Auction Costs

Looking for a good deal on your next car? Arkansas is a great place to start. The state allows private buyers to purchase vehicles at Copart auctions without a dealer license, and its reduced sales tax rates on lower-priced used... Read more

Montana is one of the most buyer-friendly states for first-time auction buyers. You can buy a car at auction in Montana without a dealer license. The state has no general sales tax, and the title application deadline is 40 days,... Read more

The key to a proper maximum bid is considering your personal affordability, the car’s estimated value in its planned condition, and the costs beyond your bid. In other words, your maximum bid should make financial sense, leaving room for expenses... Read more

Alaska has several advantages for private buyers at online car auctions. There’s no state sales tax, title fees are low, and private buyers can bid on much of Copart’s inventory without a dealer license. But being able to bid directly... Read more

Utah has relatively straightforward vehicle registration fees. The title fee is $6, and the state uses an age-based uniform fee for passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans rather than a value-based property tax. This guide explains how car auctions... Read more

Hawaii’s auction access rules differ from what most buyers expect. In many states, salvage vehicles carry stricter bidding restrictions, while clean-title cars are generally more accessible to private buyers. Hawaii takes the opposite approach. Vehicles with clear, clean, or standard... Read more

SUVs were again the most popular U.S. vehicle class in 2026, capturing 60.9% of registrations. Enhanced safety is among the many reasons buyers prefer this segment. Generally, SUVs’ increased size and weight allow them to better absorb crash energy than... Read more

Missouri has one of the more distinctive salvage systems in the Midwest. The state calls its rebuilt designation “Prior Salvage” rather than “Rebuilt,” inspections are handled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol rather than a DMV office, and car registration... Read more

North Dakota keeps vehicle ownership costs among the lowest in the country. The title fee is $5. North Dakota does not require periodic emissions or annual safety inspections for standard passenger vehicles, and the 5% excise tax replaces sales tax... Read more