The Art of Automotive Bargains: Unraveling the Intricacies of Modern Auto Auctions (2024)

The secondary car market is more popular than ever and online auctions are a great credit to this. The latter provide a comfortable choice of vehicles of all types, makes and models. Online auto auctions have revolutionized the way people buy and sell used cars, making the process more accessible and efficient.

Some online auctions provide access to cars for which an insurance claim has occurred – these are the most profitable lots on the secondary market. The cars, often referred to as salvage cars, can be a great bargain for those willing to invest in repairs.  

Using the services of intermediary companies, you can order delivery of the car to your city online. This service has made it possible for buyers to access a wider range of vehicles, regardless of their location.

Let’s tell you how online auctions work, which of them to use to buy a boo auto.  We will also discuss the benefits and potential pitfalls of buying a car through an online auction.

How an online car auction works

Car auction is a specialized platform where registered users can participate in bidding. The search for a car on the site is carried out by any parameters. The year of release, technical and cosmetic condition, etc. can be used as filters. The cost of a used car depends on many factors, so the bidder can choose the one that suits him from dozens and hundreds of identical offers.

Only dealers have access to most auction sites. This exclusivity ensures a high standard of quality and reliability in the vehicles sold.

The principle of an online auction is very simple. You select the desired lot and bid on it. The bidder whose bid is higher than the others becomes the winner of the auction. In case of victory, the participant is billed for the car itself and the commission sites.

You can use a specialized auction, which not only provides an opportunity to choose a used car, but also carries out the delivery of the car to the specified address, including all intermediate stages, execution of documents.

Such a comprehensive service makes the process of buying a used car through an auction as seamless and hassle-free as possible.

The most popular auctions for sale of boo cars

Here are the most popular online car auctions:

  • Copart
  • IAAI  
  • Manheim
  • PLC Auction

Copart

One of the largest auctions, where up to 200 thousand vehicles can be offered, including motorcycles, trucks, etc. Bidding is conducted from Monday to Friday. The company has offices in all states of America. The platform was created in 1982, when bidding was conducted only from one site, which was located in California.

The central office of the auction is located in Dallas and today the company controls 200 sites for the sale of boo cars in 11 countries around the world.

IAAI 

A platform where insurance autos are sold. The company is headquartered in Illinois and has over 4,000 employees. The auction serves buyers from different countries. On this platform the realization of cars is available only to legal entities, such as banks or insurance companies.

Only dealers can buy from the auction. It is considered one of the most reliable companies that provides access to the most interesting lots. 

Manheim

Only complete vehicles are sold here, so their price is higher than on other sites. The auction offers only documented vehicles, so the description of lots almost always corresponds to reality. 

Only legal entities that have the appropriate license have access to the online auction. The site has implemented a very convenient system of filters, which greatly simplifies the search for the lot that suits you. The main selection criteria can be the year of manufacture, mileage, manufacturer, type of powertrain, reasons for selling the car and others. 

PLC Auction

PLC Auction provides access to the most interesting lots on the secondary market, including cars for which an insurance claim has occurred. This is an opportunity to buy thousands of cars at a car auction in Poland, which will be delivered to the city you specify – to do this you need to follow the link. In addition to Poland, the site features lots from the following countries:

  • US. It is the richest secondary market of cars, where you can buy boo cars of different makes and models. At the same time, their cost is much lower than in other countries, which is explained by customs policy and great competition.
  • UAE. In this eastern country, personal vehicles are actively used, which is explained by the underdeveloped public transportation network in some regions and the high level of prosperity. In the UAE, cars are changed once every 2-3 years, so the secondary market is full of offers, which could not but affect the cost of vehicles. 
  • Korea. The Korean car market is mainly oriented to domestic consumers, so its products are interesting for users from other countries. There is a rich choice of Korean-made cars, which attract with their original design and technical solutions. 

One of the important advantages of the company is access to closed auctions. Here you can buy cars with minor damage and in excellent technical condition. 

The company not only controls the delivery of the machine to the specified address, but also provides full documentary support, assists in customs clearance and certification. This allows the process of buying a used car through PLC Auction to be as seamless and hassle-free as it can be.

Final Thoughts

Many cars in a row, depiction of car auctions.

Source: jdpower.com

Online auto auctions have revolutionized the secondary car market, making it more accessible and efficient. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from salvage cars to complete vehicles, and from common makes and models to unique and hard-to-find options.

The competitive nature of auctions often results in lower prices compared to traditional car sales, making them a great option for those looking for a bargain. However, it’s important to remember that buying a car through an auction requires careful research and consideration.

With the right approach, online auto auctions can be a great way to find your next car.