PG5
Well-Known Member
Moderator edit June 2023
When purchasing through Copart, if you require a broker, we recommend caution when choosing ABetterBid.com. Their shipping department is so slow that you will be charged storage fees while you wait for them to get someone to pick up your car. Instead. Go to AutoBidMaster.com.
This is my experience of purchasing through Copart. Hopefully, it helps someone out.
Within many states, you can buy through Copart without a broker. You can check out your state's requirements here: https://www.copart.com/content/US/EN/landing-page/no-license-required?intcmp=lp_nolicense_licensingsidebar
Getting Setup is Easy
I live in Texas, so I didn’t need to use a broker. Signing up as a basic member is free. You will need to upload a photocopy of your driver’s license before you can bid.
There are two kinds of Memberships
Most Vehicles will list a Highlight
There are a few Auction Types
There are basically two ways to bid
Once you win the auction you’ll be paying a few fees
You'll need to pay for your car within 3 days and pick it up in 5 days (including the day of the auction). There is more information about that here: https://www.copart.com/Content/US/EN/Support/How-to-Buy/Pay-and-Pick-Up
So for example here is the breakdown of my winning bid:
When purchasing through Copart, if you require a broker, we recommend caution when choosing ABetterBid.com. Their shipping department is so slow that you will be charged storage fees while you wait for them to get someone to pick up your car. Instead. Go to AutoBidMaster.com.
This is my experience of purchasing through Copart. Hopefully, it helps someone out.
Within many states, you can buy through Copart without a broker. You can check out your state's requirements here: https://www.copart.com/content/US/EN/landing-page/no-license-required?intcmp=lp_nolicense_licensingsidebar
Getting Setup is Easy
I live in Texas, so I didn’t need to use a broker. Signing up as a basic member is free. You will need to upload a photocopy of your driver’s license before you can bid.
There are two kinds of Memberships
Basic Member (Free) - You’re only allowed to bid on one auction at a time and up to $1,000. To bid over $1,000 you’ll need to make a deposit to increase your buying power. I did find that If I bid on a car and lost the auction I still couldn’t bid on another car that same day.
Premier Member ($$$) - It’ll cost you a one time fee of $200 and a supposedly refundable $400 deposit. It basically lifts your bidding restrictions, but you still pay the same buyer fees as a basic member. I didn’t feel this was necessary and think it would end up costing your extra in the end.
Most Vehicles will list a Highlight
This is a letter designation next to its year.
E - Basically means it's not verified as running (Note: my G5 was listed as E but started right up after I reconnected the starter wire)
S - It starts and idles
R - Runs & Drives, can be put into gear and moves forward
There are a few Auction Types
Minimum Bid – Basically means there is a reserve price. If the reserve isn’t met, the seller can still accept your bid.
On Approval – Seller Gets to choose if he likes your winning bid. The seller can send you a counter offer which you can accept or decline. If you decline, the seller can still accept your original winning bid.
Pure Sale – Whatever it goes for, it goes for
There are basically two ways to bid
Pre-Bidding - You enter your maximum bid and the computer will bid on your behalf up to that amount.
Bidding at Auction - You wait till the car goes to the live auction. You wait for the car to go across the block. You click the little bid button up to the amount you feel comfortable and pray Mexico doesn’t outbid you.
Once you win the auction you’ll be paying a few fees
You'll need to pay for your car within 3 days and pick it up in 5 days (including the day of the auction). There is more information about that here: https://www.copart.com/Content/US/EN/Support/How-to-Buy/Pay-and-Pick-Up
Sale Price - The Winning Bid
Buyer Fee - These fees are based on the chart located here: https://www.copart.com/memberFees/. You’ll basically be paying the fee on either column C or D depending on the payment method.
Internet Bid Fee - I’m not sure why, but they charge it.
Gate Fee - If you’re going to pick up the car they charge for that too. It’s $59. But they bring you the car on a forklift which is kind of cool. That horrified my friend. I opted to have my car delivered, and they didn’t charge me this fee.
Delivery - Each auction has an estimated delivery fee in the lower left-hand corner. You can pickup your car.
Sales Tax - They charge sales tax on the: Sale Price, Buyer Fee, Internet Bid Fee, Gate Fee & Delivery. It was 8.25% in Texas. I read that out of state buyers may be charged sales tax as well.
So for example here is the breakdown of my winning bid:
Winning Bid $200.00
Member Fee $135.00
Sales Tax $43.64
Gate Fee $0.00
Internet Fee $29.00
Shipping $165.00
Total $572.64
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