Copart labels each lot with a sale status and condition notes, and they matter as much as the photos. "Pure Sale" means the car sells to the highest bidder with no further approval from the seller. "On Approval" means the seller can accept or reject your winning bid. "Minimum Bid" means the seller set a floor price. Condition labels such as "Run and Drive" or "Engine Starts" describe what the car did when it arrived at the yard, not a promise about its condition now.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice. Confirm current definitions in Copart's terminology and member terms.
In this article
Sale status terms
| Term | What it means | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Sale | The deal goes ahead without any further seller approval | If you're the high bidder, you've bought it |
| On Approval (seller approval required) | The seller decides whether to accept the high bid | Winning the bid doesn't guarantee the sale |
| Minimum Bid | The seller set a minimum price | Bids under the minimum won't sell the car |
Condition terms
| Term | What it means | What it doesn't mean |
|---|---|---|
| Run and Drive | The car started and moved under its own power when it arrived at the yard | That it's roadworthy, safe, or that it still runs today |
| Engine Starts | The engine started. Movement under its own power wasn't recorded | That the transmission or drivetrain works |
| Enhanced vehicle | The lot had extra preparation at the yard before it was relisted | That it was fully repaired |
Title and document terms
Every listing shows the title or sale document type, which decides what you can do with the car in California:
- Salvage certificate: can be repaired and re-registered as revived salvage. See How do you sell a rebuilt title car?
- Nonrepairable: for parts or scrap only. It can't be re-registered.
- Clean title: no brand, but check NMVTIS and the damage notes anyway.
Frequently asked questions
What does pure sale mean on Copart?
The vehicle sells to the highest bidder without further approval from the seller.
What does sold on approval mean on Copart?
The seller can accept or reject the winning bid, so the highest bid doesn't guarantee you get the car.
What does run and drive mean at Copart?
The vehicle started and moved under its own power when it arrived at the yard. It's not a guarantee of current condition or roadworthiness.
Related questions
- How does Copart bidding work?
- Can you buy from Copart without a license?
- How does dealer auction arbitration work?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Resources
- ACARS: How to read Copart, IAA and Manheim auction statuses (Opens in new window)
- Copart: Buying and selling FAQs (Opens in new window)
- California DMV: Branded titles (Opens in new window)
Sources: ACARS auction status guide (Opens in new window) (published Feb. 13, 2026) · CDA's Copart guide. Verified 2026-10-16.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. California Dealer Academy isn't affiliated with Copart. Copart's terms and labels can change; confirm on copart.com.