Top 10 Online Car Auction Sites

If you’re in the market for a new car, truck, or vehicle, you might be surprised to learn that one of the best places to find a great deal is online car auction sites.

With more and more people turning to the internet to buy and sell vehicles, these sites have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering a convenient and affordable way to purchase your dream car from the comfort of your own home.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top online car auction sites for 2023, as well as the different types of vehicles that can be found on these sites. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to navigate the online car auction process and find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget.

So whether you’re a seasoned car buyer or a first-timer, read on to learn everything you need to know about online car auctions and how they can help you find your next ride at a great price.

Types of Vehicles Found on Online Car Auction Sites

Online car auction sites offer a wide range of vehicles, including those that you might not find at your local dealership. Here are some of the most common types of vehicles that you can expect to find:

• Salvage Cars: These are vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or other incidents and have been declared a total loss by an insurance company. Salvage cars can often be repaired and restored to their former glory, making them an attractive option for buyers who don’t mind putting in a little extra work.
• Trade-In Cars: Many online car auction sites offer trade-in vehicles, which are cars that have been traded in at a dealership. These vehicles are often in good condition and can be a great bargain for buyers.
• Repossessed Vehicles: These are vehicles that have been repossessed by a lender because the owner has failed to make their loan payments. Repossessed vehicles can be a great way to get a good deal on a car, as lenders are often eager to sell them quickly.
• Totaled Cars: Similar to salvage cars, totaled cars have been damaged to the point where they are declared a total loss by an insurance company. However, unlike salvage cars, totaled cars are typically beyond repair and are sold for parts or scrap.
• Used Cars: Online car auction sites also offer a wide range of used cars, including both modern and vintage vehicles. These cars can be a great way to get a high-quality vehicle at a lower price than you might find at a traditional dealership.

With such a variety of vehicles available, online car auction sites offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a project car, a bargain, or a high-quality used vehicle.

Top 10 Online Car Auction Sites in 2023

1. Copart

Copart is a popular online car auction site that specializes in salvage and clean title cars. They offer a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles, that have been damaged in accidents, floods, and other incidents.

Copart’s auctions are available to both buyers and sellers, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding. Their online bidding system is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it a great option for both experienced and novice car buyers.

Pros:

• Largest inventory of salvage and used cars for auction
• Multiple bidding options are available
• The fast and efficient bidding process

Cons:

• Limited information was provided about the vehicles
• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before bidding
• Buyers may need to arrange for shipping of the purchased vehicle

Why did we choose Copart?

Copart is a great choice for online car auctions due to its vast vehicle selection, transparent bidding process, detailed inspection reports, and convenient online payment and delivery services.

Bonus: Ever wondered about the potential risks of car title scams? Delve into the details in our captivating post on car title scams.

2. Auto Auction Mall

Auto Auction Mall is an online car auction site that provides access to multiple auction houses across the US. They offer a large selection of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.

Auto Auction Mall’s platform is easy to use and allows buyers to bid on vehicles in real-time. Auto Auction Mall also provides detailed vehicle history reports and offers financing options for qualified buyers, making it easier to purchase the car of your dreams.

Pros:

• An easy-to-use platform for purchasing vehicles from various auctions across the US
• Detailed vehicle information and inspection reports
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available

Cons:

• A limited selection of vehicles compared to other sites
• Some vehicles may have salvage titles or need significant repairs
• Auctions may have strict bidding requirements

Why Did We Choose Auto Auction Mall?

Auto Auction Mall offers a vast inventory of vehicles from various auction houses, comprehensive inspection reports, and multiple bidding options, making it an excellent choice for online car auctions.

3. IAA

IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) is one of the largest online car auction sites in North America, specializing in vehicles with salvage titles. They have a wide range of vehicles available, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.

IAA’s bidding platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding. They also have a comprehensive inspection process for all of their vehicles, ensuring that buyers know exactly what they’re getting before placing a bid.

Pros:

• A broad selection of salvage and used cars from various locations
• Detailed vehicle information and inspection reports
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available

Cons:

• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before bidding
• Limited warranties available
• Some vehicles may have salvage titles or need significant repairs

Why did we choose IAA?

IAA is a great choice for online car auctions due to its broad selection of salvage and used cars from various locations, detailed inspection reports, and multiple payment and shipping options.

4. ADESA

ADESA is an online car auction site that specializes in wholesale vehicles. They offer a large selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs from various manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, and Toyota.

ADESA’s auctions are available to both dealers and the general public, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding.

They also have a comprehensive inspection process for all of their vehicles, ensuring that buyers know exactly what they’re getting before placing a bid.

Pros:

• Diverse inventory of used vehicles from various sources, including rental companies and dealerships
• Multiple bidding options are available
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available

Cons:

• Limited information was provided about the vehicles
• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before bidding
• Auctions may have strict bidding requirements

Why did we choose ADESA?

ADESA is a great choice for online car auctions due to its diverse inventory of used vehicles from various sources, multiple bidding options, and multiple payment and shipping options.

5. Manheim

Manheim is a leading online car auction site that offers a wide range of vehicles, from classic cars to high-end luxury vehicles.

They offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding, and their platform is easy to use and navigate.

