CarNet Auctions Australia | Online and Live Vehicle Auctions
CarNet Auctions — A Detailed Review
CarNet Auctions is an NSW-based auction house operating for over 40 years, based in McGraths Hill, Sydney, with additional locations in Smithfield and Western Sydney. The platform offers mixed-source inventory — a blend of retail trade-ins, private sales, and commercial fleet vehicles — making it attractive to both individual buyers and business purchasers.
CarNet operates weekly online auctions via simulcast bidding, making it accessible to remote buyers across Australia. The platform is known for fast paperwork processing and a straightforward no-frills auction experience. Below is a structured assessment based on condition reporting, listing quality, buyer experience, and verified customer feedback.
Quick Drive-Through
How CarNet Works
CarNet operates as online-only auctions conducted via simulcast bidding. All auctions take place digitally, making them accessible to buyers across Australia without requiring physical attendance.
The auction process is straightforward:
- Buyers browse vehicle listings online at carnetauctions.com.au
- Bidding occurs in real time during scheduled auctions, held weekly on Wednesday at 10:30 AM
- Remote buyers can participate via simulcast without being present on-site
- All vehicles are sold "as is" with no warranty or condition guarantees
- Paperwork and settlement are handled quickly — typically within 24 hours of purchase
CarNet also offers fixed-price retail vehicles for buyers seeking non-auction purchases at standard market rates.
Locations
CarNet operates multiple facilities across the Sydney region, with regular weekly auctions held at the McGraths Hill venue. Interstate buyers are welcome to bid remotely via online simulcast.
Types of Vehicles at CarNet
CarNet's inventory is deliberately broad and mixed-source:
- Retail Trade-Ins — used vehicles from dealerships and private sales
- Family Vehicles — SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks for everyday use
- Commercial Vans — light commercial and delivery vehicles
- Fleet Vehicles — wholesale stock from business fleet disposals
- Late-Model Stock — newer vehicles with lower odometer readings
- Fixed-Price Retail Section — non-auction vehicles at set prices
This variety makes CarNet attractive to volume buyers, fleet purchasers, and individuals seeking general used vehicles. However, the broad mix means you may not find specialised or niche vehicle types.
Listings & Vehicle Details
CarNet provides vehicle specifications in a standard format:
- Make, model, and year
- Odometer reading and service history notes
- Basic condition report
- A selection of photographs
Listings include satisfactory condition reports with decent detail, but critical information may not be fully transparent — hidden damage (frame welds, structural issues, prior accidents) is not always documented in the safety report. Comprehensive service history and mechanical assessments are rarely provided. Buyers should always inspect in person or use a third-party mechanic before committing.
Vehicle Condition
CarNet's condition reporting is basic and surface-level. Most descriptions focus on what is visibly apparent — exterior condition, interior cleanliness, and basic mechanical notes — but do not address:
- Hidden structural damage (frame welds, poor repairs)
- Odometer tampering or inconsistencies
- Prior accident history or major repairs
- Detailed mechanical assessments beyond "starts and drives"
This creates significant risk for remote bidders and those unable to inspect mechanically before purchase. Many buyer complaints centre on discovering undisclosed damage after taking possession.
Image Quality
CarNet provides basic photographic coverage of most listings. Typical coverage includes:
- Exterior views from multiple angles
- Interior shots — usually driver and passenger sides
- Engine bay — inconsistent across listings
- Undercarriage images — rare
While the image quality is adequate, the coverage is not comprehensive enough to replace an in-person inspection, particularly for buyers assessing hidden damage or mechanical condition. Photos show surface appearance but do not reveal underlying issues.
Buyer's Premium & Fee Structure
CarNet charges a buyer's premium of 8–10% (inclusive of GST) on the hammer price, applied to all auction vehicles. This is a moderate to high premium depending on the vehicle value.
On higher-value purchases, the percentage impact is manageable. However, on lower-value vehicles, the fee becomes proportionally significant:
Regular Auction Schedule
CarNet runs a consistent weekly auction schedule:
- Every Wednesday at 10:30 AM
- Held at McGraths Hill primary location
- Online simulcast bidding available nationwide
- Listing catalogues published in advance
This predictable schedule allows buyers to plan participation and inspect vehicles during designated viewing times.
Our Rating
We evaluated CarNet across four key criteria, alongside aggregated online customer sentiment from verified platforms.
Compare auction houses across Australia → Choose wisely & bid smartly.
Customer Feedback Overview
- High fees on low-value vehicles (8–10% premium adds up quickly)
- Long wait times on auction day (understaffing during peak hours)
- No test drives allowed — must purchase sight-unseen or arrange separate inspection
- Vehicles sold "as is" — cars are often dirty and not cleaned before sale
- Undisclosed damage (frame welds, odometer tampering, poor repairs)
- Poor staff attitude toward non-dealers — can feel unwelcome if not a business buyer
- No consumer protection after purchase — "buyer beware" model
- Rising reserves — prices increasingly approaching retail levels
- Factor the 8–10% premium into your maximum bid calculations
- Arrive early on auction day to avoid long waits and secure inspection time
- Inspect thoroughly before bidding — bring a trusted mechanic if possible
- Request full vehicle history and service records before committing
- Focus on higher-value vehicles where the premium percentage matters less
- Build relationships with helpful staff members (Tony, Shane, Kurt mentioned positively)
- For non-dealers, consider the fixed-price retail section as an alternative
- Always confirm vehicle condition and mechanical soundness independently
- Fast and professional paperwork processing (Shane completes docs in 10 minutes)
- Honest staff about service history and condition (Tony is noted as transparent)
- Good finance options available same-day (Kurt helps with approvals)
- Wide variety of inventory across price ranges and vehicle types
- Can save $3k+ compared to dealership purchases
- Transparent title and paperwork processes for business repeat buyers
- Accessible to both dealers and individual buyers
How to Bid on CarNet Auctions
- 1Create an Account — register online at carnetauctions.com.au and complete identity verification
- 2Browse the Catalogue — view upcoming Wednesday auctions and shortlist vehicles of interest
- 3Inspect or Request Information — arrange an in-person inspection or confirm vehicle details before bidding
- 4Place Your Bid — bid in real time during the live auction or set a maximum bid to let the system bid automatically
- 5Complete Payment — settle the invoice within 24 hours of winning; payment methods include EFT, card, and bank cheque
- 6Arrange Collection — organise vehicle pickup or delivery from McGraths Hill
Who Should Buy From CarNet?
- NSW-based buyers seeking volume and variety
- Fleet and business vehicle purchasers
- Buyers comfortable with inspect-in-person model
- Those who can budget for the 8–10% premium
- Buyers seeking faster paperwork processing
- Remote buyers unable to arrange in-person inspections
- Those seeking comprehensive condition transparency
- Budget buyers on low-value vehicles (premium becomes significant)
- Non-dealers who prefer a warm welcome (staff attitude varies)
- Buyers requiring post-purchase consumer protection or warranty