How to buy a car at auction in Australia
Car auctions are where the real bargains are — but they reward preparation and punish guesswork. Here's how the process works at the major Australian houses (Pickles, Manheim, IAAI, Grays, Slattery), and how to bid with a number, not a feeling.
1. Register to bid
Create an account with the auction house and complete their bidder registration (ID, sometimes a deposit or card pre-auth). Most public sales are open to anyone. Some salvage or trade categories are trade-only and need an ABN or a dealer/dismantler licence — check each house's terms before you count on bidding.
2. Live vs timed online
- Live (simulcast) — an auctioneer calls lots in real time; you bid against the room and online. Fast-moving; set your ceiling before it starts.
- Timed online — each lot closes at a set time; you leave a maximum bid in advance, like eBay. More thinking time, but watch for last-second bidding.
3. Inspect before you bid
Auction cars are almost always sold as-is, no warranty. Inspect in person or via the photos and condition report, note the damage and WOVR status, and run a PPSR check on the VIN for finance owing, stolen status and write-off history. If it's a write-off, know whether it's repairable or statutory before you bid.
4. Know the real cost
The hammer price is not the final price. Budget for a buyer's premium (a % of the hammer, often capped), GST where it applies, an admin/documentation fee, repairs or a WOVI inspection if you're rebuilding, and transport. Our buyer-fees guide breaks the fees down by auction house.
5. Set your ceiling with data
The discipline that separates winners from over-payers: decide your maximum bid before the auction, based on what comparable cars have actually sold for — not on the day's adrenaline. Auction Intel shows sold-price history and a deal score on listings; check a lot on the listing checker or browse the deals board first, then bid to your number and walk away if it passes it.
6. Pay and collect
Win a lot and you'll usually pay within a day or two and collect within a set window (storage fees apply after). Bring ID and proof of payment. Arrange transport in advance for a non-driveable salvage lot.