For car enthusiasts and bargain hunters alike, salvage car auctions can be a great place to find affordable vehicles. By browsing various online auction sites, you can access thousands of cheap auction cars for sale that have been damaged or deemed total losses by insurance companies. While these cars may need some repair work, you can often acquire them at prices much lower than comparable used cars in good condition with the right resources.
We’ll look at some top websites where you can join salvage car auctions online and bid on damaged but driveable cars. With a little patience and know-how, buying cars this way and fixing them up for very cheap prices is possible.
Some key reasons to consider salvage auction sites include the ability to find unique makes and models that may be harder to come by elsewhere. The auction format also allows for competition, which can help drive prices down to lower than typically used car listings.
Just be aware that cars bought from salvage auctions require inspection and repair work - but this is part of the cost savings compared to buying a fully operational car. Now, let’s dive into some top auction sites to check out cars and place bids from the comfort of your home.
Price Comparison Between Different Online Auction Platforms
Let’s take salvage cars for sale in Philadelphia as an example and keep the model and year the same to compare the same cars in the same local market. This is because even the price for the same vehicle can change in a different state. So, to keep the comparison fair, let’s check the prices of salvage cars for sale in Philadelphia below:
| Auction Platform | Salvage Car | Estimated Actual Value | Damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copart | 2017 FORD ESCAPE SE | USD 13,957 | FRONT END/TOP/ROOF |
| Salvage Reseller | 2019 Ford Escape SE | USD 20,117 | Front end |
| eRepairables | 2017 Ford Escape Se | $10,366.00 USD | Front End/Other damages and missing parts |
| SCA Auction | 2015 Ford Escape | $13,932 | Front END |
How Do Online Auction Platforms Work When Buying Salvage Cars?
Online salvage car auctions provide a convenient way to potentially find repairable vehicles at affordable prices. The process involves researching options, registering to bid, inspecting vehicles, participating in live auctions, making payment arrangements, and obtaining paperwork.
Research Salvage Vehicles
Use filters on salvage car auction sites like Make, model, year ranges, mileage parameters, and maximum budget. Also, filter by location to reduce transport costs. External resources like RepairPal.com can estimate repair costs, while Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guide offer post-repair value guidance.
- Example: Searching for a salvage SUV within a 50-mile radius with a budget not exceeding $10,000.
Register and Qualify to Bid
Create a buyer account profile with personal information. Upload documents like a driver’s license, auto insurance, and bank/credit info. Some platforms require a dealer or rebuilder license as well.
Inspect Vehicle Before Auction
Schedule an inspection within 1-3 days before the auction. Check the undercarriage, engine, and interiors thoroughly. Take photos of any undisclosed issues. This helps make informed bids.
- Example: Inspecting a sedan’s undercarriage for rust or undisclosed repairs.
Bid During a Live Online Auction
Set a maximum bid and manually or automatically bid incrementally. Bid quickly towards the end to outbid others. Winning bids are notified via the platform.
- Example: Setting a maximum bid of $8,000 for a specific salvage sedan.
Complete Payment and Arrange Pickup
A payment invoice is sent after winning. Pay a deposit within an hour and fully pay within 5-10 days. Arrange self-transport or shipping within 14 calendar days.
Obtain Ownership and Salvage Title Paperwork
Salvage title and ownership documents are emailed after full payment. Register the salvage title with the DMV within 30 days for legal ownership.
Online auction platforms provide a convenient way to find repairable cars at affordable prices through 25 or more auctions.
Researching options, closely inspecting vehicles, and understanding the payment and titling process is crucial when buying salvage cars for sale and cheap auction prices.
