Can I purchase a car now without waiting for the auction?

Yes you can, we sell cars anytime we are open. As a licensed vehicle broker we can sell you most of our consignments without having them go to auction. However, due to contractual arraignments, some Municipal Charters, and laws regarding the sale of some of our seized vehicles, a portion of our inventory can only be purchased at auction. But there is still many that can be sold outside of the auction process. If you are interested in purchasing a car without going to one of our scheduled auctions, we recommend that you drop by during our regular business hours and speak to one of our sales representatives or call (888) 506-7491, or send us an email.

How much money will I have to bring to buy a car?

All you need is $300. This is for a non-refundable, non-transferable cash deposit, (this deposit can also be charged to your VISA or Master card), which you will be required to place toward your purchase when the price you want to pay for the car is accepted. You will then be given one business day to return with the remaining balance you owe, with all taxes, license transfer fees, titling fees etc, included. The $300 cash deposit will be deducted from this amount. This one day time period allows you the opportunity to make the necessary financial arrangements with your bank or credit union, or to purchase the necessary vehicle insurance, if you need to do so.

Can I bid on a car at auction even though I am not a Dealer?

Yes you can. Midwest Auto Auction is open to the public. There is no pre-bidder registration and you don’t have to be a registered Customer or Dealer of our auction. All you need to do is show up at the time of the auction and bid on the car you want when it is presented to the Auctioneer. Just make sure that when you bid the Auctioneer sees you! Shout out your bid, jump up & down, wave your arms or just wear something bright. Above all, have a great time! If you are the wining Bidder, you will be required to go to the Auction Clerk, who will be next to the Auctioneer, and place your $300 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit down on the car you won the bid to purchase. You will then be asked to see one of our Auction Clerks in our lobby, who will calculate for you all of your taxes & fees, discuss your insurance arrangements and verify your identity, then hand you a print out of all that you owe, as well as a description of the vehicle. You will then be given until the next business day to return with proof of insurance and the total outstanding balance owed.

I want to buy a car but I’m under 18 years old, can I buy a car?

Sorry, but the answer is no. You must be at least 18 years old to buy a car.  

Can we test drive the cars before we buy them?

Unfortunately, you cannot. However, our auction is structured with two phases. The first half of our auction is for the sale of those vehicles that are non-running and the second half is for running vehicles. These running vehicles are started and driven through our auction lanes to the Auctioneer’s Stand. You will be able to see and hear the vehicles run while they are being driven and auctioned. In addition, an Attendant at the Auction Stand will open the hood of each vehicle, so that all who are interested can see the engine and hear it running. You should also be made aware that all vehicles are sold, in an as is condition with no warranties stated, written, or implied. Therefore, we recommend that you look over the vehicle carefully when it is presented to the Auctioneer. We would also recommend that you arrive at the auction early so that you can browse through our Presentation Lot and look over the cars that you have an interest in before they go to sale.    

Can I sell my personal vehicle at your auction even though I’m not a Dealer?

Yes you can. If you would like us to sell your vehicle for you all you need do is bring your car to us along with the original State of Michigan Title and proof of identification, such as a Drivers License or State Issued ID Card. Be advised that only the owner who appears on the title can register and engage our vehicle brokerage services. To find our more about this service please call our Auction Clerk at (888) 345-9100 or  (313) 538-2100 Ext: 225.  

Can I buy other types of vehicles, other than cars?

Yes you can. We sell almost every kind of vehicle made. We sell boats, motorcycles, RV’s, Construction Equipment, Jet Skis, Snowmobiles, Semi Trucks & Trailers, Motor Homes, Aircraft and much more. If we have it in stock-we sell it! If you are interested in purchasing something unique or out of the ordinary, we recommend you contact our Sales Department at (888) 506-7491 or our Auction Clerk at (313) 538-2100 Ext: 225, and find out if we have anything like your looking for, going to sale.