$10 Cars at Copart and IAAI – Can That Be Real!?
Last edit: October 06 2025 • 781 view
You’ve probably seen auctions where the current bid is $50, $100, or even $10. Is it actually possible to buy a car for such a small amount? Many people will say no – that such prices can’t exist. But the point of an auction is simple: the one who offers the highest bid wins. If you bid $10 and no one bids higher, you win the auction.
So, can you really buy a car for $10?
Well, not so fast. Auctions have a sale status. For example, “on approval” and on minimum bid” mean that the seller has a reserve price. So even if you win the auction with a $10 final bid, that doesn’t mean you bought the car. Most likely, the seller will make you a counteroffer with his reserve price, and you’ll be able to negotiate after winning. Sounds a bit unfair, right?
Yes, but this is how sellers protect themselves from losses – often, no one wants to bid high on expensive vehicles, so they set reserve prices to avoid selling too cheap.
Yes, but this is how sellers protect themselves from losses – often, no one wants to bid high on expensive vehicles, so they set reserve prices to avoid selling too cheap.
Here’s a little secret: if a car has been listed 3-4 times, sellers almost always lower their reserve price. So check the sales history through VIN.Doctor – it’s a very useful tool. Does that mean it’s impossible to buy a car super cheap? Not at all.
Many sellers don’t set a reserve price, and such vehicles are sold as pure sale. But keep in mind – there are other bidders, and the final price can rise quickly during the auction.
I love success stories, so here are a few real cars that were actually bought for $10:
2011 Ford Fusion
Clean title, minor front and rear damage, 200K miles. In my opinion, a great buy for parts.
2012 Nissan Murano
Front damage, run and drive condition. The repair shouldn’t be too expensive, and you’ll get a good daily SUV. Retail value: $6,000+
2013 BMW 320i
172K miles, clean title, mechanical damage. The repair might be tricky, but it was a super deal – retail value: $8,000+
As you can see, it’s sometimes possible to win a car for just $10. But let’s be honest – it’s not easy. The seller must have no reserve price, and no one else should bid. Is it possible? Yes. Does it happen often? Unfortunately, no.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t try. You don’t have to bid exactly $10 – start with a small but realistic amount, and you’ll have a decent chance to win. Good luck and happy bidding!