Top 11 Websites For Cheap Salvage Car Auctions:
Salvage Bids:
Salvagebid is an online auto auction platform that provides members with the opportunity to participate in live online auctions and pre-bid on a wide variety of vehicles, including classics, SUVs, trucks, boats, motorcycles, RVs, jet skis, trailers, and commercial vehicles. The platform offers access to Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) vehicles, including those with collision, fire damage, recovered theft, repossession, and clean titles.
| Flexible Memberships: | Salvagebid offers free memberships with no hidden charges, allowing everyone to join. For those interested in buying multiple vehicles, Premium and VIP Memberships are available, providing unlimited purchasing options for an annual fee. |
| Dedicated Customer Support: | The platform has experienced customer service agents to assist members with bidding, negotiating, payment, and shipping. These experts provide real-time support to address questions and guide users through the online car auction process. |
| Extensive Inventory: | With over 3.5 million total-loss vehicles in the United States annually, Salvagebid aims to meet the diverse needs of its members. The Vehicle Finder tool allows users to narrow searches based on specific criteria, providing detailed information such as damage type, Actual Cash Value, title type, current bid amount, and up-to-the-minute updates on new bids and live auction start times. |
| Stay Informed Tools: | Salvagebid makes it easy for members to stay informed about new listings and bids. Users can create watchlists to receive alerts when a vehicle matching their criteria is listed. Additionally, automatic notifications keep bidders informed when others place bids on the same vehicle, ensuring that members stay in the loop and can make timely decisions. |
eBay:
| Inventory and Variety: | eBay Motors offers a vast and diverse inventory, encompassing new and used vehicles and parts and accessories. |
| Auction Format: | eBay Motors typically utilizes an auction-style format, allowing buyers to place bids within a specified timeframe. |
| Membership and Fees: | eBay Motors is accessible to the general public, and users can create accounts for free. |
| Specialization: | eBay Motors caters to a broad spectrum of automotive needs, serving as a marketplace for new and used vehicles and automotive parts and accessories. |
| Customer Support: | eBay Motors provides general customer support for all eBay-related transactions, including those on eBay Motors. |
With over 800 million active users globally, eBay is a popular online marketplace where people can find cheap auction cars for sale. While it offers a wide range of items, salvage vehicles, and used parts are frequently listed on eBay Motors. Buyers can bid on listings for damaged cars within a given timeframe or purchase them instantly if sellers offer a “Buy It Now” option.
Ride Safely
With over two decades in the salvage car auction industry, RideSafely.com is an experienced and reliable partner for automotive enthusiasts.
| Dedicated Team | A team of over 100 members is committed to providing top-notch support to ensure customer satisfaction. |
| Growth | RideSafely.com has evolved from a small team of two to a dynamic family of over 100 members, serving over a million clients. |
| Vehicle Sourcing | As a licensed broker for insurance company auctions, RideSafely.com excels in offering damaged cars for sale with a global reach from its base in Pennsylvania. |
| Inventory | The inventory features a diverse range of vehicles, including affordable sedans, trucks, SUVs, exotic cars, and more, all aimed at simplifying the online car buying experience. |
RideSafely.com’s extensive inventory includes many vehicles, such as rebuildable cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and trucks. The inventory caters to various preferences and needs, offering options like insurance loss vehicles, recovered thefts, biohazard units, and competitively priced used cars with clean titles.
Customized purchasing services are available for those struggling to find their perfect vehicle in the existing inventory. The platform guides buyers in securing the best deals from leading car auctions like Copart, IAA, and Insurance Auto Auctions.
RideSafely.com offers streamlined transportation solutions through strategic partnerships with premier shipping companies. Customers can explore domestic and international shipping options, though RideSafely.com doesn’t directly handle shipping.
RideSafely.com boasts a team of seasoned service agents with profound knowledge of online car auctions, ready to assist with queries. Customer support is available via phone call, live chat, or email, emphasizing RideSafely’s commitment to excellence.
RideSafely.com provides customers access to online auto auctions typically reserved for licensed dealers. This unlocks opportunities to bid on highly discounted vehicles previously only available to the trade.
