My List of Indiana Car Auctions with Expert Tips & Info
Looking for a good deal on a used car or truck in Indiana? You might want to check out some of the auto auctions around Indianapolis and the rest of Indiana.
There are a few different types of auctions, including government fleet vehicle auctions, police auctions, and dealer/public auctions.
I’ve had good luck at Indiana car auctions in the past. They’re a great way to find cheap used cars and trucks.
Websites for Public Surplus Vehicle Auctions in Indiana
You’ll find these Indiana car auctions are a great place to find used cars, trucks, and more. I’ve even seen heavy equipment, boats, ATVs, RVs, and motorcycles for sale. It’s really a mixed bag, and you never know what you’ll find.
INDOT: Public Auctions (Online sales and sealed bid auctions of surplus state of Indiana vehicles and equipment – open to the public)
Autura Marketplace: Public Tow Impound Auctions Online (Formely Joyride Autos). On this site you can find public surplus and impound vehicle auctions in Indianapolis, throughout Indiana, and in a few other states too.
Indiana Sheriff Sales Database
Vehicle Auction – City of Fort Wayne
Auction Info & Locations: Dealer and Public Auto Auctions in Indiana
Indiana Public Auto Auction – Auctions are on Tuesdays at 6pm – 1340 S Madison Avenue – Indianapolis, IN 46225 – 317-682-5026
Care Auto Auction – Auctions are every third Saturday at 6:30pm at 5013 South 600 East State RD 22 East – Gas City, IN 46933 – 765-674-7768
Marion County Auction, Indianapolis Indiana (Auctions are held every Saturday at 12 PM) 1347 S Moreland Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Greater Mishawaka Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
55920 Maplehurst Ave.
Mishawaka, IN 46545
574-256-5625
Dyer Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
Indiana Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
Clark County Auto Auction (Dealers-Only)
Wolfe’s Auto Auctions (Dealers-Only, but they do hold public classic car auctions on occasion and I recommend checking those out. You only need a valid ID to bid in their public auctions.)
f you’re looking for a specific type of truck or car, I suggest checking the auction inventories often. They’re always adding new vehicles, so it’s worth taking a look every now and then.
Honestly, auctions like these are a great way to buy a used car without having to deal with a car dealer or online sellers.
The thing about staying on top of the auction inventory updates, in my experience, is that you can make an offer they can’t refuse and snatch something rare before it even goes through the auction for bidding.
See Also: You may also find locations and auction info for police car auctions in Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan.
In Indiana, those looking to buy a preowned vehicle have a few auction options. Many of these car auctions in IN are for those holding a car dealer license, but some welcome the general public.
Key cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville often have a local wholesale auto auction nearby. For those traveling on highways such as I-65 or I-70, reaching these auctions is a breeze.
Indiana is home to various auction types, including public car auctions that cater to a wide audience. Police car auctions are also prominent, offering drug seized cars and trucks and also their own retired police cars that were either in service with law enforcement.
For cars that have been towed and left unclaimed (abandoned vehicles), tow impound auctions are a viable option. Also, the state periodically holds government surplus vehicle auctions, where cars previously utilized by state agencies are up for grabs in online auctions.
Auction cars in Indiana come from a variety of sources:
- Off-lease vehicles: Leasing companies receive auction cars and trucks that have completed their lease term. They are usually well-maintained and have lower mileage.
Tip: I suggest you look for vehicles with complete service records to ensure they have been properly maintained. - Rental car fleets: Rental car companies routinely sell off former rental vehicles to make room for newer models. These vehicles may have higher mileage, but they are often well-maintained.
Tip: I always recommend that you look for cars from more reputable rental companies, as they often have higher maintenance standards. - Repossessed vehicles: Banks and financial institutions repossess vehicles when borrowers default on their loans. These repo cars can be a great deal, but their condition can vary.
Tip: Inspect the vehicle thoroughly, and research the vehicle’s history to ensure there are no hidden issues. I always like to advise extra caution when bidding in car repo auctions. - Dealer trade-ins: Dealerships often take trade-ins when customers purchase a new car. These vehicles are then sold at wholesale auctions.
Tip: I find these to be in decent shape on average since they were daily-drivers before being traded in to a car dealer. - Fleet vehicles: Companies with large fleets of vehicles often sell older models at wholesale auctions. These vehicles can have higher mileage, but are usually well-maintained.
Tip: Look for vehicles from reputable companies known for maintaining their fleets. - Government and municipal vehicles: Government agencies and municipalities often sell surplus vehicles at wholesale auctions. These can include old police cars, utility vehicles, and more.
Tip: Government vehicles have regular maintenance, but may have a harder life because of their use. Inspect them carefully. - Salvage auctions: These auctions sell wrecked cars and damaged cars with salvage titles, typically because of significant damage or theft recovery. These cars can be a good source of car parts or project vehicles.
Tip: Be cautious when bidding on salvage vehicles, as repairs can be costly, and some may not be eligible for road use without extensive work. - Bankruptcy and estate sales: Cars / Trucks / Vans / SUVs / Boats / ATVs from bankruptcy and estate sales can end up at wholesale auctions. These vehicles can be in good condition and often sell at lower prices.
Tip: More so than usual, I recommend you research the history of the vehicle and verify its ownership to avoid any potential legal issues. - Insurance auctions: Insurance companies often sell vehicles deemed a total loss at wrecked vehicle / salvage auctions. These cars can be a good source of parts or project vehicles.
Tip: You should look for potential hidden damage and know the local regulations regarding rebuilding and titling salvage vehicles.
Find police car auctions near you in all 50 states:
I offer my decades of experience by sharing my tips and advice on these police auction listings. You may also find tow impound auctions, donated charity car auctions, and wholesale auto auctions.
My favorite part? Most of these are open to the public with no special requirements in order to bid in the auctions. How cool is that?
- My Tips & Advice on Impound Car AuctionsOpen to the Public - August 20, 2023
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- Police Motorcycle Auctions: My Tips & Tricks - January 19, 2023
Last updated on January 2nd, 2025 at 04:57 am