Car Auctions

For those who are in need of a regular commuter car, buying a car is a simple matter of going to the new or used car lot and making a purchase. However, others who enjoy collecting rare, antique cars have to make more of an effort to find unique automotive treasures. For those who want finer cars, car auctions are among the best ways to purchase specialized cars at competitive prices.

Finding the nearest auto auction can be as simple as consulting the classified section in your local newspaper. However, there is no guarantee that local car auctions will have the specific make and model of car that you desire.

Another option is searching online. There are several sites that specialize in getting consumers the cars that they want. While some of these companies have car lots that you can visit in person, others are only based online.

Types of Car Auctions

Here are a few sites where you can go to bid on classic, collectible cars:

• Barrett-Jackson: In 1967, two enthusiastic car-buffs started this car show in Scottsdale, AZ that has become nearly historic in the automotive world. First held in 1971, the Barrett-Jackson car auction has since boomed as the car collecting industry has gained popularity through the years. This event now consists of public car auctions on site in Scottsdale and Florida, as well as an online car auction open to any bidder with a computer and Internet access.
• eBay Motors: As one of the greatest online auction companies, eBay is home to some of the best online car auctions. Although they dont hold public car auctions, they are affiliated with several car auctions lots that use eBay for their online communication and sales.eBay motors has sold over 2 million automobiles. In fact, on average, eBay sells a vehicle about every minute. For those who wish to sell, all a consumer needs to do is provide a photo, vehicle history and a VIN number. They can then have the title in hand. eBay also insures its sales, taking meticulous steps to ensure that finalized sales do not result in any buyers receiving lemons.
• GSA Fleet: The U.S. General Services Administration uses GSA Fleet to offer many vehicles available in online car auctions. One advantage of using GSA Fleet is that these cars, trucks and other vehicles have low mileage and are guaranteed to have only had one previous owner. Along with offering cars that have been well-maintained and carefully detailed, this car auction company doesnt charge buyers fees.
• Car Auction Online: Every day, hundreds of vehicles are seized due to lack of payments. This site is one of the greatest sites to find seized vehicles. When cars are confiscated for breach of payment, they become the property of the U.S. government that the government then tries to sell fast and cheap to minimize storage fees and get immediate cash. The site claims that sometimes these cars are sold through online car auctions for as much as a 90 percent less than the vehicle is worth!
• Palm Springs Exotic Car Auctions: Started in 1985 by the exotic car collector Keith McCormick, the Palm Springs Exotic Car public car auctions are held in November and February each year on the grounds of the Spa Resort Casino in downtown Palm Springs, Calif.