Autobid Master
| Services | AutoBidMaster offers a comprehensive suite of services, including public access to auto auctions, detailed vehicle history reports, and seamless door-to-door logistics. |
| Savings | Members can save thousands on their auto purchases through the platform. |
| Brokerage | Registered as a Copart broker, AutoBidMaster operates globally and is a recognized operator of Copart Lounges. |
| Support | The company provides assistance to buyers, helping them find their dream cars and coordinating direct shipping to their chosen destinations. |
AutoBidMaster has a multicultural staff with offices in more than 10 countries, allowing support teams to assist members in their native languages. The platform emphasizes member support to enhance the overall vehicle buying experience through their services.
AutoBidMaster boasts a diverse team of over 150 members worldwide, facilitating car sales from over 100 countries. With a global reach, the platform has members from over 200 countries and territories, showcasing its international presence.
AutoBidMaster operates under various brands; each focused on delivering seamless car-buying experiences. The company is dedicated to providing users with access to a vast inventory of over 300,000 vehicles in auto auctions.
Copart:
Copart is one of the leading online companies for accessing a wide range of vehicles through salvage car auctions. Their inventory includes used, salvaged, and wholesale vehicles from major insurance carriers and other organizations.
| Inventory | Over 2 million vehicles are sold annually featuring various makes, models, and types stored across 8,000+ acres of land in multiple countries. |
| Sellers | Insurance companies, rental agencies, financial institutions, municipalities, and charities provide vehicles to Copart. |
| Buyers | Various needs are met through individuals, body shops, dealers, dismantlers, and salvage buyers who participate in the auctions. |
| Success | Publicly traded on NASDAQ since 1994, earning recognition as “The World’s Best Remarketing Company” due to financial performance and market position. |
SalvageReseller.com:
As the longest-running broker for Copart auctions, SalvageReseller.com provides a user-friendly online marketplace for locating cheap salvage and clean title cars for sale. Backed by 19 years of experience in this industry, it connects buyers to a broad selection of vehicles through a competitively priced platform.
| Inventory | Over 150,000 vehicles are sourced directly from Copart, including various makes, models, and types. |
| Expertise | A team of professionals assists users throughout salvage car auctions’ bidding and purchasing process. |
| Transactions | The secured platform protects private information and ensures payment for auction wins. |
| Shipping | Partners provide nationwide transportation of acquired vehicles. |
| Ease of Use | Search filters, vehicle details, and simple checkout in a user-friendly design. |
eRepairables:
eRepairables is a leading online platform that allows individuals to find and purchase salvage cars, trucks, and motorcycles through its consolidated inventory from salvage dealers and auctions. With over a decade of experience in the industry, it has streamlined the process of searching, bidding on, and acquiring damaged vehicles for thousands of users.
| Extensive Inventory | Pools listings from various sources like dealers, auctions, insurance companies, and more into one place for easy searching |
| Proxy Bidding | Allows users to participate in auctions without a license by placing maximum bids that are automatically raised by the system |
| Customer Support | Dedicated representatives assist with every step, from bidding to purchasing. |
By bringing together salvage vehicles from many sources, eRepairables saves users time spent searching individual auction sites. Registration provides access to enhanced tools and a personalized auction experience. While it’s important to understand local salvage vehicle laws, the site is a premier resource for finding cheap salvage cars for sale through its auction process.
Auction Auto Trade:
Auction Auto Trade operates a global platform that enables access to major auctions like Copart and IAAI without a dealer license. It has offices worldwide to aid customers and source vehicles from various international auctions for international shipping.
| Major Auctions | Sources inventory from top auctions in the US like Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and more |
| Worldwide Reach | Ships vehicles globally with representatives in 8 countries and 15 physical locations |
| Payment Process | Requires refundable deposit; invoices must be paid within 3 days of winning an auction lot. |
Interested buyers can search auction lots, place online bids, and win vehicles without leaving the site. Awarded auction invoices and title transfers are managed by Auction Auto Trade, which also coordinates pickup and transport. Live status updates during shipping keep customers informed. Whether searching for cheap auction cars for sale domestically or internationally, this platform simplifies the process.
