Top 11 Online Car Auction Sites in the U.S.

The car-buying world has evolved. Today, thousands of people across the United States are skipping traditional dealerships and turning to the best car auction sites online to buy or sell used, salvage, or specialty vehicles. With online car auctions becoming more accessible than ever, both individuals and dealers can find exceptional deals, bid on vehicles from anywhere, and arrange delivery in a matter of days.

Whether you’re looking to score a low-mileage sedan, a high-end SUV, or a project-ready salvage car, this 2025 guide explores the top 11 online car auction platforms in the U.S., detailing their specialties, requirements, and what makes each one a standout choice. If you’re in search of the best car auction site for your specific needs, you’re in the right place.

Why Buy or Sell Through Online Car Auctions?

Participating in car auctions online has several advantages:

Access to a larger inventory than local dealerships
Competitive pricing from wholesale, salvage, and fleet sources
Transparency through vehicle history reports and digital inspections
No need for dealer licenses on select platforms
Nationwide shipping through auto transport services

Whether you’re a dealer sourcing vehicles or a private buyer seeking a bargain, online car auction platforms are changing how America shops for cars. The best car auction platforms help users get more value, better transparency, and greater flexibility than ever before.

eBay Motors

Best for: Individual buyers and sellers seeking ease of use

eBay Motors has long been a household name when it comes to the best online car auction platforms. With listings from private sellers and professional dealerships, it’s easy to find both affordable cars and rare finds. eBay’s platform is familiar, user-friendly, and doesn’t charge auction fees to buyers.

Key features:

New and used vehicles across all categories
Bidding follows standard eBay rules
Includes parts and accessories listings
Accessible to all eBay users with no license required

Pros: Easy access, free bidding, massive audience Cons: Last-second bidding wars may drive up final prices

Copart

Best for: Salvage and insurance vehicles

Copart is one of the largest global auto auction sites, operating in 11 countries and selling over 3 million vehicles annually. It offers repossessed, clean-title, and salvage vehicles from insurance companies and financial institutions.

Key features:

No minimum bids or reserves
Includes motorcycles, ATVs, and heavy machinery
Mobile app for remote bidding
Requires a dealer license or a broker account for full access

Pros: Vast selection, clean-title options, early bidding available Cons: Dealer license needed for full access

If you’re searching for the best car auction site for salvage vehicles, Copart consistently ranks near the top.

IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)

Best for: Licensed dealers and experienced public buyers

Founded in 1982, IAAI combines live in-person auctions with online bidding. The company offers a wide variety of vehicles including damaged, recovered-theft, and donated cars.

Key features:

190+ auction centers across the U.S.
Broker services for public buyers
$200 annual fee for non-licensed users
Real-time bidding and tracking

Pros: Huge inventory, public-friendly options Cons: High-end vehicles often restricted to licensed buyers

Whether you’re a public buyer or dealer, IAAI remains a reliable option among the best car auction platforms.

Auto Auction Mall

Best for: Buyers without a dealer license

Auto Auction Mall allows the general public to access dealer-only inventory. With over 200,000 vehicles listed, the site makes it easy to find used, salvage, and even exotic vehicles.

Key features:

Free registration; $299 post-auction fee
Financing options available
10% refundable deposit required for bidding
Access to Copart and IAAI inventory

Pros: Financing, no license needed, concierge support Cons: Post-auction fee and deposit may deter casual buyers

For those looking for wholesale pricing without the barriers, this is one of the best car auction sites for beginners.

ADESA

Best for: Licensed dealers and fleet buyers

ADESA operates as a wholesale-only platform offering off-lease, fleet, and rental vehicles. While not open to the general public, it’s a powerhouse in the B2B car auction market.

Key features:

Access to manufacturer-backed and fleet vehicles
Transportation and title services included
Available only to licensed dealers

Pros: High-quality inventory, large network Cons: Not accessible to individuals without a license

Dealers looking for consistent inventory will find ADESA to be one of the best car auction sources in the professional arena.

AutoBidMaster

Best for: Global buyers and international shipping

AutoBidMaster is a registered Copart broker that offers full Copart access to the general public. With multilingual support and international shipping, it’s ideal for worldwide buyers.

