Online auctions are no longer limited to dealers or ardent collectors. Auto bidding websites provide more access and opportunity than ever before, whether you’re searching for a government surplus vehicle, a rare classic, a salvage project, or an affordable commuter.
Whether you’re a novice buyer or an experienced flipper, we’ll examine the best auto auction websites, evaluate their offerings, and assist you in determining where to begin in this comprehensive guide.
Why Conduct Auto Auctions Online?
There’s a reason why online car auctions are so popular. They provide:
Reasonably priced in contrast to conventional dealerships
Access to a larger assortment, which includes uncommon and off-market automobiles
An adaptable purchasing process from the convenience of your own home
Specialized inventory, including government fleet automobiles, salvage titles, and electric vehicles
However, not all platforms are equal. Below is a thorough analysis of the top auto bidding websites in 2025.
1. Copart
Ideal for: Wholesale lots, rebuildables, and salvage automobiles.
Dealers and individuals (with broker assistance) are eligible to bid.
Reach: 200+ locations worldwide
Web address: copart.com
One of the biggest online auto auction sites, Copart focuses on salvage cars, which are automobiles that may be damaged, repossessed, or write-offs from insurance. Buyers range from individual rebuilders to foreign dealers, and many can be repaired. Copart is a heavyweight if you’re interested in auction pricing on a large selection.
Late-model SUVs, Teslas with minor damage, and severely damaged exotic cars are all available.
2. Insurance Auto Auctions, or IAA
Ideal for: Cars with insurance losses and buyers on a tight budget.
Dealers and licensed individuals are eligible to bid.
Reach: worldwide export and North America
Website: iaai.com
IAA, like Copart, specializes in insurance salvage vehicles, which are ideal for buyers wishing to rebuild or part out automobiles. Motorcycles, fleet cars, and clear titles are all part of their platform. Depending on the state, buyers must manage different license requirements, but IAA is a reliable resource for buyers on a tight budget and exporters from other countries.
3. The AutoBidMaster
Ideal for: Making the Copart inventory available to the public.
Anyone can place a bid (through membership tiers).
URL: autobidmaster.com
AutoBidMaster helps people bid on Copart cars without requiring a dealer’s license by acting as a licensed broker for Copart. They handle title processing, shipping coordination, and bidding support.
This online marketplace is a great tool for do-it-yourself buyers because it allows you to access thousands of cars while receiving assistance along the way.
4. Automobiles and offers
Ideal for: Car enthusiasts from the 1980s to the 2020s
Who is eligible to bid? Carsandbids.com is a public website.
Cars & Bids is a website created by YouTuber Doug DeMuro that features modern cars that are fun, quirky, and geared toward enthusiasts. Consider modern BMWs, JDM imports, VW GTIs, and the occasional lifted Land Cruiser.
The interface is easy to use, the community is active, and the listings are carefully chosen. For first-time auction buyers or anyone wishing to sell something unique, the marketplace is a great place to be.
5. Have a trailer with you.
Ideal for: Collector pieces, rare finds, and vintage automobiles
Who is eligible to bid? Bringatrailer.com is the public website.
Perhaps the most well-known marketplace for vintage and collector cars is Bring a Trailer (BaT), which provides both buyers and sellers with an excellent experience. Curated listings frequently feature large photo galleries and lively community discussions.
Expect meticulously preserved low-mileage Hondas, pre-war MGs, rare Porsches, and oddballs.
6. Auctions for ACV
Ideal for: Acquiring clean inventory for licensed auto dealers
Only dealers are eligible to bid; the website is acvauctions.com.
ACV is a wholesale auction platform that is exclusive to dealers and offers mobile inspections, undercarriage photos, and comprehensive condition reports. ACV offers dealerships and resellers dependable inventory without requiring them to attend live auctions.
7. Auto Auction Capital
Ideal for: public buyers, repossessions, and used cars
Who is eligible to bid? Capitalautoauction.com is a public website.
Various repossessed cars, donations, and dealer consignments are up for bid at Capital Auto Auction, which also offers live and online bidding. There is a wide range and many public auctions.
If you participate live, you can anticipate competitive pricing on older cars as well as a lively auction atmosphere.
8. GSA Sales
Ideal for: Government fleet automobiles
Who is eligible to bid? Public Website: gsaauctions.gov
GSA Auctions, which is operated by the U.S. General Services Administration, sells government-owned automobiles, many of which are low-mileage, well-maintained fleet vehicles. Imagine vintage postal vans, forestry trucks, and police cruisers. If you’re willing to be flexible, you can find bargains here.
9. UK Auto Trader
Ideal for: UK consumers and foreign buyers
Who is eligible to bid? Autotrader.co.uk is the public website.
With listings from dealerships, private sellers, and auctions, Auto Trader is the biggest online car marketplace in the United Kingdom. For both European and foreign consumers, it is a reliable website, particularly when searching for cars with right-hand drive or those sold in the EU.
10. Liquidity Services (AllSurplus, GovDeals)
Ideal for: Extra cars and machinery
Both the general public and business buyers are eligible to bid.
Website: liquidityservices.com
Several auction sites run by Liquidity Services sell trucks, utility vans, fleet cars, and equipment from businesses, government organizations, and municipalities. These sites are particularly beneficial for contractors who require utility vehicles or for companies looking to expand their fleets.
Advice for winning at auto auctions
Please set a clear spending limit and adhere to it.
Take fees and transportation expenses into consideration.
If history reports (CARFAX, AutoCheck) are available, please make use of them.
Verify the licensing requirements (a dealer license may be required in some states).
Examine the title status fine print, particularly for salvage vehicles.
Online Auto Auction Trends (2025)
EVs are becoming more popular: salvage Teslas and used EVs are now widely available on websites like Copart and IAA.
Mobile-first platforms: Many websites now provide complete app functionality and real-time alerts.
Dealer access democratization: Broker websites such as AutoBidMaster allow ordinary buyers to participate in wholesale auctions.
AI-powered bidding tools: Buyers are placing more intelligent bids thanks to predictive pricing and analytics.
Increased openness: Inspection videos, seller ratings, and thorough condition reports are becoming commonplace.
Which Auto Auction Website Is Best for You?
Here’s a quick summary:
Are you new to auctions or just browsing? → Are you interested in automobiles and bidding, or are you planning to bring a trailer?
Searching for affordable offers? → Capital Auto Auction, Copart (with caution)
Are you looking for a fixer-upper? → Consider AutoBidMaster, Copart, or IAA
Are you searching for a car to collect? Bring a trailer.
Source inventory for dealers? → ACV Auctions
Are you interested in surplus or fleet cars? → Visit GSA Auctions or Liquidity Services
Concluding remarks
Online auto auctions are now a useful resource for anyone trying to find the ideal car at the ideal price, not just insiders. Whether you’re flipping a salvage special or chasing your dream car, it’s crucial to know where to look and how to bid wisely.
Digital bidding platforms will only become more powerful and widely available as the automotive industry develops. It’s time to become accustomed to their working methods.
Have fun placing your bid! For additional guides, platform reviews, and real-world auction success stories, check back here.
