Copart Bidding Tips

Tips for Buying from a Car Auction

Get the most from your bidding and buying experience with Copart using these tips, guidelines and resources. This information is intended to help you become even more knowledgeable about how to properly evaluate vehicles so you can make an informed buying decision. The following tips and safety rules are will help you to properly evaluate your vehicle before placing a bid.  Another useful source of information is our New Member Guide. This guide is intended to help you arm yourself with all the right information you need to start bidding on and buying cars in our online auto auctions. There is no charge to preview vehicles that are ready for sale.

Bidding Tips

Here are some tips on how to bid in Copart's auctions.

• Add a maximum bid on a vehicle before the auction starts

• Participate in live bidding during the live online auction

• Counter bid to negotiate a fair price with the Seller

You can also learn more by seeing out Ways-to-bid page

Savvy Buyer Checklist

Every day, people all over the world buy a vehicle from an online auction. They may be buying it for parts, to rebuild for profit or fun, or as a personal use vehicle. Whatever the reason, there are some areas to research before placing a bid.

• Review the high quality photos provided by Copart, either online or on your mobile device.

• Determine ownership type, estimated repair cost, odometer reading, damage type, and if the keys are included.

• In person vehicle inspection. Basic and Premier Members can preview, any vehicle that is registered in the next auction, for free, at that Copart yard. Call your Copart location for preview hours. You can also contact an independent professional to inspect the vehicle.

• Enroll in AutoCheck for a small annual fee to get unlimited reports on most clean title vehicles. AutoCheck may tell you:

  • Previous accidents

  • Serious past damage or other problems

  • Mileage and any odometer tampering or breakage

  • Former uses, such as rental, lease and fleet

  • Loans/liens on the vehicle

  • Previous state title information

• Buy a Condition Report for more details and photos on the vehicle.

• Buy an EpicVin report for DMV title data, insurance total loss records, vehicle specifications, junk and salvage events, and open lien status.

Even though the vehicle may look to be in good condition on the surface, there are still some things you should review in more detail. This may take a little extra time but could save you money in unexpected repairs after you win.

• Air Bags – Examine more than just the steering wheel air bags. Be sure to check the curtain and seat airbags as well.

• Body Lines and Visible Panel Gaps – If you notice some inconsistencies with these, take a deeper look to ensure any prior repairs were done properly.

• Paint Color – If the colour seems to bright or customized, then it’s probably new paint. You should consider why the vehicle was recently painted.

• Missing Parts – If you see a perfectly good-looking front bumper, for example, but there is a missing headlight, ask yourself why. Make sure you fully inspect this part of the vehicle for potential damage.

• Non-Automotive Screws – Automotive fasteners look and function differently than a traditional household screw. If you see non-automotive fasteners, inspect the vehicle to ensure that any previous repairs were done properly.

Buy with peace of mind. You can also download the Copart Buyer Checklist.

Learn more on how to bid and buy in Copart's auctions by visiting our How to Buy Guide.