I know the normal thing in the US is to lease a car, but I would rather not have a car payment (unless I get a small car loan purely to improve my credit). I also HATE car dealers (particularly in the US) and begrudge them their profits. So what I tend to do in the UK is go to a car auction and buy a good quality car that is no more than 2 or 3 years old. I've had no problems doing that in the UK - always been happy with my cars.
Is it possible to do something like that in the US (SF Bay area ideally). I get the impression that auctions are not open to the public.
Any input?
TOPIC
Buying a car at auction
Discussion started on 06 Jan 2026
ID: #58
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Britsimon
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Britsimon
Posted on 06 Jan 2026, 10:46
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ottotheboar
COMMUNITY MEMBER
ottotheboar
Posted on 08 Jan 2026, 12:23
I don't not know about the auctions is your area but in Richmond VA the auction is split into lanes some are dealer only some open to the public.
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Pulaski
COMMUNITY MEMBER
Pulaski
Posted on 10 Jan 2026, 19:57
The way peoole drive in the US, I'm reluctant to drive a used car. I fear that auctions in the US are often dumping grounds for lemons and unsaleable junk.
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Retee
COMMUNITY MEMBER
Retee
Posted on 14 Jan 2026, 11:19
I've gone to car auctions here in the New York City area. Daughter even bought one. Found they are usually cars with major problems. With all the flooding that we have been having countrywide, I would be very leery of an auction. You don't know if your potential vehicle has been a flood victim.
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Britsimon
COMMUNITY MEMBER
Britsimon
Posted on 17 Jan 2026, 10:09
You may be right - but that is where dealers often get their inventory.
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ottotheboar
COMMUNITY MEMBER
ottotheboar
Posted on 20 Jan 2026, 19:51
You are correct, as I have mentioned in previous posts dealers are easy to spot. If you see you a car you like just outbid the dealer as he will usually have a limit.
If a dealer does not bid on a car be very wary of it.
If a dealer does not bid on a car be very wary of it.
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Britsimon
COMMUNITY MEMBER
Britsimon
Posted on 22 Jan 2026, 23:58
Yup - that is exactly the strategy I usually adopt - and it has worked well. I am not talking about buying junkers - it will probably be something German, and between 25/35k.
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ScousePete
COMMUNITY MEMBER
ScousePete
Posted on 23 Jan 2026, 19:01
Most trade-ins and end-of-lease vehicles end up at auction. Most used-car dealers buy their inventory from auctions. So there will be a mix of good and bad.
I'm not sure if it's everywhere, but at some of the auctions here you can pay a small premium for a PSI (Post Sale Inspection). If the car fails, you can return it. Other auctions won't even let you start the car.
I'm not sure if it's everywhere, but at some of the auctions here you can pay a small premium for a PSI (Post Sale Inspection). If the car fails, you can return it. Other auctions won't even let you start the car.