16 Best Online Car Auction Sites

Finding the best online car auction sites is the best way to start searching for a new treasure of your dreams or a buyer for your old car.

Online auction sites are a terrific location to begin your search. Purchasing a vehicle from a private seller or an independently owned and operated dealership is one way to increase your chances of getting a good bargain and locating the vehicle that best suits your needs.

Yet, if you use an online auction site, you can participate in auctions held in various locations, and each day, hundreds of new listings will be posted to the site.

In recent years, there has been a rise in the total number of transactions that have taken place on these online auction platforms.

This is due to the fact that a large number of consumers find it more convenient to shop for goods online as opposed to going to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

In this post, we will take a look at the 16 best online car auction websites that provide the opportunity of purchasing a quality automobile at a reasonable price.

16 Best Online Car Auction Sites

1. eBay Motors 

If you haven’t heard about eBay Motors at this point, it’s likely because you’ve been hiding under a rock. It is, without a doubt, the most popular among the best online car auction sites that are currently accessible.

You may locate the new or used car you’re searching for, in addition to the components you’ll need to fix it, by using our website.

If you decide that the automobile is not for you after making the purchase, you won’t have any problem reselling it on the same site.

You may discover a range of possibilities on eBay since both private individuals and car dealers utilize the platform to dump their automobiles.

In addition, the many criteria that are offered make it simple to conduct a search for the precise automobile that you are looking for. If you have ever used eBay, you will have no trouble understanding the bidding procedure, since it is exactly the same on eBay Motors.

If the seller has made the “Buy it Now” option available, in addition to the opportunity to place a bid, you may also choose that option. Make an offer on the automobile you desire rather than attempting to outbid someone else and waste your time.

Yet, you need to exercise caution since not all vendors are law-abiding persons. Before you agree to purchase anything, be sure to look into the seller’s feedback history and read the item description thoroughly.

2. Salvage Bid

Are you willing to put some Care into your future vehicle if it means saving thousands of dollars? You have nothing to worry about with Salvage Bid, one of the best online car auction sites.

This online auction platform only deals in pre-owned automobiles that are offered for sale at substantial discounts (up to 75% off the original retail price, on average).

You will be required to register before you can begin using the site. You may become a member of Salvage Bid for free, however doing so will only let you to participate in the preliminary bidding process.

Under the free plan, you are also restricted to purchasing just a single car. You may unlock all of the auctions and features on the website by upgrading to the Premium plan, which costs $200 per year to access. Live auctions need a Premium plan.

3. Auto Auction Mall

It’s possible that this website is not as well-known as eBay Motors, but you should still check it out as it is one of the best online car auction sites.

If you are searching for a project, in addition to the various vehicles that are available to pick from, they also offer a large number of cars that have been wrecked. In addition, enthusiasts of motorsports may also discover what they need here.

Bidding on automobiles does not need you to have a dealer’s license, despite the fact that you will be able to purchase them at wholesale pricing. If you make thoughtful decisions, you may be able to save a significant amount of money.

Before you are allowed to bid on anything, however, you will need to make a security deposit equal to 10% of the maximum amount you are willing to spend.

At the conclusion of the auction, you will also be required to make the payment of $299 for the charge. Having said all of that, there are no dues or fees required to become a member.

You have the option of selecting several financing arrangements when you purchase a car with Auto Auction Mall.

Depending on the strength of your credit, you may be able to acquire loans with no down payment required and interest rates that are among the lowest available. Talk to the friendly members of the customer care staff if you are having any issues finding out how to carry out these steps.

4. Purple Wave

It’s possible that you’re searching for a vehicle, but it’s also possible that you’re seeking for a tractor. Whatever the situation may be, Purple Wave has it covered as one of the best online car auction sites.

This online auction site has hundreds of vehicles, including trucks, semi-trucks, tractors, trailers, and automobiles,  in addition to construction equipment. You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking for something unique, because you’ll discover it right here.

After registering, users are not required to pay to use the Purple Wave platform and there are no further costs. On the other hand, the final purchase price includes a buyer’s premium of ten percent that you are required to pay in addition to your bill.

When you place a bid that is more than $10,000, you could be asked to produce a letter of assurance from your bank or a pre-authorization from your credit card.

5. ACV Auctions

ACV is a terrific digital platform for locating some of the finest discounts, despite the fact that it is exclusively intended for use by dealers, that why it is one of the best online car auction sites. 

You won’t have any trouble buying or selling secondhand automobiles. The duration of each round of the online auction is twenty minutes, and it takes place at predetermined intervals.

The platform’s meticulous attention to detail is one of the things that dealers like most about it. In contrast to the practices of other businesses, photographs are taken of almost every aspect, even the undercarriage.

They will also play a sample of the engine running for you to listen to in order to identify any abnormal or peculiar sounds.

You do not need to be concerned about acquiring a defective product since you have ten days to file an arbitration claim. In addition, if you want further assurances, you may pay for up to a month’s worth of arbitration.

