can anybody go to a car auction

[VanEleanor]

Yes, in most cases, anyone who is 18 or older and can provide a valid government-issued ID can attend and register to bid at a public car auction. However, the ability to successfully purchase a vehicle depends heavily on the auction type, your budget, and your willingness to accept risk. Public auctions are generally open to all, while dealer-only or licensed-only auctions require specific credentials.

The main challenge isn't entry, but navigating the process wisely. Auctions move fast, and vehicles are typically sold "as-is," meaning there are no warranties or returns. This makes pre-auction research and setting a strict budget critical.

Here’s a quick comparison of common U.S. auction types:

Auction Type	Typical Vehicles	Who Can Bid?	Key Considerations
Public Police/Government	Impounded, seized, surplus fleet vehicles	General Public	Well-maintained but may have high mileage. Payment often due immediately in full.
Dealer-Only (e.g., Manheim)	Late-model trade-ins, off-lease vehicles	Licensed Auto Dealers	Requires a state dealer's license. Higher quality but closed to the public.
Public "Repo" Auctions	Repossessed vehicles from banks/lenders	General Public	Varying conditions. May have hidden mechanical issues from previous owners.
Online (e.g., Copart, IAAI)	Salvage, clean-title, insurance total losses	General Public (some lots require broker)	Salvage titles require significant repair knowledge. Buyer fees can be substantial.

Before you go, contact the auction house for their specific rules. Always inspect the vehicle in person during the preview period. If you're not mechanically inclined, bringing a trusted mechanic is a wise investment. Financing is rarely available on-site, so you must have pre-approval or cash ready. For a first-timer, starting as an observer to learn the pace and rules is highly recommended.

[McLillian]

Technically, yes, but it's not like buying from a dealership. You're jumping into the deep end. The cars are sold as-is, no test drives, no guarantees. You need cash or a pre-approval check ready right then and there. My advice? Go once just to watch. See how fast it moves. If you still feel confident, set a firm max bid and don't get caught in the excitement. It's easy to overpay in the heat of the moment.

[ElianaAnn]

The short answer is yes, but with a big asterisk. The best auctions, with the nicest late-model cars, are usually restricted to licensed dealers. The ones open to the public often have vehicles with more uncertain histories—repossessions, salvage titles, or old fleet cars. You need to be a savvy buyer who can spot potential problems quickly. It's a great place for a project car or if you have a mechanic on speed dial, but it's a risky way to buy your primary daily driver.

[GiannaRose]

Sure, you can walk in, but walking out with a good car is the trick. The biggest shock is the buyer's premium. That's a fee on top of your winning bid, usually 10% or more. So if you bid $10,000, you're actually paying $11,000 plus taxes and fees. You absolutely must factor that into your budget. It's a high-pressure environment designed to get you to spend more than you planned. Go in with your eyes wide open about the total cost, not just the hammer price.