I need a cheap daily driver!
Last edit: February 15 2026 • 317 view
Hey guys! We keep getting your questions, and today I want to share one common case. Our customer Jesse wants to buy a car very cheap. Let’s break it down and see if that’s really possible. Let’s go!
First, I want to say this clearly – when you buy a car at Copart or IAAI, you really can get it very cheap. There is no better way to buy a car for less, and now I’ll show you how to do it. You just need to follow a few simple rules.
Seller
You will see many different sellers in the seller field, but try to choose insurance companies. They just want to recover the amount they paid out on the claim. They usually don’t try to get the absolute maximum price – they want to move the car fast. If the seller is a dealer or a private owner, they may set a high reserve and keep relisting the vehicle, hoping to get a higher price.
Mileage
The lower the mileage, the higher the final bid will be. The higher the mileage, the cheaper you can usually buy the car. Of course, we recommend choosing lower mileage cars. But if you see a higher mileage vehicle that looks good in the pictures, check the Carfax. If it was serviced regularly, it can still be a great deal.
Sale status
This is a very important filter. If the sale status says Pure sale, it means there is no reserve price. If you are the highest bidder – even at $100 – you win the car. If it says On approval or On minimum bid, there is a reserve, and the seller can negotiate with you after the auction ends.
Distance
Always pay attention to the location. Cars in Hawaii may look very cheap, but shipping can be very expensive. Also, if the vehicle is 1,000 miles away, it might make more sense to buy a slightly more expensive car that’s closer to you. Use our price calculator on the lot page to estimate your total cost.
Damage
Everyone wants a car with no damage or minor damage. That’s why bidding goes higher on those cars. Be smart – find a good body shop, estimate the repair cost, and consider vehicles with damage. Place a reasonable bid. This is how you can save a lot.
I hope this short guide was helpful. Use our filters to increase your chances of buying the right vehicle.
