auction

payles auction car

Payless Auto Auction is a public auction. Come and participate in the excitement of online bidding! They have vehicles for every financial plan and needs according to their customer. The sports vehicles, Commitment varies from month to month, but in all cases there are great websites to buy and sell used vehicles at reasonableย  prices.

  • They also take vehicles on credit.
  • ย They do the promoting!! they show it off!! they accept the calls!! You sell your vehicle!!
  • ย Payless Auto Sale will do all that could be within reach to fulfill both the purchaser and the vender.ย ย 

payles car auction

  • Google Rating: There are 72 total reviews on google and rating is about 3.7/5
  • Facebook Rating: Their facebook rating is 3.1/5
  • Yelp rating: There are 4 reviews on yelp and rating is 3.5/5

7. Lehigh valley Auto auction

leigh valley auction site

It is an NAAA Member Auto Auction located in the Lehigh Valley of Eastern Pennsylvania. Trade-in vehicles from the area’s top new car dealers are sold at our auction. The weekly auction also includes lease vehicles, vehicles donated to charities, repossessed vehicles, and vehicles sold by public sellers.

  • They try to provide a personal touch that most companies cannot provide.
  • ย In addition, their unique perspective on the public adds a third dimension to our business model by opening up new markets for car sales and auctions.

reviews of leigh valley auction

  • ย Google Rating: 199 total people review on google and rating is about 3.7/5
  • ย Facebook Rating: 103 people review on facebook rating is about 5 out of 4
  • Yelp rating: There are no reviews found on yelp.

8. CARFAX

carfax review

CARFAX offers Buy Back Guarantee. They also offer auto loans, online sales, car insurance, extended warranty plans, and they have full auto service. They are the largest auto repair shop in the tri-state metro area, serving New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and DC. They are rated number one in customer service for public car sales in the North East region.

The New Jersey State Auto Utilized Vehicles gives a simple way to the overall population to get the absolute best qualities in purchasing utilized vehicles at wholesale costs.

Here they haveย  an assortment of additional administrations can give:

  • Vehicle Locator Administration – They can assist you with purchasing a Vehicle, Truck, Van or SUV at a discount cost and make it simple and calm.
  • Free CARFAX Report โ€“ This can give a Free CARFAX vehicle history report on any vehicle on our 4 sections of land parcel.
  • Free KBB Report – They can give a Free Kelly Blue Book Report, the estimating guide generally acknowledged and trusted by buyers today.
  • Unique Offers :ย They give unique offers to the customer.
  • ย ย ย Google Rating: There are 140 reviews and ratingย  is about 3.7/5.
  • Facebook Rating: Their facebook rating is 3.7/5.
  • Yelp rating: Car buyers give 1.0 rating from 11 reviews.

9. Nj car buyer

All vehicles are CARFAX certified come and avail all the offers. CARFAX offers Buy Back Guarantee. They also offer auto loans, online sales, car insurance, extended warranty plans, and they have full auto service. They are the largest auto repair shop in the tri-state metro area, serving New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and DC. They are rated number one in customer service for public car sales in the North East region

The New Jersey State Auto Utilized Vehicles gives a simple way to the overall population to get the absolute best qualities in purchasing utilized vehicles at wholesale costs

Here they haveย  an assortment of additional administrations can give:

  • Vehicle Locator Administration – They can assist you with purchasing a Vehicle, Truck, Van or SUV at a discount cost and make it simple and calm.
  • Free CARFAX Report โ€“ This can give a Free CARFAX vehicle history report on any vehicle on our 4 sections of land parcel.
  • Free KBB Report – They can give a Free Kelly Blue Book Report, the estimating guide generally acknowledged and trusted by buyers today.
  • Unique Offers . They give unique offers to the customer.
  • ย There are 5000 people visit this website monthly
  • ย Google Rating: There are 140 reviews and ratingย  is about 3.7/5.
  • Facebook Rating: Their facebook rating is 3.7/5.
  • ย ย Yelp rating: Car buyers give 1.0 rating from 11 reviews.

10. Bid N drive

Bid N drive auction website

Bid N Drive has been an online auction portal for clean and salvage title vehicles since 2009.

The company provides low fee membership and a 100% refundable deposit without requiring any business license .When you need a used, salvage, clean, or preserved car, then Bid N drive is the online auction site you want to use. This site offers cars, trucks, classic cars, motorcycles, sporting cars, etc.

Here they have an assortment of additional administrations that can give;

  • ย ย ย They provide customers satisfaction with exclusive deals, unique services, low prices, and excellent customer service.
  • There are 4500 people who visit Bid N Drive monthly.
  • ย They invest heavily in giving their clients selective arrangements, low costs, and superb client care.
  • ย ย The stage records different kinds of vehicles available to be purchased including vehicles, cars, boats, sporting cars, and others.

