What kind of cars are sold at California car auctions?

When you hear “auto auction”, what do you picture? 🤔

Is an auto auction where you buy classic cars, like a 1971 Ford Thunderbird, 1938 Volkswagen Beetle, or 1963 Chevy Corvette? Perhaps an auction is only for supercars, like Lotus, Bugatti, or Koenigsegg. 🏆

Many people might have the opposite visual in mind; a scrap heap! Yeah, auto auctions are where junk cars, lemons, and rust buckets go to be torn apart for parts. I bet that many San Diegans have not considered an auto auction when looking for their next used car. 🚙

Did you know auto auctions are a remarkable place to find running, everyday mainstream used cars? That’s right. You don’t have to go to a used car dealer. Auto auctions often have better prices and more transparent condition reports!

Your next commuter or family vehicle, project, classic, or even spare part may be sitting right here at Express Auto Auction in San Diego. Browse our inventory! 🔍

Here’s a short list of the variety of vehicles you’ll find at Express Auto Auction.

1. Classic Beauties: The Timeless Allure

Classic cars are the crown jewels of classic car auctions. These automotive legends, steeped in history and craftsmanship, are the stars of the show.

Whether it's a meticulously restored '67 Mustang or a vintage Porsche 911, classic cars command attention and often fetch top dollar. Collectors from around the world will flood classic car auctions for a chance to add one of these legends to their garage. 🏎️

But you don’t have to be a gazillionaire or fly across the planet to find a classic here in California. These gems, often hidden under layers of time, once in a while show up on our San Diego lot. At the time of this writing, both a 1954 Singer Roadster and a 1960 Ford Thunderbird were on the lot! 

2. Modern Marvels: The Latest and Greatest

Auto auctions reach into the past but aren't stuck in the past. Express Auto Auction has used cars, as of this blog, up until 2020. We have makes and models from well-known automakers, and for all types of driving needs. 🛞

It's not uncommon to find luxury cars, sports cars, and even electric vehicles soaking up the San Diego sun at the auction block. Since these cars tend to go fast, if you’re in the market for one of these gems make sure you’re checking our inventory page frequently!

3. Project Cars: Unfinished Potential

Perhaps you have a passion for restoration or car building. If you love the mechanics under the hood or want to flex that hobby you’ve been meaning to get to without spending a fortune, project cars are a hidden gem at auctions. 🧽

These vehicles might need a bit of TLC, but they offer a canvas for customization and personalization. We do our best to list a full condition report on the auction site, detailing if parts are missing, whether the car is running or not, and what to expect. 

Have you ever bid at an online auction before? This guide will help! 

4. Budget-Friendly Transportation

Auto auctions are definitely not just for high-end collectors, dealers, and car enthusiasts.

Everyday buyers can find what they’re looking for with a little patience. We often have some of the most popular mass-produced cars, like Toyota’s, Honda’s, Nissan’s, Ford’s, Kia’s, Hyundai’s, Jeep’s, and more passing through our lot every week. 💰

Many of our cars have been donated and are in better condition than other auctions and many used dealerships. It's a cost-effective way to get behind the wheel of a dependable vehicle.  Most bidders aren’t looking for bells and whistles. They need a dependable vehicle they can count on for commuting, hauling, and vacations.

5. Specialty Niche Vehicles: Quirky and Unique

What else could an auto auction have besides Toyota Corolla’s, classic Buick’s, and a Dodge Viper occasionally?

Express Auto Auction caters to niche vehicle markets as well. We have motorcycles, buddy scooters, mobility scooters, trailers, off-road vehicles, retired police cruisers, motor homes, and even sea-worthy boats! 🛥️

You won’t find this kind of variety at a used car dealership. When you visit our inventory, filter by “vehicle type”. 

6. Commercial and Fleet Vehicles: Business Solutions

Not only do we auction off the odd and quirky, we can meet business needs. Our inventory usually includes commercial and fleet vehicles, such as cargo vans and trailers.

Just like our cars and trucks, Express Auto Auction stands by our customer service so that businesses interested in bidding know they are buying a dependable workhorse.

San Diego is a diverse place. Express Auto Auction meets diverse needs with a wide spectrum of vehicles. No matter your taste, preference, or budget, we will often have something that works for you. 🏖️

Auto auctions are not only for classic cars and super cars. Whether you’re a collector, dealer, enthusiast, builder, or just a person who needs a car to go from A to B, our San Diego auto auction can serve you well.

Now you may be wondering, “Is there a car auction near me?” If you are in the San Diego area; head over to our main lot located at 8920 Paseo De La Fuente Norte or our Vista lot at 1069 S Santa Fe Avenue. We’ll see you there! 😎