Tri Star Auto Auctions
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Auction Details
Auction Format
Online
Auction Type
Online auctions; Silent auctions. Historically ran live public auctions, but homepage states no more public auctions until further notice.
Auction Format
Auction Schedule
Online/silent auctions operated via Western Towing of Phoenix. Auction starts at 10:00 a.m.; preview on Thursdays 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Silent/online events shown on calendar. Timed online format shows inspection available Monday–Sunday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Tuesday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.), and final bids on Tuesdays.
Auction Delivery Available
Not specified
Auction Delivery Details
No auction delivery option is listed on auction pages.
Buyer Fee Details
Through Wednesday following the auction (storage begins Thursday).
Seller Fees
Not specified. (A 'Dealer Fees: 5% ($35 min–$300 max) prep fee on all vehicles' is listed on the Fees page, but the site does not clarify whether this is a seller or buyer charge.)
Storage Holding Fees
Storage fee: $25 per car per day after the Wednesday following the auction. Implies free storage through Wednesday after the sale.
Who can Register
Online registration is available. Registration types shown: Automotive Dealer, Public, Salvage Yard, Wholesale. Deposit requirement: $400 to bid (refundable if no purchase).
Fees and Methods
Payment Methods
Accepted: cash, cashier’s check, pre‑approved company check, credit card (3% fee on credit card). Unaccepted: Not specified.
Bidding Methods
Online via Western Towing bidding portal (bid.wtazbid.com). In‑person public auctions: Not currently (homepage notes no more public auctions until further notice). Historically both.
Rules and Notes
Extended Notes
Tri Star Auto Auctions’ legacy website is listed publicly as http://www.tristarautoauction.com, but current operational auction information, schedules, fees, and registration are hosted under Western Towing of Phoenix. Multiple third‑party listings tie Tri Star Auto Auctions to Western Towing’s Phoenix auction yard at 3401 S 43rd Ave. Western Towing indicates there are no more live public in‑person auctions until further notice, with online/silent formats active and registration available to public and dealer categories. No dedicated mobile app is required; the online portal suggests adding the site to a phone home screen (PWA). No gate pass, PIN, transporter app, or virtual queue/check‑in system is described on official pages.
Pickup Rules
Not specified step‑by‑step. Fees indicate: $10 lot removal fee per vehicle; storage charges begin after Wednesday following auction. No posted requirements for IDs, releases, or tow-only rules on the site.
Policies
Non‑dealers must pay 8.6% sales tax.; No children allowed at the auction.; All items sold AS‑IS, WHERE‑IS; inspection encouraged.; Title type legend used in listings: T (Regular Title), RS (Restore Salvage), S (Salvage), DP (Dismantle Permit), BS (Bill of Sale), TD (Title Delay).
Third Party
Third Party Available
Not specified
Third Party Requirements
Not specified (no transporter registration, PIN, or authorization details published).
Third Party Process
Not specified.
Self Pickup
Self Pickup Available
Yes
Self Pickup Requirement
Pay in full before pickup. Specific documents, ID, or appointment requirements are not listed.
Self Pickup Process
Not specified. Only fees and general auction hours are posted; no gate pass or check‑in workflow described.
This page was last updated on September 1, 2025 and some details may have changed. Reach out directly to the auction with any questions.
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