Buying your first salvage car can be intimidating. The process is different from a regular car purchase, and there's definitely a learning curve. This guide walks you through everything step by step.

Step 1: Understand What You're Getting Into

Salvage cars are sold "as-is" with no warranties, no test drives, and often incomplete information. You're buying based on photos, auction notes, and maybe a brief yard inspection. This means:

• Hidden damage is common
• Repair estimates are just estimates
• You can't return the car if it's worse than expected
• The car cannot be driven until repaired and retitled

If that sounds manageable, let's continue.

Step 2: Create Your Auction Accounts

Sign up at both Copart and IAAI. The registration process includes:

• Basic personal information
• Valid ID upload
• Credit/debit card for deposits
• Membership fee (Copart: ~$99, IAAI: free)

Check your state's requirements—some states require a dealer license or broker to purchase salvage vehicles.

Step 3: Learn to Search

Both platforms have extensive search filters. For your first car, use these filters:

• Sale type: Look for "Pure Sale" or "No Minimum"—you'll win if you're highest bidder
• Damage type: Start with "Front End" or "Minor Dents/Scratches"
• Title: "Salvage" is most common; "Clean" titles can be great finds
• Distance: Closer is better (lower transport costs)

Best First Car Criteria

For your first salvage purchase, look for:

• Popular models (Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford F-150)—parts are cheap and plentiful
• Light to medium damage—avoid heavy structural damage
• "Run and Drive" designation—means the engine starts
• No flood damage—water causes hidden electrical issues
• Newer vehicles with good photos—easier to assess condition

Step 4: Research Values

Before bidding, know what the car is worth:

1. Look up the clean title value on Kelley Blue Book
2. Check sold listings on eBay Motors for rebuilt title examples
3. Subtract estimated repair costs
4. Subtract auction fees (use our calculator!)
5. Subtract your desired profit margin

The number left is your maximum bid. Use our salvage calculator to do this math automatically.

Step 5: Inspect Before Bidding

Never bid on a car you haven't inspected—or at least accept that you're gambling if you don't.

Most auction yards allow walk-in inspections during business hours. Bring:

• Flashlight (to look under the car and in engine bay)
• Phone/camera (for reference photos)
• Magnet (to check for body filler—it won't stick to plastic filler)
• OBD2 scanner if possible (some yards allow this)

Look for: frame damage, airbag deployment, flood indicators (mud/water lines), rust, and missing components.

Step 6: Set Your Max Bid

This is the most important number. Calculate your maximum bid BEFORE the auction and do not exceed it. Factor in:

• All auction fees (buyer premium, gate, internet, title)
• Repair costs (be pessimistic—add 20% for surprises)
• Transport costs
• Your profit margin (15-25% recommended for beginners)

Write this number down. When bidding gets exciting, you'll be tempted to go "just one more increment." Don't.

Step 7: Bid & Win

You can pre-bid (set your max ahead of time) or bid live. Pre-bidding is actually better for beginners—it removes the emotional temptation to overbid in the heat of the moment.

If you win, you'll receive an invoice via email. Payment is due within 3-5 business days depending on the platform.

Step 8: Pay & Arrange Transport

Most buyers use third-party transport companies. Get quotes from:

• uShip
• Central Dispatch
• Local towing companies

Have transport arranged BEFORE you win—storage fees add up quickly (up to $50/day after the grace period).

Step 9: Repair & Rebuild

Once you have the car, the real work begins. You'll need to:

1. Thoroughly assess all damage
2. Order parts
3. Complete repairs (DIY or shop)
4. Pass state inspection for rebuilt title
5. Register and insure the vehicle

The timeline varies widely—from a few weeks for minor damage to several months for major rebuilds.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

• Underestimating repair costs—always add 20%+ buffer
• Forgetting about fees—they can add $500-1500+
• Bidding without inspection—photos don't show everything
• Emotional overbidding—there's always another car
• Buying too much car—start simple, learn the process

Good luck with your first salvage purchase! Start small, learn the process, and scale up as you gain experience.