How to Bid on Used Cars & Trucks For Sale to the Public at San Diego Car Auctions – Online Auto Auctions & Live Local Auto Auctions
Hey, I’m Juan Carlos, an experienced automotive wholesaler and former car auction manager. Let me tell you—if you’re in San Diego and looking for a used car, there’s no better place to score a deal than at a public car auction.
Trust me, I’ve been around the block. An auction’s got an insane selection of cars for sale, and the prices? Way better than what you’ll find on a dealer’s lot.
Here’s the deal: these auctions get their used cars and trucks from all over—trade-ins, repos, fleets, rentals, you name it.
Once, I saw a 3-year-old Tacoma, clean as a whistle, go for half the price of what a dealer was asking down the street. I’ll be honest, it stung a little, because I’d just paid top dollar for something similar a month earlier.
Anyway, if you’ve got a car you’re looking to unload, you can also sell your own car there. It’s quick, it’s easy, and there’s none of that back-and-forth haggling nonsense.
Here’s the best part: public car auctions don’t require a dealer license or any fancy memberships.
Find Car Auctions in San Diego Open to the Public
Because of its proximity to Tijuana, Mexico, San Diego is a hot spot for car auctions as it attracts bidders and auto dealers from all around southern California and Northern Mexico. It is possible to bid on a wide range of wholesale used vehicles from around $1000 to $30k+ for late-model cars.
Locations & Auction Information – Wholesale Used Car Auctions in San Diego
All Towing Auto Auction
17770 Valley Blvd
Bloomington, CA 92316
(909) 671-2634
[email protected]
My Advice: You should definitely follow them on Facebook. You can stream the live auctions on there for free to get a feel for it before you show up to bid.
Brownfield Auto Auction
6969 Cactus Court
San Diego, CA 92154
(619) 374-1221
Website
Just like All Towing, Brownfield Car Auction in San Diego broadcasts their auctions live on their Facebook page.
My Tip: I have had good experiences at both, but be aware that Brownfield has more positive reviews than All Towing. To be honest, I’d look into either one.
Johnny’s Auto Auction
1704 Cactus Road
San Diego, CA 92154
619-494-6620
Website
Auctions are now held on Saturdays
905 Auto Auction
8205 Saint Andrews Avenue
San Diego, CA 92154
619-710-0905
Website
Auctions are on Fridays at 10:30am
Tip: Most of the vehicles for sale at 905 car auction are donated charity vehicles. Some are almost mint condition, but many of them are going to need at least some minor bodywork.
Express Auto Auction
8920 Paseo De La Fuente Norte
San Diego, Cali 92154
619-661-1918
Website
Online Auctions are Wednesdays and Saturdays
Also Includes a Lot in Vista, CA
Otay Auto Auction
8968 Siempre Viva Road
San Diego, CA 92154
619-661-0808
Website
Auctions are on Saturdays
The staff are super easy to deal with, and they’re used to people showing up for the first time. Don’t be shy about asking questions—they’ve heard it all before.
One time, I had saw a customer there who didn’t even know the first thing about cars or bidding, and they walked him through it like it was no big deal. He drove home in a sweet little Honda Accord that same day.
If Spanish is your first language, no problem. Most of the auctions around San Diego have Spanish-speaking staff ready to help out. All you need to buy a car is a passport ID.
Citizenship? Nobody’s checking. It’s that simple. So if you’re thinking about getting a good deal on a used car, do yourself a favor and hit up an auction. You’ll thank me later.
Info & Websites for Government / Police Auctions in San Diego
City of San Diego Public Auctions (Auctions are twice monthly in Gardena, Cali)
San Diego holds public surplus auctions twice a month via Ken Porter Auctions and also have online auctions of surplus vehicles and equipment (including trailers and heavy-duty trucks).
I Recommend You Visit a Car Auction in San Diego Near You
I’ve spent years in the used car business, and let me tell you, auctions are a fantastic way to find great deals. You’ll see a huge variety of cars, so you’re more likely to find exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, you can often snag a car for a lot less than you’d pay at a dealership. If you’re looking for a used car in the San Diego area, check out what the local auctions have to offer.
I have many years of experience bidding at these auctions and am offering to share my expert advice with you.
What's the catch? None. I love car auctions because of how fun they are and I know that you will to.
I am a licensed automotive wholesaler and have flipped cars all over the United States from car auctions.
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