Manheim also offers a comprehensive inspection process for all of their vehicles, ensuring that buyers know exactly what they’re getting before placing a bid.

Pros:

• A reliable source for high-quality used vehicles from various sources, including fleet owners and dealerships
• Detailed vehicle information and inspection reports
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available

Cons:

• A limited selection of vehicles compared to other sites
• Auctions may have strict bidding requirements
• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before bidding

Why did we choose Manheim?

Manheim is a great choice for online car auctions due to its reliable source for high-quality used vehicles from various sources, detailed inspection reports, and multiple payment and shipping options.

6. ACV Auctions

ACV Auctions is an online auction site that specializes in wholesale used cars. The site partners with dealerships across the United States to offer a wide range of vehicles. ACV Auctions allows buyers to bid on vehicles online and provides detailed vehicle history reports.

Pros:

• Unique platform offering transparent live online auctions for dealerships
• Detailed vehicle information and inspection reports
• Easy-to-use bidding platform

Cons:

• Only available for dealerships
• A limited selection of vehicles compared to other sites
• Can be more expensive than other online auction sites

Why did we choose ACV Auctions?

ACV Auctions is a great choice for online car auctions due to its unique platform offering transparent live online auctions for dealerships, detailed vehicle information, and an easy-to-use bidding platform.

7. SmartAuction

SmartAuction is an online car auction site that specializes in wholesale vehicles. They offer a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, from various manufacturers.

SmartAuction’s platform is easy to use and navigate, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding. They also offer financing options for qualified buyers, making it easier to purchase the car of your dreams.

Pros:

• Closed auction platform for verified dealerships with streamlined processes
• Multiple bidding options are available
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available

Cons:

• Only available for verified dealerships
• A limited selection of vehicles compared to other sites
• Auctions may have strict bidding requirements

Why did we choose SmartAuction?

SmartAuction is a great choice for online car auctions due to its closed auction platform for verified dealerships with streamlined processes, multiple bidding options, and multiple payment and shipping options.

8. Cars & Bids

Cars & Bids is an online car auction site that specializes in enthusiast vehicles. They offer a unique selection of cars, including rare and exotic vehicles, as well as modern and classic cars.

Cars & Bids’ platform is easy to use and navigate, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding.

They also have a comprehensive inspection process for all of their vehicles, ensuring that buyers know exactly what they’re getting before placing a bid. Cars & Bids is a great option for car enthusiasts looking for something unique and special.

Pros:

• Exclusive platform for enthusiasts to buy and sell unique, well-maintained vehicles
• Detailed vehicle information and inspection reports
• Easy-to-use bidding platform

Cons:

• A limited selection of vehicles compared to other sites
• Can be more expensive than other online auction sites
• Limited financing options available

Why did we choose Cars & Bids?

Cars & Bids is a great choice for online car auctions due to its exclusive platform for enthusiasts to buy and sell unique, well-maintained vehicles, detailed vehicle information, and an easy-to-use bidding platform.

9. CarGurus

CarGurus is an online car auction site that specializes in dealer inventory. They offer a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, from various manufacturers.

CarGurus’ platform is easy to use and navigate, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding. They also provide helpful information on each vehicle, including pricing data and vehicle history reports.

Pros:

• Large marketplace with a wide selection of vehicles from both dealerships and private sellers
• Vehicle history reports available
• Financing options available

Cons:

• Fees charged for using the site
• Limited warranties available
• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before the purchase

Why did we choose CarGurus?

CarGurus is a great choice for purchasing vehicles online due to its large marketplace with a wide selection of vehicles from both dealerships and private sellers, vehicle history reports available, and financing options.

10. eBay Motors

eBay Motors is an online car auction site that allows buyers to bid on vehicles from all over the world. They offer a large selection of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.

eBay Motors’ platform is easy to use and navigate, and they offer several bidding options, including live online bidding and proxy bidding. They also provide helpful information on each vehicle, including pricing data and vehicle history reports.

Pros:

• Extensive selection of vehicles from both dealerships and private sellers, as well as auctioned vehicles
• Vehicle history reports available
• Financing options available

Cons:

• Fees charged for using the site
• Limited warranties available
• Can be difficult to inspect vehicles before the purchase

Why did we choose eBay Motors?

eBay Motors is a great choice for purchasing vehicles online due to its extensive selection of vehicles from both dealerships and private sellers, vehicle history reports available, and financing options.

Comparison of the 10 Online Car Auction Sites

Based on the comparison, it’s clear that each online car auction site has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, Copart is a great option for buyers looking for salvage and clean title cars, while ADESA and Manheim are ideal for those interested in dealer inventory.

ACV Auctions and SmartAuction are great choices for those who want detailed vehicle condition reports and financing options, while Cars & Bids offers unique and special vehicles. Ultimately, the choice of an online car auction site will depend on the individual’s specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Online car auction sites offer buyers the convenience of purchasing vehicles from the comfort of their homes while also providing access to a wide range of cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles.

Whether you’re looking for dealer inventory, government surplus vehicles, or unique and special vehicles, there’s an online car auction site that’s right for you. By comparing the features and benefits of each site, you can find the one that meets your needs and helps you find the car of your dreams.