Best Car Auction Sites of 2025

Given this growing demand, the online car auction platforms have made it easier than ever to browse, bid, and buy vehicles from the comfort of your home. If you are after a daily driver, a project car, or a rare collectible, these platforms provide access to wholesale-level inventory once reserved for licensed dealers. This guide explores the best car auction sites of 2025 and what makes each one stand out.

Key Takeaways

• Top Auction Sites for All Buyers: Platforms like Adesa, Auto Auction Mall, and eBay Motors offer a range of vehicles, from used car auctions to classic car auction and salvaged models, catering to individual buyers and dealers.
• Exclusive Dealer Access: Some auction sites, such as Auto Auction Mall, allow public access to dealer-only auctions, giving regular buyers more selection and potentially better prices on inventory.
• Pros and Cons of Each Site: Every auction site has unique benefits—some provide detailed inspection reports, while others have direct bidding access. It’s crucial to weigh these factors to choose the right platform for your needs.
• Streamlined Vehicle Delivery with Sherpa: Sherpa Auto Transport’s reliable shipping services simplify getting your new vehicle from the auction lot to your doorstep after you purchase it from an auction site.

In This Guide:

• What Are Car Auction Sites?
• Best Car Auction Sites of 2025
• Why Use an Online Auto Auction?
• Tips for Using a Car Auction Site
• Bottom Line
• Online Car Auction FAQs

What Are Car Auction Sites?

Car auction sites are online marketplaces where individuals, dealerships, and wholesalers can bid on, buy, or sell vehicles in real time. Acting as a modern alternative to traditional car dealerships, these platforms host a wide range of listings from used and certified pre-owned cars to classics, luxury models, and salvage vehicles.

Unlike in-person auctions, everything happens digitally. Buyers can browse listings, compare prices, and place bids from anywhere, while sellers can showcase their cars to a nationwide or even global audience. It’s a win-win: buyers get access to unique or hard-to-find vehicles at competitive prices, and sellers enjoy faster sales with greater exposure than they would through local dealerships or private listings.

Best Car Auction Sites of 2025

The automotive market continues to evolve rapidly, increasing the popularity of online car auction sites among buyers and sellers. Although all car auction sites seem similar, each has distinctive features and benefits. 

In this article, we will guide you through the 5 best online car auction sites in 2025, highlighting what sets them apart. We will offer valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing car bidding sites. Remember, once you have found your vehicle, Sherpa Auto Transport can ensure safe, reliable delivery to your door.

eBay Motors

eBay Motors is an online auto auction site. It facilitates buyers by offering new and used vehicles and their respective parts and accessories. Moreover, it offers everything from standard used cars to luxury and classic car auctions. Also, it caters to private sellers and automotive dealerships. It has an extensive selection and a user-friendly bidding system that facilitates auto auction buyers to bid on vehicles or “Buy It Now” for faster transactions.

Pros

• Extensive inventory of used and new vehicles and specialty and classic cars.
• Smooth integration with the traditional eBay platform, allowing registered users to access eBay Motors easily.
• The choice between bidding or instant buying options.
• eBay provides purchase protection for added security.
• No auction fee for bidding cars online.
• Parts and accessories are offered to maintain or update vehicles.

Cons

• Shipping is not included; buyers are responsible for arranging transportation.
• eBay charges seller fees, which may impact final costs.
• Limited exclusive deals in comparison to other auction sites online.
• Finding a “great deal” is challenging due to competitive bidding, which results in higher final prices.

eBay Motors is a trusted platform for car auctions with a vast selection. For transportation, you can opt for Sherpa Auto Transport. For luxury cars, it’s recommended to opt for enclosed auto transport.

Copart

Copart is a popular platform for online car auctions that specialize in selling, salvaging, and cleaning title vehicles from various sources. It includes insurance companies, rental agencies and car dealerships. Moreover, it has an extensive inventory and user-friendly features to facilitate buyers, including individual buyers (DIY enthusiasts), professional automotive businesses, and rebuilders. It’s ideal for those seeking budget-friendly options.

Pros

• Affordable salvage vehicles at low prices.
• Extensive inventory, including salvage and clean title vehicles.
• Caters to individual buyers as well as automotive businesses.
• User-friendly car bidding sites with advanced search filters, helping buyers find the ideal vehicle.
• Offers several online car bidding options, including proxy bidding, for added convenience.

Cons

• Vehicles are often sold as-is, with limited inspections leading to uncertainties and additional repair costs.
• Copart charges various fees that can add up quickly.
• Requires a membership fee, which may not suit occasional buyers.

Copart is ideal for those seeking damaged cars for parts or restoration. For shipping solutions, check out Sherpa Auto Transport’s guide on damaged car transport.

IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions)

IAAI specializes in auctioning off insurance-salvage vehicles, providing access to a range of damaged, repairable, and parts-only vehicles at a discount. It includes vehicles with minor to severe damage and also covers flooded cars. IAAI gives buyers the opportunity to find vehicles at lower prices for various purposes, such as repair, parts harvesting, or resale.

Pros

• A large inventory of vehicles, including salvaged, damaged, and flood-damaged cars, allows for a broader selection.
• Inventory includes vehicles from insurance claims.
• Ideal for buyers interested in budget-friendly options.
• User-friendly web interface with advanced search filters to help narrow down the ideal vehicle.
• Online and proxy bidding are available for those who cannot attend the in-person auction.

