For a brand-new dealer, an online dealer auction is often the easiest place to start. A trained inspector documents each car's condition before the sale, so you see problems a beginner might miss, and many platforms sell post-sale inspections or purchase protection that let you back out of a bad buy. Physical in-lane auctions such as Manheim and ADESA let you inspect cars yourself, and EBlock's Corona auction does both: you inspect in person and bid online.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice. No auction company is endorsed or paid to appear here.
In this article
- Online, in-lane or hybrid: which to start with
- How the main auctions compare
- Buy the protection
- Salvage auctions are a different skill set
- Before your first bid
- Frequently asked questions
Online, in-lane or hybrid: which to start with
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): For a beginner, I personally like online auctions, because you get the benefit of a trained inspector looking at the car and pointing out things a beginning buyer might not catch. Some platforms offer after-sale protection or post-sale inspections you can buy, which I always recommend 100%. Physical auctions are good too. And I really enjoy the hybrid model EBlock created, because you can go inspect the cars first and then buy them online later. There are good options in between.
| Format | How you buy | Good for beginners because | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (ACV, CarMax Auctions, OPENLANE) | Bid from a phone or computer using photos, audio and an inspector's condition report | An inspector documents the car for you, and protection products are available | You're relying on someone else's inspection. Learn each platform's report terms |
| In-lane (Manheim, ADESA, America's Auto Auction) | Inspect on the lot during preview, bid in the lane or by simulcast | You see and touch the car, and you can build relationships with lane staff | Fast bidding, limited preview time, travel |
| Hybrid (EBlock Corona) | Inspect in person before the sale, bid online during it | Your own inspection plus the convenience of online bidding | One California location (Corona) |
How the main auctions compare
| Auction | Format | Buyer protection (from each auction's own policies) | CDA guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACV Auctions | Online | 10-day arbitration window from the sale date. Purchase Protection+ adds 10 days and lets you unwind an eligible sale. Extended Assurance adds 10 or 20 days | ACV guide · ACV insider guide |
| CarMax Auctions | Online | ArbX arbitration, 7 days | CarMax guide |
| Manheim | In-lane and online | Post-Sale Inspection with a 7- or 14-day guarantee. DealShield 360 subscription allows returns up to 21 days and 360 miles | Manheim guide |
| ADESA | In-lane and online | Ask your ADESA rep for current assurance and arbitration options | ADESA guide |
| EBlock | Hybrid (Corona) | Ask EBlock for current arbitration terms | EBlock guide |
| America's Auto Auction | In-lane | Ask the auction for current terms | America's AIM guide |
Policies change, and each one has eligibility limits on mileage, price, vehicle type and light status. Read the current terms on each auction's site before you buy.
Buy the protection
For your first cars, the cost of a post-sale inspection or purchase protection is small next to the cost of one bad buy.
- Manheim Post-Sale Inspection (PSI) checks the odometer, engine, transmission, drivetrain, brakes and ABS, A/C, airbags, emissions equipment, structure and flood damage. You pay the fee whether the car passes or fails. If it fails, you can negotiate, accept the car as-is, or cancel the sale.
- ACV Purchase Protection+ lets you unwind a sale with a valid arbitration claim and refunds the sale price, buy fee and ACV transport. Storage, floor plan and reconditioning costs aren't refunded.
- DealShield 360, a Manheim subscription, lets you return a car to any U.S. Manheim location, for any reason, within 21 days and 360 miles.
Salvage auctions are a different skill set
Copart and IAA are popular with new students, but most of their inventory is insurance total losses with salvage titles. That means repair costs, inspections before re-registration, and harder resale. Learn them separately before you buy: Copart guide · IAA guide · Can you sell a car with a salvage title?
Before your first bid
These are covered in depth elsewhere on the site:
- Set your all-in max bid (hammer price plus buy fee, transport, reconditioning and profit) and stick to it: auction day checklist
- Treat the condition report as one input, not the whole answer: ACV insider guide
- Know what auctions ask for in your dealer packet: California dealer auctions hub
- Run a vehicle history report: Where do car dealers get their cars?
Frequently asked questions
What's the best auction for a brand-new car dealer?
Many beginners do best on an online dealer auction, where a trained inspector writes up each car's condition and post-sale protection is available. EBlock's hybrid model, where you inspect in person and bid online, is another good start in Southern California.
Are online car auctions safe for beginners?
They can be, if you read the full condition report, know the platform's arbitration window, and buy the available protection. ACV's standard arbitration window is 10 days from the sale date.
What is a post-sale inspection?
An inspection the buyer orders after winning a car, before taking it, to confirm major systems work. At Manheim it checks items like the engine, transmission, brakes, airbags and frame, with a 7- or 14-day guarantee.
Should beginners buy at Copart or IAA?
Only after learning salvage titles. Most of their inventory is insurance total losses, which bring repair, inspection and resale challenges.
Related questions
- Is it worth buying cars at auction?
- Can you buy at a car auction without a dealer license?
- Where do car dealers get their cars?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: Get licensed so you can bid: start the 6-hour course for $99
Resources
- ACV: How the arbitration window works (Opens in new window)
- ACV: What is Purchase Protection+? (Opens in new window)
- Manheim: Purchase protection overview (Opens in new window)
- Manheim: Post-Sale Inspection policy (Opens in new window)
Sources: ACV, Manheim and CarMax policy pages (linked above and in CDA's auction guides; checked Oct 16, 2026). Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Auction names are for identification only. California Dealer Academy isn't affiliated with or paid by any auction listed. Auction policies and protection products change; confirm current terms with each auction. The instructor note reflects one instructor's professional experience and opinion.