Opinions on using Copart to buy a truck

[YT-1300]

Has anyone here used the Copart auction site to buy a Ranger (or any other vehicle)? It costs $60 for a year. I'm trying to get a Ranger and it seems there are many for sale by flippers who get them at auctions. I thought I'd skip the middle man.

A video popped up after I watched the Copart orientation one that had a guy giving tips about buying on the site. He said buying salvage title cars from insurance companies was the best way to go, and to avoid businesses and private parties.

Thanks!

 

[superj]

no but i used to work at an auto auction. if you go in person you can actually make sure the vehicle is drivable and has keys. we used to have to move the cars to the auction area for the bidding so it was really nice when they ran. since most were from police impounds, they had keys and stuff. the broke down ones that were abandoned on the sides of the road are no-go.

go check some out in person so you know how it goes. online bidding can mess up your bidding if they do both. and have a set limit. don't like a truck so much you end up over paying. lots of people do that. have a cut off and stick to it

 

[superj]

that is your city or county police auction right? there should also be insurance auto auctions and stuff like too

 

[Roert42]

that is your city or county police auction right? there should also be insurance auto auctions and stuff like too

Copart is a company that auctions off mostly insurance salvage stuff.

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Check state laws about salvage titles. You could run into a real hassle if you plan to fix a truck that has one and put it back on the road. In some states it's now next to impossible to remove a salvage designation from a title.

This is because of past games with people laundering titles (removing salvage designations) and reselling cars that had been in floods and totaled by the insurance company. There's been a crackdown nationwide because of widespread complaints.

 

[superj]

I have always just left t the salvage in the titles and explained why it was salvaged and what I did to bring it back. I have never had an issue selling a salvage title vehicle later on

 

[YT-1300]

Here is California, I think you can repair the vehicle and get a modified title that still has the salvage label, but indicates the issue was repaired. I would be totally forthright about what I did to it if I ever sold it.

 

[97RangerXLT]

yeah definitely check your states laws on salvage title and what needs to be done to make it legal to register. this will be different from state to state. Also check to see if you need a licensed dealer/ broker to buy the vehicle from auction. some states do not allow just anyone to go in and bid. you would then have to hire someone, which ads on to the cost. Then you need to ship the vehicle as it is likely disabled, or due to the salvage title cannot be registered. figure several hundred bucks for hiring a broker and shipping onto your total costs.

AJ

 

[rubydist]

At least here, they also auction off donated vehicles, so sometimes there are gems in the mix. But you do need to go see them in person to make sure you know what you are getting. I bought a 98 V8 Mountaineer at one of those insurance auctions - it was totaled from hail but it was not bad at all, so my kids drove it for at least 5 years and I sold it for what I paid for it, so you can definitely score some winners if you are careful.

 

[Roert42]

In Pa, you have to fix all the issues good as new, then have it inspected at an enhanced inspection station, then you get a "R" title (Rebuilt).

 

[Snoranger]

In Pa, you have to fix all the issues good as new, then have it inspected at an enhanced inspection station, then you get a "R" title (Rebuilt).

NJ is pretty much the same, I know you need to show receipts for the repair parts.

 

[dvdswan]

Key thing to remember about salvaged vehicles, the insurance company totaled the vehicle, finding out why and when are key. late model vehicles that are salvaged for almost anything because of liabilities to the insurance company. Airbag goes off in a low speed crash, total. vehicle went swimming, total. hail damage on every panel, total. vehicle stolen and stripped, total.

It's funny how a 50k vehicle can be a total loss for these reason but they are.

 

[Ranger850]

@YT-1300 Have you tried searching outside of your common area. Do you have any relatives that live out-of-state, that could possibly help you look for a Ranger. I see decent Rangers on FBMarket all the time. Some are ridiculously priced, usually with ridiculous lifts and/or tires on them. The "normal" Rangers seem to be priced fair. Stay away from the "flipper" and be wary of the stuff you can't actually put your hands on. If you have a budget or a predetermined price range, consider getting two trucks (A) a decent looking truck that only needs a motor, and (B) a wrecked/junked truck that runs good but needs "everything" else. Also consider that almost any Ranger of a certain age is going to need ware parts replaced. ( bushings, seals, bearings, etc.)

 

[YT-1300]

@YT-1300 Have you tried searching outside of your common area. Do you have any relatives that live out-of-state, that could possibly help you look for a Ranger. I see decent Rangers on FBMarket all the time. Some are ridiculously priced, usually with ridiculous lifts and/or tires on them. The "normal" Rangers seem to be priced fair. Stay away from the "flipper" and be wary of the stuff you can't actually put your hands on. If you have a budget or a predetermined price range, consider getting two trucks (A) a decent looking truck that only needs a motor, and (B) a wrecked/junked truck that runs good but needs "everything" else. Also consider that almost any Ranger of a certain age is going to need ware parts replaced. ( bushings, seals, bearings, etc.)

Yes, I have. I'm worried about rust issues on trucks from anywhere that's not hot and dry. I've looked in AZ and places farther away from me in SoCal. It seems the hassle of buying one farther away is not offset by the price, though. Even many of the ones farther away are still priced high. Thanks, I appreciate your comments.

 

[superj]

You could drive this one home. 105k miles, 4500 buckd

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