Just like so many other industries, the car-buying industry is now super high-tech. You can browse car selections from the comfort of your home and even purchase a car from sites like A Better Bid USA while never getting out of your pajamas.
But, during your search to purchase a car online, you may realize that you do not know which auction houses have online car auctions and which auctions are the best. So, how can you figure out which auction is best for you?
We took all of the hard work off your plate to help you figure out which online car auction is going to be the best match for you. No matter what kind of car you are looking for, these auction sites will give you lots of options to choose from.
What Kinds of Cars Go to Auction?
When it comes to car auctions, there are many things to consider. One of the first questions people ask is: “What kinds of cars are available at these online auctions?”
The amazing thing is that, whatever kind of car you are looking to purchase, you can find an online car auction that will help you find your next ride.
Wholesale Dealer Auctions
Mostly available to dealers with a license and sometimes open to the public, a wholesale dealer auction is where many car dealers get their inventory and sell their inventory. These auctions typically consist of cars that have been traded into a dealer, but the dealer does not want to go through selling the car on their lot.
The great thing is that you can find some cheap cars at these auctions because dealers want to purchase the cars at the lowest possible price to be able to sell them and make a profit. These cars can range, though, from cars that need a little work to ones that are in perfect physical and working condition.
Specialty Auctions
Maybe you are a little pickier with what you might want in a car. Or maybe you are looking for the perfect classic car to purchase and keep as an investment. If so, then specialty auctions are the way to go.
Specialty auctions focus on a specific niche and tend to be full of rare vehicles.
Cars and Bids is a specialty auction website that is full of non-generic vehicles. It was started by YouTube creator Doug DeMuro to help car enthusiasts buy and sell cars from each other.
There are also classic car auctions like Mecum that have a great selection. They may have your dream car, but if you are looking for cheap cars, then Mecum is not for you as their cars are often on the expensive side.
Salvage Auctions
If you want to save a ton of money, then auto salvage auctions are the place to be. As long as you are willing to put in a little work, then you can save a lot of money while still getting a quality vehicle.
But, what is a salvage car? When a vehicle has been damaged and the cost of repairs is more than the car’s worth, insurance companies will usually issue a salvage title to the car.
Some of these cars may be simply junk cars that can only be used for parts, but others may only need minor repairs to be perfectly functional and looking great.
Best Car Auctions to Check Out
Now that you know what kind of online car auctions there are, you may be wondering: “What are the best online auctions?”
Here are four online car auctions that we think are the best and will provide you with great customer service:
A Better Bid
As the US’ leading online salvage auction platform, with over 300,000 cars for sale each day, A Better Bid is a 100% online car auction site that has tons of salvage, wrecked, clean and repairable cars at your disposal.
As a registered Copart broker, A Better Bid gives you access to cars that only car dealers typically have access to. You can buy cars where the dealers buy them, cutting out the middlemen, and saving thousands of dollars.
Richmond Auto Auction
If you are on the eastern seaboard in the US, Richmond Auto Auction, located in Richmond, VA, holds weekly auctions in-person and online on Fridays at 8:30 am. While dealers with licenses can purchase cars at Richmond AA, they also have public sales.
Most of the vehicles for sale here are repossessed cars or government vehicles. If you prefer to attend the auction in person, you can physically inspect the vehicles on Thursday or early Friday mornings before the auctions.
Manheim
Manheim bills itself as “the world’s largest wholesale marketplace.” Each year, they sell 6 million used vehicles—totaling almost $60 billion in value.
Manheim has taken condition reports and research to the next level with its AI-enhanced condition reports and even provides reports for other online auctions.
Manheim also offers lots of post-sale services including vehicle storage and reconditioning.
Barrett Jackson
Maybe you are in the market for a classic Chevelle, GTO, or ‘Cuda. If you have the bank account to support it, Barrett Jackson is the premier classic car auction site.
For over 50 years now, Barrett Jackson has been selling some of the best classic cars that money can buy. With auctions all over the country and online bidding available, you can find an auction near you or purchase your dream car from the other side of the country.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of vehicle you are looking for, there are plenty of options available to help you purchase your next car online. With our list of best sites, we are confident that you will be able to score a fantastic deal on your dream car without leaving the comfort of your home.
