You might associate auctions with antiques, artwork, or farm equipment, but did you know that you can also buy a used car at these events? If you are looking for a quality used vehicle, an auction can be an easy, secure way to find one. To make sure you are ready before making a purchase, read these used car auction tips.
Go to the right auction
Some auctions can be better than others when it comes to getting a used car. For example, big-name websites do offer some good deals, but local auction houses can provide more vehicles at better prices.
- You’ll want to look for public events that don’t require a dealer’s license.
- Look for auctions in your area to ensure that you can get the vehicle home efficiently.
- Also, ask about fees and deposits before attending the auction.
- Consider taxes and registration before you go to the event.
Figure out the value of the vehicle(s) you want
Before you head to a used car auction, take a look at the catalog to see what types are available. Once you see something you’re interested in, you can look at a vehicle value listing website or book. These will give you a solid idea of what to bid at the auction and ensure you don’t pay too much for a vehicle. Keep the information with you at the event in case you need to reference it during bidding.
Know your budget
Auctions are fast-paced and exciting, so it can be easy to get caught up in the moment. Not setting a budget could cause you to bid more than you can afford. Be sure to make a budget that you can stick to. Here are some things you should account for in your budget.
- The cost of the vehicles (try to budget over to be safe)
- Fees or premiums you will have to pay the auction house
- Transportation costs
- The cost of a mechanic if the auction house allows inspections
Know how to pay
Some experts recommend that you always attend used car auctions with cash. But payment methods change with technology. You can pay with cash if you like, but other methods include checks, financing, credit cards, and payment apps like Venmo or CashApp. Before you go to an auction, call to verify what payment methods are available.
Get the history of the vehicles you like
Just as you would with any used car, get the vehicle’s history and backstory before bidding on it. Arrive at the auction a little early and speak to the seller if possible. You can also research the cars at the auction before you get to the event. Researching the history of the car ensures you will know everything that has happened to it, including changes, upgrades, accidents, and repairs.
Make sure you will get the title after the auction
It is vital to remember to get the title of the vehicle after the car auction. Ensure that you will receive the title once your payment clears for the vehicle, if you are paying with a check. For most banks, this process usually takes about ten business days.
Not having access to the title within that time frame could indicate that there is something wrong with the used car or its history. It could be stolen, or there may be information the owner does not want you to know. A clean sale means you will have the title in your hand once the auction is complete.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions we get for our used car auctions.
What’s the difference between a public used car auction and a dealer auction?
A public auction allows anyone to come in and purchase vehicles as long as they can afford their bids. Dealer auctions are typically held by dealerships to sell to others with licenses.
How do I find car auctions near me?
You might be surprised to find that locating used car auctions is easy! You can search online for auctions in your area, look on social media, or even ask around.
Can I inspect the used car before the auction?
Most auction houses will allow you to inspect used vehicles before the event. There are usually designated days and times to do this. It is best to contact the auction house to see what steps you need to take and what limitations there may be, though.
Will my new car be reliable?
When you buy a used car at auction, you may run the risk of getting one that has issues. This is why it is important to do your research, read listing catalogs, and go in for inspections. Look for the term “as-is” for a quick reference that the car may have something wrong.
What should I bring to a car auction?
This is a great question! It is always ideal to be prepared before any auction, so make sure to bring the following with you.
- Your drivers license
- Reference material about the car(s) you want to bid on
- Pre-approved funding or proof of finances, if necessary
- Proof of insurance
- Someone who is experienced with vehicles
- A notebook to keep track of things
- Your bidder’s registration information
- A deposit, if the auction house requires one
Want to learn more about used car auctions?
Contact High Plains Auctioneers at (806) 244-6776 to learn more about selling or buying at auctions. You can also view our Upcoming Auctions to see what we will have available!
Updated on 7/18/2025