SCA Auto Auction
SCA Auto Auctions is a large leader in North America’s auto insurance insurance auction industry, with many auction places across the country.
| Inventory Source | Sourced from insurance agencies, dealerships, rental car corporations, freelance merchants, and leasing organizations. |
| Inventory Size | Holds over 300,000 vehicles like cars, RVs, motorcycles, industrial machines, watercraft, and snowmobiles. |
| Auctions | Has more than 160 auctions each week open to the public. |
| Bidding Options | Allows pre-bidding or live bidding for flexibility. |
| Ease of Use | Offers simple electronic trading that permits pre-bids, live bidding, or Buy It Now prices. |
SCA Auto Auctions is available to everyone for free membership to immediately start bidding. It has a huge choice of vehicles for various needs, including repairable, crashed, venture cars, classics, and even luxurious vehicles. Electronic trading makes bidding and buying vehicles simple. It provides outstanding customer support through email, live chat, or call. Members can bid from all over the world and get their vehicles delivered to their front door.
A Better Bid Car Auctions:
A Better Bid is a completely online marketplace for over 300,000 automobiles available daily, including salvage names, wrecked, crashed cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, and more.
| Inventory Source | Registered broker for Copart, providing access to wholesale dealer inventory from insurance, rental, finance, repossessed, abandoned vehicles, and dealerships. |
| Registration | Free registration for persons and automotive enthusiasts to join auctions. |
| Inventory Size | Offers over 280 makes and 800 models of salvage cars. |
| Bidding Options | Live Bidding, Preliminary Bidding, and Buy It Now. |
| Auctions | Holds over 240 live auctions weekly open to the public. |
ABB offers Standard, Premium, and Pro memberships with perks. It permits vehicle inspections before bidding and door-to-door transport of bought vehicles. A Better Bid gives public purchasers entry to dealer-just auctions to buy used automobiles at wholesale costs equal to that of main car dealers.
Craigslist
When shopping for salvage cars on Craigslist, it’s crucial to comprehensively research the vehicle’s history and condition, meet the seller in a public place, and ensure all important ownership and title documents are provided. Prices may be reasonable on Craigslist since there are no auction fees, but negotiations are conducted directly instead of through competitive bidding. Craigslist provides a more localized experience for finding salvage cars than national auction sites.
| Local Listings | Craigslist operates locally, so inventory may be more limited than at national auction sites. |
| Seller Diversity | Vehicles are sold by individuals, dealers, and salvage yards, so you’ll find varying seller types. |
| Verification Needed | Craigslist doesn’t verify vehicle condition or title status, so buyers must conduct thorough inspections and document reviews. |
| No Auction Platform | Transactions are negotiated directly instead of through bidding like auction sites, which provides less pricing transparency. |
| Local Inspections | Buyers can see the salvage car in person locally before purchase, which is preferable to online-only purchases. |
Although Craigslist is an excellent platform for salvage vehicles, dedicated online salvage auctions typically offer a larger selection of salvage cars at wholesale prices and a structured bidding process.
Larger auction sites like Copart, IAA, and RideSafely specialize in the salvage car auction market, hosting frequent auctions nationwide. These auctions are great places to find damaged cars in varied conditions at affordable prices through a transparent online bidding process.
Over 15 auctions are held weekly on major sites, ensuring constant inventory renewals. For access to the widest selection of cheap salvage cars available through auctions, these specialized auction sites may be a better fit than Craigslist.
7 Best Safety Practices When Buying Salvage Cars From Online Auctions
1. Do Extensive Research
It is important to carry out extensive research before buying salvage cars from an online auction. Websites such as CarFax or AutoCheck can provide detailed information about the car’s history, including previous repairs and accidents. Additionally, according to a report by Roadshow on CNET, checking auction sites that experts recommend is advised. Reliable sources are key to learning a salvage car’s background.
2. Inspect The Car Physically
Bringing a professional mechanic is crucial, as advised by Forbes, to spot possible hidden damage inspected in-person rather than virtually. The mechanic can examine the engine, transmission, body alignment, and more to understand the extent of damage revealed upon closer inspection, which is unavailable remotely.
