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The Daily Insight

Can the public buy cars at auction?

Author

John Thompson

Published Feb 13, 2026

All over the U.S., you can find car dealer auctions open to the public. That means buying cars at auction prices is an option for just about anyone, even if you don’t have a dealer’s license.

Are Public auto auctions worth it?

Most public auctions will put these sellers at the beginning of the sale because, on average, they offer the best inventory and the most reasonable selling prices. A public auto auction with plenty of these sellers is well worth the visit.

Why do cars go to public auction?

Cars end up at auction for a variety of reasons. An insurance company has “totaled” a car, pays the owner, then has to get rid of the car. Dealers sell cars at an auto auction they couldn’t sell on the lot. If a car is repossessed by a bank, they may use auctions to get it off the books.

Is it good to buy a car at an auction?

Buying a used vehicle from an auction can be much cheaper than buying from a dealer or a private seller, but it’s also a much riskier way of buying a used car. You usually won’t get a test drive, there’s no warranty, and the vehicle could easily have a sketchy past.

Is buying cars from an auction a good idea?

Cars that have been at the car dealerships for too long without anyone buying them them usually make their way to auctions. At auctions, these are sold at much lower prices, making auctions a great opportunity for car buyers. These cars may be very damaged, or they may have only minor damage.

Can a government car be sold at an auction?

We help individuals, corporate and non- government organizations with applications of visas, temporary residence visas, critical skills visas, permanent… This car is for sale at an auction price in good working condition. Available immediately with absolutely no work needed.

Can you buy used cars at police auctions?

This is good news for the consumer, because people who attend used police car auctions can take advantage of these lower prices. In fact, car dealers often attend these auctions to find vehicles to sell to the public for profit. Essentially, buying used cars on auction is a way of cutting out the middle man.

Are there any auto auctions on auction nation?

Auction Nation brings the thrill and convenience of public auto auctions right to your computer with our Weekly Online Public Auto Auction! Every week we sell a great selection of cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, trailers, watercraft, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and much more!

When do Auto Auctions open for the public?

Unlike most Public Auto Auctions that only let you inspect the vehicle the day of the sale, we offer a full preview on all of our vehicles Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm and Thursdays from 10am to 5pm. You can start them up, look under the hood, check the fluids and much more.