The reviewย  of any website should make the reader sure they’re on the right page.

review of BID N drive

  • Google reviews: people give 51 reviews on google and their rating is about 4.4/5
  • Yelpย  reviews: 3/5
  • Facebook reviews: Rating ยท 5.0 (11 reviews)

11. Salvagebid

salvage bid auction site

Salvagebid, a trusted salvage auto auction platform, lets you bid or buy used and salvage cars in the USA for sale from all prominent brands such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and many more. You can save money to membership from salvage bid gives everyone an easy and affordable way to own their dream cars. It is a cost-effective platform. Through Salvagebid, the overall population can now get to save auto barters that used to be restricted to vendors. Take your pick from a large number of trade-in vehicles available to be purchased accessible at this moment, from all significant vehicle makers.ย ย 

  • ย ย ย Register with them to get full ย access to the site and purchase utilized vehicles at reasonable costs, while saving Enormous simultaneously! Simple worldwide transportation is also available!
  • ย ย It is a great resource for the USA salvage market. It can do everything from your computer from bidding online to chatting with customer service to arranging shipping.
  • ย Google Rating: Only 18 people review on google and rating is 3 out of 5
  • Facebook Rating: Their facebook rating is 3 out of 5
  • Yelp rating: Only 9 people review on Yelp.

Bottom Line

In addition to these 11, there are other online car auction sites that feature major auction houses. Nevertheless, keep in mind that not all of them are safe to use. Ensure that the site you are bidding on is accurate before you bid, as not all are worth the effort.

You should use a site that accepts bids from all customers or work with a third-party middleman to get your bids through the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online car auctions safe for buying vehicles?

Online car auctions can be safe when using reputable platforms with verified seller credentials and vehicle history reports. Look for sites that offer CARFAX reports, buyer protection programs, and clear return policies. Always research the platform's reviews and ratings before participating in any auction.

Do I need a dealer license to buy from online car auctions?

Not all online car auction sites require a dealer license. Public auction sites like NJ State Auto, Bid N Drive, and Salvagebid allow anyone to register and bid without business credentials. However, some dealer-only auction houses do require professional licensing.

What types of vehicles are available at online car auctions?

Online car auctions offer various vehicle types including salvage cars, trade-ins from dealerships, repossessed vehicles, totaled cars, lease returns, police seizures, government fleet surplus, and vehicles donated to charities. The inventory ranges from everyday commuter cars to classic vehicles and luxury brands.

How much money can I save buying from car auctions?

Buyers can save significant amounts at car auctions by purchasing vehicles at wholesale prices rather than retail. The exact savings depend on the vehicle type, condition, and competition during bidding. Many auction buyers report savings of 20-40% compared to traditional dealership prices.

What should I check before bidding on a car at auction?

Before bidding, review the vehicle's CARFAX or history report, inspect photos thoroughly, note any disclosed damage or mechanical issues, understand the auction's terms and conditions, set your maximum bid based on market research, and factor in additional costs like buyer's fees, taxes, and transportation.

Can I inspect the vehicle in person before the auction?

Many physical auction locations allow pre-auction inspections where you can view vehicles firsthand. For online-only auctions, you'll typically rely on photos, condition reports, and vehicle history documentation. Some platforms offer detailed inspection reports or third-party inspection services.

What fees should I expect when buying from online car auctions?

Common fees include buyer's premiums (typically $50-$500), registration fees, documentation fees, and transaction fees. Some auctions also charge membership fees or require refundable deposits. Always review the fee structure before bidding to calculate your total cost.

How does the bidding process work at online car auctions?

After registering with the auction platform, you'll receive bidding credentials. Browse available vehicles, research their market value, and place bids during scheduled auction times. Some sites offer proxy bidding where you set your maximum bid and the system automatically bids for you up to that amount.

What happens if I win a bid at an online car auction?

Once you win, you'll typically need to pay a deposit immediately (usually via credit card), then complete full payment within 24-72 hours. You'll receive title documentation and can arrange for vehicle pickup or shipping. Most auctions have strict payment deadlines.

Are salvage title vehicles worth buying from auctions?

Salvage vehicles can offer value if you understand the risks. They've been declared total losses by insurance companies due to damage, theft, or flooding. While prices are lower, repair costs can be substantial, resale value is reduced, and insurance may be difficult to obtain. Only buy salvage vehicles if you have mechanical knowledge or access to affordable repairs.

How do I arrange transportation after winning an auction?

Most auction sites offer vehicle transportation services or partner with auto transport companies. You can also arrange your own shipping by contacting auto transport providers directly. Some buyers choose to drive the vehicle home if it's roadworthy and relatively close.

What's the difference between dealer-only and public car auctions?

Dealer-only auctions require professional licensing and primarily serve the automotive trade industry. Public auctions like those mentioned in this article allow anyone to register and bid, making wholesale vehicle pricing accessible to individual buyers without business credentials.

Author

  • Bilal Ahmed

    Bilal is a blogger and auto transport enthusiast who loves to write about different businesses and auto transport industries. He has written many blogs on AutoStar Transport Express, Quora and Medium.

    View all posts
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