Key features:

150,000+ vehicles available
Free browsing, fast registration
No dealer license required
Bilingual support in Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic

Pros: Copart access without a license, extensive support Cons: Copart fees still apply through the broker

With access to Copart’s listings and minimal entry barriers, AutoBidMaster is a top choice among the best car auction sites for international buyers.

Cars & Bids

Best for: Enthusiast and modern collectible cars

Cars & Bids focuses on vehicles from the 1980s to 2020s that appeal to enthusiasts. Founded by automotive influencer Doug DeMuro, the platform has a strong online following.

Key features:

No listing fees for sellers
4.5% buyer fee (min. $225, max. $4,500)
Fast listing times and detailed photos
Free vehicle history reports

Pros: Curated selection, low fees, fast results Cons: Niche appeal (not ideal for economy buyers)

This platform is widely praised as the best car auction site for cool, unique, and enthusiast vehicles.

Capital Auto Auction

Best for: Affordable used cars for the public

With auctions held multiple times per week, Capital Auto Auction is a great source for clean used vehicles, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. It’s popular among individuals seeking budget-friendly transportation.

Key features:

Live and online auctions
$1,000 or less deals available
Must be 18+ with a valid license to bid
Weekly auctions in four U.S. cities

Pros: Very affordable, open to public Cons: Bidding fees apply after registration

For those seeking unbeatable deals, this is easily one of the best car auction platforms for bargain hunters.

A Better Bid (ABB)

Best for: Clean title and salvage vehicle selection

ABB offers over 100,000 vehicles and doesn’t require a dealer license. The site clearly marks clean-title vehicles for buyers looking for road-ready options.

Key features:

Low-cost annual membership ($150)
Fixed $250 transaction fee
Five free vehicle reports included with Premium plan

Pros: Transparent pricing, clean title filters Cons: Limited inventory compared to larger brokers

Thanks to its clean interface and competitive pricing, ABB earns its place among the best car auction services available to the public.

ACV Auctions

Best for: Wholesale B2B car auctions with high-tech transparency

ACV is designed for car dealers who want efficient, tech-driven wholesale auctions. Their 20-minute digital auctions include audio clips of engine sounds and virtual undercarriage views.

Key features:

True360 third-party inspections
10-day arbitration protection
Title transfer and transport support

Pros: Transparent vehicle condition, fast transactions Cons: Only for licensed dealers

Dealers in search of trustworthy partners for wholesale will find ACV among the best car auction resources.

SalvageBid

Best for: Salvage, repairable, and affordable vehicles

SalvageBid offers over 200,000 vehicles and specializes in salvage-title and repairable cars. Registration is free, but only one purchase is allowed under a free plan.

Key features:

Premium access: $200/year for full bidding rights
Direct access to Copart inventory
Accepts U.S. and international buyers

Pros: Affordable vehicles, international access Cons: Limited access on free plan

This site is among the best car auction websites for DIYers and rebuilders.

What Kinds of Vehicles Can You Buy at Online Car Auctions?

Online car auctions offer more than just used cars. You’ll find:

Salvage vehicles: Damaged cars declared total losses by insurers
Repossessed vehicles: Taken by lenders from non-paying owners
Off-lease vehicles: Gently used and well-maintained
Rental vehicles: High mileage but consistently serviced
Classic or collector cars: From muscle cars to vintage sedans
Motorcycles, RVs, boats, and more

If you want maximum variety, the best car auction sites provide unbeatable access to thousands of listings daily.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Car Auction Site

Finding the best car auction site depends on your needs:

Want affordable cars without a dealer license? Try Auto Auction Mall or AutoBidMaster.
Looking for salvage projects? SalvageBid or Copart are excellent.
Dealer? ADESA or ACV offer professional-grade inventory.
Enthusiast? Cars & Bids is tailored just for you.

Before bidding:

Research the auction site’s fees and policies
Set a budget and stick to it
Always request a vehicle history report
Consider arranging car shipping services in advance

With the right strategy and trusted auction platform, you can find exceptional deals and simplify your car buying experience online in 2025.

Need to Ship a Car After Winning at Auction? Safemile Auto Transport specializes in auto auction vehicle delivery, offering door-to-door shipping across the U.S. Get a free quote today and have your auction car delivered safely to your doorstep!

Whether you’re buying your first car online or sourcing inventory for your dealership, choosing the best car auction site ensures you get the most value with the least hassle.