Buying a used car in Arizona is fun and easy when you attend a public auto auction! Auction staff are trained to help out new customers with the auction bidding process so that you can save money on a car, truck, or SUV without worry. Most first time auto auction bidders are surprised at how seamless the process is. In fact, you will probably enjoy yourself in the exciting atmosphere of a public car auction in Arizona.
What do I need to bring with me in order to attend the auctions and bid?
All you need is a valid U.S. driver’s license. Friends and relatives are welcome to accompany you and will not require identification. You should also bring your prefered form of payment. Most locations accept credit and debits cards – while all locations accept cash. Checks are usually not allowed as a payment at public auto auctions. However, you may contact the location before your arrival to verify or to ask for an exception.
Where do they cars come from? Are they damaged? Are they drivable?
Most of the vehicles at Arizona Auto Auctions are from local dealers and private sellers. These include: trade-ins, bank repos, police impounds, abandoned tow lot vehicles, and private individuals selling their own cars. All vehicles are sold with a clean title, unless otherwise stated. Typically, 99.9% of the auction’s inventory will have clean titles without any salvage history. If you are unsure, just ask before you offer to buy the vehicle. Auctions are required by law to inform you of the title status of the vehicle before you purchase it.
All vehicles are typically drivable unless the auctioneer states otherwise. You are also welcome to bring a mechanic along with you to inspect the vehicle you are interested in prior to placing your bid. Some locations also offer warranties at an additional cost.
How long does it take before I can take the auction car home after I buy it?
Once the bidding ends and you are the winner, you will go into the auction office to pay the balance. After that, you will be given a temporary tag that will allow you to legally drive the vehicle until the auction processes your title. (You are responsible for obtaining insurance for the vehicle)
Can I arrive early to look at the auction vehicles before the bidding starts?
Yes – most locations are open at least an hour prior to the start of the auto auction to allow public buyers to look over the vehicles at their own pace. Some locations are open even earlier, while others may allow you to visit on non-auction days. Contact the auction location** to verify their preview policies for public buyers.
