Honest Review of Auto Auctions: Is It Good for You?
Auto Auctions — An Honest Review
One of the top online marketplaces for buying and selling cars through auctions is Auto Auctions Australia. They provide a large selection of vehicles from both dealers and private sellers, whether you're searching for used cars, trucks, or motorcycles.
Buyers can easily find excellent deals on high-quality vehicles thanks to the site's straightforward and secure bidding process. It's a reliable choice for anyone wishing to buy a car in Australia because of its frequent auctions and affordable prices.
Quick Drive-Through
How Auto Auctions Works
Auto Auctions hosts multiple auction categories and listing types. Auto Auctions is a nationwide online vehicle auction platform offering 50–100+ vehicles for bidding on any given day. Buyers can purchase affordable deals for quality vehicles through a simple online bidding system where they place a refundable deposit and only pay a flat buyer's premium if they secure the deal. Though on-site auctions are also available, Auto Auctions operates online, allowing buyers across Australia to participate without attending a physical auction.
On-site auctions: Tuesday and Thursday
Online auction (across Australia): Wednesday
Types of Auctions on Auto Auctions
Auto Auctions lists vehicles across a wide range of categories to ensure buyers consistent choice and flexibility. Usually, 5 different types of auctions are held regularly or occasionally:
- General
- Classic
- Corporate
- Fleet
- Premium
Auction Structure
- Tuesday and Thursday — on-site auction
- Wednesday — online auction across Australia
Information Available on Listings
Every auction listing includes essential details to help you evaluate the vehicle thoroughly before bidding.
Standard Listing Features:
- Build month/year
- Compliance Date
- Odometer (km)
- Variant / Progression
- Engine Size
- Colour
- Series
- Engine No.
- Multiple images showing different angles
Condition of Vehicles is broken down into:
- Engine
- Clutch
- Gearbox / Transfer Case
- Differential
- Additional Notes
Listings & Vehicle Details
Auto Auctions listings generally include detailed descriptions such as Year, Compliance Date, Build Month/Year, Odometer (km), Variant/Progression, Engine Size, Colour, Series, Engine No., and Stock No. This allows buyers to shortlist vehicles efficiently before deeper research.
Vehicle Condition
Cars in auctions aren't limited to poor condition or low-quality stock. Auction vehicles can range from well-maintained cars to those that require repairs and maintenance. Auto Auctions shows vehicle condition broken down into respective categories — Engine, Clutch, Gearbox/Transfer Case, Differential, and Additional Notes.
Image Quality
Auto Auctions provides a minimum of 6 photos per vehicle with very good images of all sides. Both the interior and exterior are shown in good quality. However, engines are not shown for all vehicles, making it hard for the user to assess mechanical condition fully.
Buyer's Premium & Fee Structure
Buyer's premium ranges according to the cost of the vehicle, as outlined below:
| Final Bid Price | Buyer's Premium |
|---|---|
| $1 – $1,000 | 29.5% |
| $1,001 – $5,000 | 6.9% |
| $5,001+ | 9.9% |
Our Rating
We evaluated Auto Auctions across multiple criteria, alongside aggregated online customer sentiment.
Compare auction houses across Australia → Choose wisely & bid smartly.
Customer Feedback Overview
- Poor customer service and rude staff
- Cars sold with hidden mechanical faults
- Allegations of fake or misleading bidding
- No refunds, warranty issues after purchase
- Disorganised yard and poor communication
- Inspect the car thoroughly before buying
- Bring an independent mechanic
- Get all promises and terms in writing
- Keep photos, receipts, and records
- Walk away if pressured or unsure
- Clear and transparent pricing
- Nationwide access
- Flat buyer's premium
- Easy-to-use bidding
Who Should Buy From Auto Auctions?
- Buyers who can inspect vehicles in person before bidding
- Those bringing an independent mechanic for assessment
- Buyers comfortable with both on-site and online simulcast bidding
- Value-seekers in the mid-to-higher price range (lower premium)
- Buyers of low-value cars (29.5% premium under $1,000)
- Those expecting strong post-sale support or warranty
- Remote buyers unable to inspect or verify mechanical condition
- First-time buyers uncomfortable walking away under pressure
How to Bid on Auto Auctions? Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Register to Bid — create your account on the Auto Auctions platform.
- 2Email Confirmation — verify your account via the confirmation email.
- 3Find an Auction — browse listings and choose the vehicle you want.
- 4Request to Bid — request bidding access for your selected lot.
- 5Place a Bid — bid online or via simulcast during the live auction.