Cons

• Vehicles that are sold “as-is,” often limit warranties, which may result in higher repair costs.
• It is not ideal for buyers seeking vehicles in perfect condition or with minimal damage.

However, IAAI is perfect for budget-conscious buyers looking for repairable vehicles. Sherpa Auto Transport can help deliver your purchase safely.

Adesa

Adesa is one of the largest online car auction sites. It primarily serves licensed dealers but also offers limited access to the general public through certain channels. It is known for its extensive network of physical auction locations and online bidding platform. However, individual buyers may not find it ideal due to its primary focus on business-to-business transactions and limited consumer protection policies.

Pros

• Multiple auction locations across North America for both in-person and online bidding.
• Vehicles typically undergo inspections, providing buyers with detailed condition reports.
• Diverse inventory of vehicles catering to various business needs.
• User-friendly online car auction websites with advanced search features to facilitate buyers.
• Different bidding options available that include online and proxy bidding for cars.

Cons

• Primarily designed for licensed dealers, limiting direct access for individual buyers.
• A membership fee is attached along with  additional fees for certain services.
• Limited consumer protection policies due to the business-to-business nature of this car online auction platform.

Thanks to its vast network and thorough inspections, Adesa is ideal for professional buyers or those with access to dealer licenses. Sherpa Auto Transport can help transport your vehicle if you purchase through Adesa’s dealer auctions.

Auto Auction Mall

Auto Auction Mall is an online car auction site that connects individuals to dealer-only auctions. It lets them bid on cars that are not easily accessible, enabling them to purchase vehicles at wholesale prices. This auto auction online platform offers a wide range of vehicles, from used cars to salvage titles. Moreover, it provides support throughout the buying process.

Pros

• Offers access to dealer-only auctions for individuals, extending options for regular buyers so that they can purchase vehicles at wholesale prices.
• Thousands of vehicles are available across multiple categories.
• Offers a user-friendly car auction website with advanced search features and filters to help buyers find the perfect vehicle.
• Provides consistent customer support throughout the buying process.

Cons

• Most vehicles are sold as-is with limited condition information, so buyers should inspect reports carefully.
• Buyers may face competition from dealers and other professionals during the cheap car auction process.
•  Service fees and shipping arrangements are the buyer’s responsibility.
• The potential risk associated with purchasing salvage or damaged vehicles may require significant repair work.

Auto Auction Mall is an excellent choice for those wanting dealer-level access without a license. Sherpa Auto Transport can ensure safe delivery of your auction purchase, providing peace of mind from auction to driveway.

Why Use an Online Auto Auction?

Car auctions aren’t exactly new, they have existed almost as long as cars themselves but they have never been more popular than they are today. What used to be a dealer’s backroom event has evolved into a fast, convenient, and tech-driven way to buy and sell vehicles from anywhere. For car dealers, online auctions offer a simple solution to source inventory without ever leaving the office, while buyers enjoy access to a massive range of vehicles, often at prices lower than traditional dealerships.

Online used car auctions saw a massive boom in 2020, when sales doubled to 18.9% of the remarketing and leasing market. That surge highlighted just how efficient and flexible these platforms are. Today, buyers can bid on cars nationwide or even internationally, choosing from a wide selection that includes classic car, luxury vehicles, and rare models, all from the comfort of their home. If you are a dealer looking for inventory or a car enthusiast hunting for something special, online car auctions make the process faster, easier, and far more exciting.

Tips for Using a Car Auction Site

There are so many top auction sites available now, it can take time to determine which platform best suits your needs. Below are the top 10 tips to help you find the best online car auction platform and ensure a safe and satisfactory experience.

1. Research: Do thorough research on the online car auction platform, before signing up for car bidding sites. Check reviews, ratings, and testimonials.
2. Verify Legitimacy: Look for licensing and accreditation information to make sure the potential best car auction site is legitimate and adheres to industry standards. Check for the physical address, contact information, and transparent terms and conditions.
3. Examine Vehicle Listings: A reputable auto auction website should provide detailed information about the car, including its history, condition, and clear photos from multiple angles.  
4. Transparency in Fee: A trustworthy online car auction will clearly outline any fees or charges associated with using the platform. Be cautious of hidden fees or excessive charges.
5. Consider Payment and Shipping Options: Verify the site’s payment methods and ensure they have a secure, encrypted connection to protect your personal and financial information.
6. Test Customer Support: Before committing to an online used car auction platform, test customer support services.  The helpful customer support team speaks about its reliability and professionalism.
7. User-friendly interface: A website that is well-designed and user-friendly shows that the platform is invested in providing an excellent user experience to the buyers.
8. Investigate Dispute Resolution Process: Look for a clear dispute resolution policy and read the fine print to understand your rights and responsibilities as a user.
9. Monitor Security Measures: Look for encryption technology, secure login procedures, and additional security measures to keep your information safe.
10. Trust your instincts: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of online car auction sites offering vehicles at unreasonably low prices, as these could be scams. 

Bottom Line

Online car auctions have revolutionized car buying and selling. It offers easy access to great deals from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly salvage car, a rare classic, or simply want to skip the dealership, platforms like eBay Motors and Auto Auction Mall cater to every type of buyer.

Winning the bid is only the beginning, you still need a safe, reliable way to get your new car home. That’s where Sherpa Auto Transport comes in, get a quote today at Sherpa Auto Transport and see the power of our exclusive Price Lock Promise.

Online Car Auction FAQs