I first heard about the site eight years ago when it was mostly an auction site for dealers looking to buy salvaged vehicles to rebuild or part out. Last year they opened it up to the public and now they sell a lot of undamaged vehicles that run (they put them in gear and verify that they move). I'm tempted to bid on a 2000 Blazer with 74,000 miles, ends in two hours.

Please opine.

are you able to verify that the car is running and up to your standards? such as are you able to opt out of the bidding apon viewing the car? I tend to stay away from online auction forums, unless i can see the car personally. But hey i would def go for a blazer with 74,000. ( oh i see im a tad bit late for an opinion)

I've spent a bunch of time browsing, as you probably already know, but I've never bought anything on there.

I've bought from Adesa dealer auctions online though. No surprises, but they don't list the good high-margin stuff (older cars) online.

There are a few vehicle inspection services listed on the site. The cars are listed long before they go on the block so you have time to send someone to look, supposedly.

I went to the fish market and forgot about the Blazer. Oops.

I didn't realize they opened up auctioning to the public. However, I worked with them closely in the insurance biz and they pretty much deal with insurance salvage. I'd reckon that any complete car in relatively good condition was likely a theft recovery (that occurred after the settlement was made with the insured). Most will probably be in decent shape, and depending on how the vehicle was stolen, may require some minor repairs (locks, ignition, etc). In a few cases, I've seen theft recoveries that resulted in having a bunch of hypodermic needles and used condoms left all over. Typically a theft by a couple of junkies (Could have also been occupied by junkies once the car theif abandons the vehicle as well) and/or a situation where a junkie allows their car to be "borrowed" by a dealer or someone else in exchange for drugs. There are just some theft recoveries that I would never want back. These types of situations aren't the norm for recoveries, but I would attempt a personal inspection before buying any recovered theft. Hell, I would personally inspect ANY car I am considering.

as far as i know, you still have to be a dealer/rebuilder to be able to buy ANY car on that site.

But there are a few select car's that are open to the public.

C-Kwik wrote: In a few cases, I've seen theft recoveries that resulted in having a bunch of hypodermic needles and used condoms left all over. Typically a theft by a couple of junkies (Could have also been occupied by junkies once the car theif abandons the vehicle as well) and/or a situation where a junkie allows their car to be "borrowed" by a dealer or someone else in exchange for drugs.

Since when do junkies use condoms lol.

I used Copart twice. The first time I bought a Honda Civic Vx. It was a salvage car. By the time I paid all the fees, transport costs, time and money to fix the car, it turned out to be a below average deal. I did not loose money. I basically broke even on the deal.
The second time I bought a Chevy Metro. Again, this was a salvage car. The ad stated that it was in an accident and the damage was on the left rear portion of the car. When it arrived, I was speechless, shocked and dismayed. There was nothing and I mean nothing salvageable on this car. Every single system on this car was shot. Then engine and transmission had to be rebuilt. The brakes were shot. The air bags were missing. The air conditioning condenser was ruined. The widow tracks were shot. The engine and transmission were covered with some kind of substance that in some places was a inch deep. Even something as simple as the break reservoir was cracked and had to be replaced. I could go on and on, but I will simply tell you that four out of five cars sent to a junk yard are in better condition than this car.
All of this damage did not show up in the pictures, nor was there any mention of this damage in the add. In fact it was advertised as a “Runs and Drives” car.
For those who think I got what I deserved, I say you are absolute correct. I took the risk and I lost. It's as simple as that.
Anyone contemplating purchasing a vehicle from Coparts has two choices. 1- Personally inspect the car to verify it is salvageable, or 2 – DO NOT BUY IT.
Copart will sell anything and describe it a salvageable car, even if they have to haul it out of a junk yard!

Why are you looking at Blazers?!

Zombie thread anyone?

MinisterofDOOM wrote:Why are you looking at Blazers?!

Copart is not a bad place to purchase vehicles but just be careful and do your homework. Many shady dealers place vehicles in salvage auctions. Some of these are partially put back together to make them look good for the internet photos. We use www.salvageresearch.com They will help you by finding these shady dealer cars. Go to their site and see some of the examples.......and I think they have a page.

I have a friend who buys vehicles at Adesa and Manheim. I occasionally go with him to retrieve some of his purchases, but never anything at CoPart. As far as buying running vehicles from them, seems like uncharted territory. It would be interesting to hear what you find out .