6. Cranky Ape

Cranky Ape is a leading name in the world of online auction websites for motor vehicles of every kind. As such, it is one of the best online car auction sites.

After registering for an account, both dealers and non-dealers will have access to the online bidding platform.

Cranky Ape does charge a one-time cost of $50 for first-time customers, but after that, the rate is reduced to $45 annually.

Cranky Ape gives you the option to place an absentee bid, in which case the website will place bids on your behalf, up to your maximum, until the end of the auction.

Also, the website provides a listing of automobiles that are eligible for Buy Now privileges; this means that you may bypass the online auction and make a direct purchase instead.

7. ADESA

Next on the list of the best online car auction sites is ADESA, another website that is exclusively accessible to dealers. This group has a lot of auctions in person, but they also have an online bidding tool that you could find useful.

You have the opportunity to place bids on automobiles located in any part of the globe. In addition, customers have access to a variety of other services, including inspections, assistance with title issues, and financing options.

You have access to the greatest available alternatives by purchasing a vehicle via ADESA, which is used by nationwide banks, auto dealers, fleet providers, and automobile rental organizations to sell their inventory of cars.

The fact that the organization has the largest number of automobiles with a single owner and low total mileage is a source of great pride for them. Because of this, it has the potential to be the ideal location in which one can find high-quality secondhand autos.

8. Copart

Copart Auto Auctions is one of the major vehicle auction companies in the world and does its business in 11 different countries. It has long been one of the best online car auction sites.

The year 1982 marked the beginning of this business, which now boasts annual sales of more than three million automobiles and an online presence worthy of respect.

If you are looking for a repossessed, vandalized, salvage, or clear title automobile, then the online auction site that you should utilize is Copart.com. This website sells a variety of automobiles, including historic automobiles, trucks, motorbikes, and commercial and industrial vehicles.

The majority of Copart’s cars originate from various financial organizations, including banks, credit unions, and insurance companies.

In addition to this, Copart coordinates the activities of its many marketing divisions to acquire automobiles from the general public for the purpose of reselling them.

As there are no minimum bids or reserves, you are simply need to place a bid at a level that you are comfortable with.

In addition, if you use the mobile app, you may put bids regardless of where you are. You have the extra advantage of being able to place a bid on a car before the actual auction begins.

To take part in the auctions held by Copart, you need to possess a valid dealer’s license.

9. OVE

If you are in the business of selling automobiles, you have most likely attended a Manheim auction at some point. They are some of the most sought after in the whole nation.

On the other hand, you may not be familiar with OVE.com. This auction website is Manheim’s online subsidiary and is actually one of the best online car auction sites.

This website, which requires membership to use, provides users with a vast inventory of automobiles and commercial vehicles from which to pick. You have the option of purchasing a salvage vehicle or an excellent secondhand vehicle to reconstruct.

In addition, members get access to ongoing deals that may result in even greater cost savings. For instance, the organization often hosts a sale with the theme “10,000 or Under,” during which you may purchase items at significantly reduced prices.

10. RM Sotheby’s

When it comes to auctions for almost everything of value, you can bet that Sotheby’s is involved in the process. They expanded their offerings to include automobiles in 2015 when they entered into a formal partnership with RM Auctions to conduct collectible car auctions.

The end result was the establishment of RM Sotheby’s, an auction house that takes classic and collectible automobile sales to the next level. Because of this, it made it’s way to the list of the best online car auction sites.

How? By specializing only in high-end, investment-grade automobiles and other items.

In addition, RM Sotheby’s has accomplished this feat with relative ease. In the end, they are more than just a location to purchase automobiles.

The main luxury automobile manufacturers including Porsche, Aston Martin, and Ferrari all choose RM Sotheby’s as their official auction house for their vehicles.

RM Sotheby’s is involved in the sale of automobiles made by a variety of other prestigious manufacturers, and the company sponsors important motor events such as Amelia Island.

Would you want to partake in the sophistication that is present at RM Sotheby’s classic vehicle auctions in the United States? Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Luftgekuhlt, Formula 1, Concors d’Elegance, Colorado Grand, or California Mile are some of the events that you may attend.

11. IAAI

The bidding for the IAAI takes place at Insurance Car Auctions. As this firm has been established since 1982, you can be sure it has the necessary expertise to keep everything in order. It’s expertise in the field makes it worthy to be on the list of the best online car auction sites.

You may discover used automobiles that are in immaculate condition, cars that have been written off as a total loss, and even cars that have been recovered after being reported stolen.

The fact that users who are not dealers may also place bids is the platform’s most appealing feature. In order to put bids, you will be required to make use of the company’s broker services and pay an additional $200 per year to become a member.

There are other auctions that are open exclusively to dealers, and although you won’t be able to participate in such auctions, at least you have the opportunity to win anything.

If you do not plan to pick the cars up after the auction, IAAI is able to arrange for their shipment to your desired location. You may also make use of some of the many financing alternatives that are available to you.