3. Understand the Degree of Damage
Cars come with different damage levels, often categorized as “repairable damage” or “parts-only” in salvage auctions. Understanding the degree of damage, as suggested in a Car Buyer’s Advice Guide on Autotrader, informs whether repairs are worth the cost or an informed decision.
4. Beware of Fraud
Table shows scam prevalence in online auctions, according to researchers.
| Platform | Fraudulent Listing Rate |
|---|---|
| Craigslist | 47% |
| Facebook Marketplace | 62% |
| Online Auction Sites | 25% |
Only buying from reputable auction sites, usually offering buyer protection verified through accreditations like the Better Business Bureau, can safeguard from fraudulent transactions as scams run rife.
5. Understand Auction Policies
Understanding and following terms, conditions, bidding process, and fees is essential before engaging in an online car auction. Failing to do so causes penalties or missed steps, jeopardizing the process, so reading all documentation carefully is important.
6. Set a Budget
Setting a budget is a great way to avoid overspending on auctions, with knowing limits guiding bidding strategy and preventing overbidding. Various finance experts strongly advocate for budgeting before purchases.
7. Plan for Repair Costs
Factoring repair estimates consulted with a mechanic into purchase decisions, and budgets is crucial since costs vary between minor cosmetic damage repairs versus significant mechanical damage repairs potentially exceeding the salvage car’s worth.
Thorough research, inspection, verifying authenticity, and understanding processes and costs upfront prepare wisely for bidding on cheap salvage cars for sale at online auctions and prices that may require repair investments. Following the above safety practices guides finding repaired cars auction.
How to Move Salvage Cars From Seller to Your Location?
After purchasing a salvage vehicle at auction, the first step is arranging for its transportation from the auction site. Most large salvage auctions, like Copart or IAA, offer transportation services to help coordinate the movement of vehicles. This often involves loading the car onto a certified auto carrier and scheduling delivery. Buyers should inquire about transportation costs and timelines during the auction process.
Choosing a Transport Company
Buyers will need to hire an independent auto shipping company for auctions that don’t provide transport. There are numerous transporters specializing in hauling salvage cars across regions or even internationally.
Factors like insurance, carrier experience transporting salvaged vehicles, delivery estimates, and fees should be considered when choosing a carrier. Word-of-mouth referrals from other auction buyers can also help identify reputable transporters.
| Company | Average Delivery Time | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship | 3-10 business days | Up to $100,000 for losses |
| 1-800-Shipping | 5-14 business days | Up to $75,000 for losses |
Preparing Vehicles for Transport
Prior to any transport, the vehicle should be carefully inspected and prepared. Wheels should be choked, keys placed in an accessible location like the ignition, and fluids checked.
Any loose parts or debris in the engine bay or passenger area must be removed or secured to avoid litter during travels. A transport-friendly gas level around a quarter tank is ideal. Proper preparation can help prevent additional damage during the journey.
Here is a LARGE section for the blog post ‘# Websites to Find Cheap Salvage Cars For Sale’ with the requested FAQ section:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are salvage auctions worth it?
Salvage auctions can definitely be worth exploring if you’re willing to do the work required to evaluate vehicles properly and make necessary repairs. While prices are low, conditions vary widely, and you assume any risks without a warranty. Research is key to avoid overpaying or getting in over your head. If handy with repairs or able to outsource work affordably, the savings on purchase price can outweigh the costs to refurbish a car.
Where is the best place to sell a salvage title car?
A few good options exist. Local salvage yards and “cash for cars” businesses may offer the quickest sale but likely the lowest price. Online classifieds like Craigslist can reach more buyers but require more effort. Auction websites open bidding to a wide audience of car flippers and offer established sale processes; just be aware of their fees. Overall, privately selling to another individual gets the best value compared to traders.
Is flipping salvage cars worth it?
For some with mechanical skills and business savvy, refurbishing salvage cars to resell can be profitable. However, it requires managing risks from repairs exceeding estimates to fluctuations in used car pricing affecting resale value. The key is acquiring vehicles cheaply, fixing issues efficiently, and selling quickly to see desired returns. Factors like your local market, sourcing strategy, and negotiation talents influence chances for success in car flipping.
