True wholesale cars, the ones dealers trade among themselves, are mostly sold through dealer-only channels: physical auctions like Manheim, ADESA and CarMax Auctions; online platforms like ACV, OVE.com and EBlock; and direct dealer-to-dealer deals. You need a dealer license (wholesale or retail) and usually an AuctionACCESS account to buy there. Without a license, your closest options are public auctions such as state surplus sales and tow-yard lien sales, Copart lots open to the public, and private sellers.
Educational information only. This article is not legal or financial advice.
In this article
- Dealer-only wholesale sources
- Options without a dealer license
- What "wholesale price" really means
- Frequently asked questions
Dealer-only wholesale sources
| Source | Type | CDA guide |
|---|---|---|
| Manheim (Riverside, Fontana, Anaheim, San Diego, Hayward, Fresno and more) | Physical and Simulcast auctions | Manheim |
| OVE.com | 24/7 online marketplace (Manheim plus independent auctions) | What is OVE.com? |
| ADESA | Physical and online auctions | ADESA |
| ACV Auctions | Online dealer-to-dealer auctions | ACV |
| EBlock | Online and hybrid | EBlock |
| CarMax Auctions | CarMax trade-ins | CarMax |
| Other dealers | Wholesale-outs, aged inventory, trade-ins they won't retail | — |
All of these require a dealer license, and most use AuctionACCESS for registration. See Best car auction sites for new California dealers.
Options without a dealer license
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| State surplus auctions | Monthly DGS sales, bid through Bar None Auction; as-is. See How do police auctions work? |
| Tow-yard lien sales | As-is, little history, 10-day redemption period |
| Copart public lots | Some lots open to registered public members; many salvage lots aren't. See Can you buy from Copart without a license? |
| Private sellers | Often the best price-to-risk ratio for one car |
Buying to resell for profit is dealer activity. If that's the plan, see How many cars can you sell without a dealer license?
What "wholesale price" really means
Wholesale is the price between dealers, before reconditioning, fees, transport and the dealer's profit. A car bought "at wholesale" still needs auction fees, transport, reconditioning and, for retail sale in California, a smog certificate. See Is it worth buying cars at auction? and Manheim MMR explained.
From experience (Garrett Eddings, professional opinion): The auction is the grocery store. It's convenient, but you pay for that convenience. The best buys are usually off the street, if you know how to inspect a car.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy wholesale cars without a dealer license in California?
Not at dealer-only auctions. You can buy at public auctions and from private sellers, and on some Copart lots open to the public.
What license do you need to buy wholesale cars?
A California dealer license, retail or wholesale. A wholesale-only license lets you buy and sell to other dealers. See the wholesale dealer license guide.
Where do dealers buy cars cheap?
Dealer auctions, online wholesale platforms, other dealers and private sellers. See Where do car dealers get their cars?
Related questions
- Where do car dealers get their cars?
- What does it mean when a dealer wholesales a car?
- Can you buy at auction without a dealer license?
- Back to the California Dealer License FAQ
Next step: How to buy cars at auction · Start the 6-hour course for $99
Resources
- California DGS: Public vehicle auctions (Opens in new window)
- Auto Remarketing: What changes at OVE and Manheim.com mean for dealers (Opens in new window)
- NMVTIS approved data providers (Opens in new window)
Sources: CDA dealer auction guides · DGS public vehicle auctions · Auto Remarketing (OVE, July 2025). 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 any auction named. The instructor note reflects one instructor's professional opinion.