Where to Buy Cheap Cars to Flip (Best Sources & Tips)

Flipping cars can be a profitable side hustle or full-time business—if you know where to find the best deals. The key to maximizing profits is buying low and selling high, but not every cheap car is a good flip. In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to buy cheap cars, the pros and cons of each source, and tips to avoid bad deals.

1. Online Car Auctions (Best for Bulk Buying & Salvage Vehicles)

Online auctions give access to thousands of below-market deals, often from insurance companies, government agencies, and fleet vehicles.

🔥 Top Auction Sites to Check Out:

• Copart – Specializes in salvage and insurance cars.
• IAAI – Similar to Copart, with more total loss vehicles.
• AutoBidMaster – A broker for Copart auctions (easier for non-dealers).
• Manheim – Dealer-only auction (wholesale cars).
• ACV Auctions – Live auctions for used car dealers.
• GovDeals – Government surplus cars, often fleet vehicles.

💡 Pro Tip: Auctions often have buyer’s fees, so calculate costs before bidding. Always run a VIN check to avoid hidden damage.

2. Public & Government Auctions (Best for Ex-Government & Fleet Vehicles)

Government agencies, police departments, and utility companies sell surplus vehicles at deep discounts. These are often well-maintained and have full service records.

Where to Find Government Auctions:

• GovDeals – Police and municipal auctions.
• GSA Auctions – Federal surplus vehicles.
• US Auctions – State and local government vehicles.

💡 Pro Tip: Many government auctions don’t allow test drives, so inspect vehicles thoroughly before bidding.

3. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace & Local Listings (Best for Private Deals)

Buying directly from private sellers can yield the biggest profits—especially from sellers looking for a fast sale.

Where to Look:

• Craigslist – Search “cars by owner” for deals.
• Facebook Marketplace – Connect with local sellers quickly.
• OfferUp & Letgo – Similar to Facebook but with more negotiable prices.
• Nextdoor App – Neighborhood-based sales, great for local deals.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for motivated sellers who list “must sell,” “moving soon,” or “OBO (or best offer).” These sellers are often willing to negotiate.

4. Dealership Trade-Ins & Wholesale Lots (Best for Consistent Inventory)

Many dealerships sell older trade-in vehicles at low prices to move inventory quickly.

How to Buy from Dealerships:

• Visit “as-is” lots at used car dealerships.
• Ask about wholesale or overstock vehicles that aren’t worth listing on their retail lot.
• Some dealers allow public access to wholesale prices.

💡 Pro Tip: Build relationships with local dealers for exclusive early access to trade-ins before they go to auction.

5. Salvage Yards & Rebuilders (Best for Mechanics & High-Margin Repairs)

If you have repair skills, salvage yards and rebuilders can provide cheap cars that need minimal investment to flip.

Where to Find Salvage Deals:

• Local salvage yards – Many sell repairable cars with minor damage.
• Junk car auctions – Some junkyards hold public auctions.
• Direct from insurance companies – Sometimes, insurers sell directly to buyers.

💡 Pro Tip: Use an OBD2 scanner and VIN check to verify repair costs before purchasing.

6. Estate Sales & Abandoned Vehicle Auctions (Hidden Gems for Rare Finds)

Estate sales and impound lot auctions can yield rare and classic cars at low prices.

Where to Find Estate & Impound Auctions:

• EstateSales.net – Lists estate sales near you.
• Local police department websites – Many hold regular impound auctions.
• Tow yard auctions – Some cities sell unclaimed vehicles.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring cash—some estate sales and impound auctions only accept cash offers.

7. Rental Car Companies & Fleet Sales (Best for Well-Maintained Cars)

Rental agencies and fleet services sell cars at wholesale rates after a certain mileage or time period.

Best Companies for Fleet Sales:

• Hertz Car Sales – Ex-rental vehicles at below-market prices.
• Enterprise Car Sales – Certified used rentals.
• Budget & Avis Sales – Older rental fleet vehicles.

💡 Pro Tip: Rental cars are high-mileage but well-maintained. Always check service records before purchasing.

Final Tips for Buying Cheap Cars to Flip

✅ Run a VIN Check – Use Carfax or AutoCheck to check for accidents, title issues, and ownership history.
✅ Inspect Before Buying – Bring a mechanic’s checklist or an OBD2 scanner to catch hidden problems.
✅ Negotiate Smartly – Offer cash for quick deals and ask about any flexibility on price.
✅ Factor in Fees – Auction fees, title transfer fees, and repairs can cut into your profits.
✅ Know Your Local Market – Research car values on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) & Edmunds before buying.

Conclusion: Where Should You Start?

The best source depends on your budget, experience level, and access to resources:
✔ Beginners → Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist (low-risk, easy deals).
✔ Dealers/High Volume Buyers → Online Auctions & Fleet Sales.
✔ Mechanics/DIY Experts → Salvage Auctions & Junkyards.
✔ Collectors/Rare Finds → Estate Sales & Impound Auctions.

Ready to start flipping cars? Check out Copart and Manheim for auction deals today! 🚗💰

Next Steps (Internal Links & Affiliate CTA)

• 🔧 Must-Have Car Flipping Tools – [Read Here]
• 📊 Car Flipping Profit Calculator – [Try It Now]
• 🏆 Best Car Flipping Course – [Learn More]