How do you calculate the value of a salvage car?
Several factors shape a salvage vehicle’s worth:
| Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Extent of damage | More extensive means lower value unless an exotic/collector car |
| Repair costs | Higher costs cut into potential profit from resale |
| Make/model/year | Popular brands/models with many parts available have more value |
| Odometer reading | Lower miles yield greater resale potential |
| Title branding | The “Rebuilt” title commands a premium over raw “salvage.” |
Researching similar vehicles sold locally helps estimate a salvage car’s post-repair value to guide your auction bidding. Be wary of underestimating repair work.
What is the most popular auction site?
Two sites stand out when searching for cheap salvage cars for sale and prices: Copart and IAA. Both host online auto auctions with locations nationwide. Copart auctions over 500,000 vehicles annually across the globe, emphasizing insurance total loss cars. IAA’s auctions supply wholesale dealers, dismantlers, and rebuilders seeking parts and individuals in the market for fixer-uppers.
Why are auction cars so cheap?
Several reasons contribute to low auction prices: many sellers, like insurance companies, liquidate in bulk; buyers assume salvage titles meaning future legal/financial issues; “as-is” sales remove consumer protections; repairs are required; and competition drives bids down.
Without pre-purchase inspections, purchasers also take on unknown risks buying unseen. The lower initial investment opens doors to potential deals but comes with downsides typical auction cars aim to circumvent.
What are the cons of buying auction cars?
Key drawbacks include:
- Unsure mechanical condition - repairs could far exceed estimates.
- “As-is” sales leave no recourse for hidden issues found post-purchase.
- Difficult to properly examine vehicles on auction lots with limited time.
- “Salvage” titles hurt resale values and may impact financing/insuring later.
- Competition at auctions can drive prices above a car’s true worth.
Research, patience, mechanical skills, and accepting risks mitigate these cons when hunting for deals. But auctions demand more legwork versus traditional used car buying.
What are the disadvantages of buying a car from an auction?
See the previous question’s response on cons. Additionally, auction purchases lack standard protections like probity periods to test mechanical integrity. Buyers assume liability instantly on winning bids. Obtaining ownership paperwork afterward can prove complex, especially when trading across state lines. Transporting vehicles purchased through out-of-town auctions adds costs.
Do cars sell for more at auction?
Generally - no-action pricing dynamics work against elevated sale prices. High volumes of weekly wholesale inventory flood lots, stoking competition among professional buyers. Their expertise at gauging repairs/resale value keeps auction bids lower on average. Individual sellers typically receive fair market prices or slightly above versus auctions’ need to move products quickly at minimal profit margins.
Why do most cars go to auction?
Chief reasons include insurance total losses and fleet/lease vehicle turn-ins. Insurance providers and large corporations set monthly quotas to purge aging assets while salvage auctions smoothly facilitate their timely, high-volume liquidation. Individual sellers also utilize auctions for fast, hassle-free unloading of less desirable inventory versus traditional sale avenues.
What does auto auction mean on Carfax?
If a Carfax vehicle history report denotes an auto auction, this simply indicates the car was sold through a wholesale auction. It does not connote any mechanical or structural defects. Often, these are former fleet, lease, or insurance cars being resold in bulk transactions.
How do I register a car bought from an auction in California?
After purchasing a car from an auto auction in California, these steps allow transferring the title into your name: obtain a bill of sale and auction paperwork, pay applicable taxes based on the purchase price, visit your local DMV office with documents, pass Smog check if over 6 model years old, and the DMV will then issue new registration in your name.
Is a rebuilt title better than a salvage?
A rebuilt title confirms a previously salvaged car was repaired to roadworthy condition per state standards by a licensed rebuilder. While it maintains a cloudier history than clean titles, rebuilding is preferable to raw salvage since the car was legally deemed safe to drive again after collisions or flood damage. Rebuilt, properly restored vehicles tend to sell at higher prices than equivalent salvage cars and face fewer restrictions with insurers.