12. Worldwide Auctioneers

Are you interested in purchasing really one-of-a-kind collectibles, such as classic American muscle cars, European racing cars in pristine condition, or rare pre-war automobiles from before the war?

The world-famous automotive auctions held in the United States by Worldwide Auctioneers provide access to the rarest and most unique automobiles that have ever been sold at public auction in the United States.

What makes this auction house unique in comparison to others in its field? Yet, the people who run it are not only experts in automobiles but also top auctioneers!

Because of this, you can be certain that the inventory that is now available has been carefully selected and arranged. When you go into the process as an investor, you may do so with the knowledge that the investment you are making is a good one.

As you start looking into Worldwide Auctioneers, you may be shocked to see that it is on the smaller side when compared to some of the other auction houses that are discussed in this article. And it was done on purpose.

You need to understand that Worldwide Auctioneers prioritizes quality above quantity in their business practices. Having said that, it is worthy of being named one of the best online car auction sites.

They place a strong emphasis on client pleasure, and in the process, they create an atmosphere that is laid back, enjoyable, and individualized.

These extra opportunities include opulent preview events, one-on-one inspections, and the possibility to get behind the wheel of automobiles that are going to be auctioned off.

If you have ever taken part in an auction for automobiles, you will be aware of how exceptional these characteristics are.

13. AutoBidMaster

This online marketplace is operated by Copart. The online auctions are open to both normal purchasers and dealers to participate in.

The sign-up process does not cost anything and takes less than a minute to complete. After you have completed the registration process, you will have access to the whole inventory.

You have the opportunity to get access to more than 150,000 automobiles at the daily or weekly auctions.

RVs, motorbikes, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a few examples of the additional types of vehicles that may be available for rent on occasion.

You may also make advantage of the translation tools in order to do business in other countries thanks to the platform’s global reach.

14. Capital Auto Auction

Capital Auto Auction is a public auto auction in the District of Columbia that focuses on holding live online automobile auctions. It is one of the best online car auction sites in the area.

The company’s headquarters are located in the city. Minivans for families, sports cars, yachts, campers, and motorbikes are just some of the options available from this company, which cater to a wide range of requirements and prices.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the days of the week when Capital Auto Auction hosts its three main live automotive auctions at each of its four sites.

In their auctions, there are literally hundreds of vehicles that may be acquired for less than one thousand dollars. While the inventory of used automobiles varies from week to week, you can always count on low pricing for quality and well-maintained vehicles.

After registering, you will not be charged to view Capital Car Auction’s inventory. When you submit a bid, you will, nevertheless, be expected to pay a fee. The amount of the fee is determined by the vehicle’s final sales price.

After you have signed in, you will be able to see the fees that are associated with their online auctions. You need to be at least 18 years old and in possession of a driver’s license that is legal in the United States in order to participate in the auction.

15. Cars and Bids

Even though this is a relatively new platform, it is important to bring up because of how rapidly its user base is expanding. The platform is one of the best online car auction sites.

On the same website, you may look for classic automobiles as well as more recent models, and it is quite easy to navigate. You may search using a variety of criteria to narrow down the results to just what it is that you are looking for.

If you are interested in selling your automobile, there is no fee that you will need to pay. Since it is provided to purchasers at no cost, Cars and Bids will not even need you to pay for a report that details the history of the car.

In addition to this, you won’t have to wait several months for your vehicle to take its place in the queue. If you need to get rid of a car quickly, the best option is to use this platform since it offers some of the quickest turnaround times.

When looking at this from the perspective of the buyer, there are a few costs that should be reviewed. Every transaction will incur a fee of 4.5% of the total amount.

You will pay as little as $225, but no more than $4,500 total for the service. You may expect to witness an increase in selling prices as the site continues to gain popularity; thus, you should get engaged now before this occurs.

16. A Better Bid

While the selection on A Better Bid is not nearly as extensive as that on some of the other websites, you could decide against making it your first option. Even then, it is still one of the best online car auction sites for the reasons discussed below.

On the other hand, the corporation rolls out brand-new choices on a daily basis, so there is always something fresh to consider.

In addition, the website offers a broader selection of automobiles than simply standard models. You may discover electric vehicles, motorbikes, recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and more on this site. In addition, if you wish to put a bid, you do not need a dealer license in order to do so.

If you want to steer clear of parts automobiles, there is a convenient filter that lets you see just vehicles with a clear title in case you don’t want to deal with them. In such a case, you may want to look into the prices of salvage cars and see what kind of savings you can get on one to use for a project.

Although registration is completely free, there are some costs associated with any auctions that are won. In addition to any additional costs that could be assessed, another $250 will be added to the total for each transaction.

On the other hand, if you want to make several purchases, you should consider upgrading to the Premium Membership.

While it costs an additional $150 per year, you save money on transaction fees and receive five vehicle history reports using when checking out automobiles.

Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?

Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.