You have probably heard about all of the money that you can save by using online car auctions. So, if you are from Los Angeles, you may have been looking for online Los Angeles auctions. However, for some consumers, getting started with online auto auctions can be daunting.
Online auto auctions can be confusing and a little bit scary if you do not know how things work. An auto purchase is typically one of the biggest purchases an individual can make in their life, and no one wants to get their purchase wrong.
The great thing is that we have done research and planning for you to make your next online auto purchase simple and straightforward. Read on to find out how easy, fun, and financially beneficial online auto auctions can be.
Benefits of Purchasing from an Online Auction
The first question you might have is: “Why are people so excited about buying a car from an online auction?” There are many reasons why people have become so excited by the prospect of purchasing their next car online.
The main reason that online car auctions are gaining more popularity every year is because of the expectation that online car auctions will save you some serious money. This is why people flock to online auction websites of all kinds.
Car dealers are sometimes called “middlemen;” they buy wholesale from auctions and then sell to the public. If you cut out the dealers and buy where they buy, you can save all of the money that they need to markup vehicles for overhead and profit.
Another reason why people are flocking to online car auctions is that they are incredibly convenient—as you can purchase your next car from the comfort of your home.
Different Online Car Auctions
After considering the advantages of buying a vehicle at an online auction, you may be wondering what types of auctions are out there and what kinds of cars, trucks, SUVs, or motorcycles you can purchase?
There are three main types of online auto auctions:
1. Salvage Auctions
Salvage auctions are a great way to get a car with way less capital than you would need for a clean title version of the same car. Some salvage cars have minor damage that can be easily repaired while others need more extensive work.
Salvage cars are ones that insurance companies have determined that the cost of repairs is greater than the value of the vehicle and therefore not worth repairing. For some cars, you will need to have a good repair and body shop available while others might just have “scratches and dents” that can be repaired cheaply and quickly.
So, if you are willing to put in the work, then you can score an amazing deal on some super cool cars.
2. Wholesale Dealer Auctions
When dealers get trade-ins that they do not want to have to deal with or just want to sell quickly for a quick sale, they take them to dealer auctions to be sold.
For the most part, these cars will not need nearly as much repair as a salvage car, but they will usually be more expensive than purchasing the salvage counterpart.
Of course, these auctions might require you to have a dealer’s license to be able to purchase or attend an auction. One workaround could be having a broker be your representative at the auction for a fee.
3. Specialty Car Auctions
Specialty auctions tend to have the best examples of rare cars but will require the most capital of any of the auctions.
If you are on the hunt for an old muscle car, or anything rare, you can find it at one of these auctions. Just be prepared to have the money ready for whichever car you are looking for.
Where to Buy Cars Online
With all of the options out there to shop for salvage cars, what are some of the most trusted options? We have listed four options below that will provide you with a great experience:
A Better Bid
A Better Bid is a 100 percent online car auction marketplace offering over 300,000+ vehicles for sale daily, featuring salvage titles such as trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, boats, and much more all at wholesale prices.
Since A Better Bid is a registered Copart broker, they can help you find great deals on salvage vehicles from all over the country. You can buy your next car from the comfort of your own home and A Better Bid will help you after the sale with any other needs.
San Antonio Auto Auction
If you live in or near Texas, then San Antonio Auto Auction is a great place to shop for cars. Most of the cars available at the public auction are retired government vehicles that can also provide an amazing value.
The public auction is weekly on Tuesdays, and they sell whatever GSA has in the inventory for them. They also have dealer auctions as well, but you would need a broker for those.
Car Max Auctions
Car Max is one of the biggest names in the used car sales industry. For licensed dealers, Car Max offers up an auction website as well.
The good news is that the Car Max is a dealer auction and dealers tend to want to purchase cars at the lowest price possible to preserve profit. The bad news is that you are going to have to look for a broker to facilitate your purchase.
Charleston Auto Auction
Every Friday in Charleston, South Carolina, CAA runs a dealer-only auction. They offer up some great options for late-model cars at great prices.
Just like Car Max and SAAA, a broker will be required to purchase the car you are set on. CAA can help out with transportation and such after the auction if needed.
Find Great Deals
Now that you have seen what buying a salvage car online means and where to find some great deals on salvage cars, it’s your turn to start researching the perfect car for your needs and get shopping.
