Smart shoppers seem to know how to get the best bargains. It’s like they’ve made their life’s mission to find high quality products at a rock bottom price. These savers view MSRPs as merely a suggestion. They might save on household items, fashion trends, or groceries but getting a bargain on a car purchase is hard to come by. That is unless you’re in on the little secret known as the auto auction! 
What Are Car Auctions?
Auto auctions sell anything from commuter cars to large SUVs and in some cases boats and other recreational vehicles. If you’ve got the eye for a deal, then you’ll need to know where to find the best car auctions in Texas to get your next set of wheels.
You should consider making your next previously owned vehicle purchase through an auction. You could save thousands over what you may pay at the dealer. Vehicles are most often sold at trade-in prices and sometimes much less.
When searching for car auctions in Texas, look for auctions that are called “Open” or “Public” as some auto wholesaler auctions are only open to registered dealerships. Educate yourself on the auction process before you head down to the nearest auction site.
While there are bargains to be had, you must use caution as most vehicles are sold as-is and many have limitations on accessing the vehicle prior to purchase. Make purchases at your own risk.
Auto Auction Locations in Texas
1. Public Auto Auctions – Kyle, TX
Address: 12253 Camino Real, Kyle, TX 78640
When: Live sales are on the first Saturday of every month
Payments accepted: Cash and major credit cards
This auction site sells many types of vehicles including former Fleet Vehicles, Dealer, Individual Consignments, and vehicle donations. Vehicle bids can start as low as $100 and sell to the highest bidder while some vehicles may require a minimum bid. A special preview day precedes each auction on Fridays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Interested parties can visit their auction calendar to view and print a list of available vehicles. Auctions are free to attend but bidders must provide a $300 refundable deposit which can be applied to any purchase.
Vehicle purchasers must provide a valid legal form of ID and must be over 18 years old. Pre-registration is encouraged prior to the live sale to save time.
2. Charity Car Auctions – Dallas, TX
Address: 7100 Marvin D. Love Fwy, Dallas, TX 75237
When: Every Saturday beginning at 9:00 AM
Payments accepted: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover
Vehicles sold at this auction vary each time. Individual consignments are available. Each auction can sell up to 150 vehicles that include cars, SUVs, minivans, and boats. Vehicles can be previewed every Friday before the auction from 12 PM to 5 PM. Visitors are prohibited from opening the hood or starting the car, however, access inside the vehicle is permissible and will often have a mechanic’s remarks on the windshield for viewing.
While vehicles cannot be test driven, the auction center encourages bringing a mechanic to inspect the vehicle prior to purchase. All auction attendees are required to register online by creating a bidder account and pay a $200 deposit prior to their arrival to the auction site. A buyer’s premium is added to the selling price of the vehicle that goes to the auctioneers. This fee will vary based on the final price of the vehicle. Visit their auction fees page on their website for details.
In order to retrieve your vehicle after you’ve won the auction, you will need a valid government-issued ID from the state the vehicle will be registered in and form of payment.
3. Metro Auto Auction – Austin, TX
Address: 8811 Cullen Ln., Austin, TX 78748
When: Third Saturday of each month beginning at 9:30 AM
Payments accepted: Cash, debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. A 3% fee applies to credit card purchases.
This auction is open to the public as well as dealers and wholesalers and offers consignment sales. The auction site also offers Buy Now vehicle purchases that are available any time without having to attend an auction. Attending the auction does not cost anything, however, if you plan to purchase a vehicle a $300 refundable cash deposit is required to obtain a bidders badge.
Vehicles up for auction can be previewed Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Test drives are permitted in their lot. For test drives outside of the premises, you will need to sign a Test Drive Agreement and provide a copy of your driver’s license and proof of insurance.
Vehicles are permitted to be inspected by a mechanic offsite.
4. Trinity Auto Auction – Dallas, TX
Address: 241 W. Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75208
When: First and third Saturdays of every month. Doors open at 10:00 AM and auction begins at 11:00 AM.
Payments accepted: Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover card
No fee is required to attend the auction; however, vehicle purchasers must register prior to each auction and provide a $200 deposit that can be refunded or applied to your purchase. A Cash Car Lot is available for vehicle purchases any time during business hours of Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Auction previews are held on the first and third Friday of the month from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A list of available vehicles for the Saturday auction can be found on their website.
