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Want to find the perfect car? With these top five online car auction sites, you can search by make and model to get exactly what you’re looking for.
Before bidding, know how much you’re willing to spend and stick with that number. Know the value of the vehicle you’re bidding on, and check the auction site’s rules for information such as minimum bid, fees, and more.
What We Like
There are many vehicles in great condition on Salvage Bid that just need some TLC to get up and running again.
Cars on this site are extremely affordable.
What We Don’t Like
The premium membership will cost you $200 a year, regardless of how often you use it.
For live auction bidding, a premium membership is required.
Ready to give your next vehicle some TLC as long as it saves you thousands? Salvage Bid has you covered. This auction website is strictly for as-is vehicles, often selling for as much as 75% off the retail price.
To get started on the platform, you’ll need to register. Salvage Bid offers a free membership that allows you to bid only during preliminary bids. You also only get to purchase one vehicle on the free plan.
For $200 a year, you’ll gain access to the Premium plan, which unlocks every auction and feature on the website. Live auctions require a Premium plan.
What We Don’t Like
Payments can be made only by wire transfer after vehicle purchase.
Residents of Florida who purchase a vehicle are also charged a higher transaction fee of $399 for premium and $499 for basic membership.
We all know how vital a clean title (no severe damage) is when purchasing a vehicle. Although A Better Bid offers used and salvaged vehicles, clean titles are separated for easy access.
A Better Bid offers free registration to browse. However, to bid, you’ll pay a fixed transaction fee of $250, plus applicable fees determined after your purchase. The Premium Membership will cost you $150 annually but gives access to a discounted transaction fee and five free vehicle history reports.
Cranky Ape is an exceptional online auction website for vehicles of all types. Dealers and non-dealers can bid online after account registration. Cranky Ape does charge a $50 fee for first-time users, but it drops to $45 each year after that.
Cranky Ape allows you to set an absentee bid, letting the website bid on your behalf up to your max. The website also lists vehicles for Buy Now privileges, meaning you can skip the online auction and purchase directly.
IAA, or Insurance Auto Auction Incorporated, is the best online auction for experienced bidders. IAA provides services to licensed dealers and non-licensed buyers, making it easy to find a high-quality vehicle. IAA offers broker services for non-licensed individuals who wish to bid on a vehicle.
As a public buyer without a license, you’ll be charged a $200 annual fee for IAA’s service. You can bid only on auctions open to the public and on inventory available to the public.
Whether you are looking for a car or a tractor, Purple Wave has it. This auction website has thousands of vehicles, including cars, trucks, tractors, semi-trucks, trailers, and even construction equipment. If you’re looking for something special, you’ll find it here.
The Purple Wave platform is free after registration and has no fees. However, a 10% buyer’s premium is added to the end of every purchase price to be paid along with your invoice. For bids of more than $10,000, you might be required to provide a bank letter of guarantee or a credit card pre-authorization.
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