Best Auto Auctions for Used Cars Near Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta's auto auction market is one of the most diverse and accessible in the Southeast, offering everything from government fleet vehicles with zero buyer fees to high-volume dealer auctions moving 500+ cars weekly. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking for a reliable daily driver or a dealer seeking inventory, the Atlanta metro area provides unique opportunities that many other markets simply don't offer.

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What makes Atlanta special?

Unlike many cities where auctions are either exclusively dealer-focused or limited to salvage vehicles, Atlanta's market includes traditional live auctions where you can test drive before bidding, cutting-edge online platforms with mobile app integration, and even monthly tow-yard auctions for budget-conscious buyers. Plus, with locations ranging from 20 miles to 85 miles from downtown, you can choose based on your proximity preferences and auction style.

The bottom line: From Copart's massive online salvage operations to New Calhoun's traditional Wednesday night live auctions, Atlanta offers more variety in auction types, fee structures, and buyer access than virtually any other metro area in Georgia.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Area Auto Auctions (and surrounding region)

Detailed Auction Profiles

1. Copart - Atlanta West (Austell) ⭐ CLOSEST TO ATLANTA

📍 Address: 2568 Old Alabama Rd Bldg 1, Austell, GA 30168
📞 Phone: (770) 941-9775
🌐 Website: copart.com/locations/austell-ga-15

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🗓️ Schedule: Multiple sale days per week at 10:00 AM ET
🎯 Auction Type: 100% online salvage and used vehicle auctions
👥 Who Can Bid: Online registration (Basic $99/yr, Premier $249/yr)

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💰 Key Fees:

• Gate Fee: $95 per purchase
• Virtual Bid Fee: $40-$50+ (tiered by bid amount)
• Environmental Fee: $15 per item
• Late Payment: $50 if not paid within 3 business days

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📱 Required Apps:

• Copart Transportation App (for pickup scheduling and gate passes)
• Copart Member App (for bidding and payments)

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Free Storage: 3 business days including sale day
• Business Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Appointment Required: Yes, via Transportation App
• Gate Pass PIN: Required for all pickups
• No Driving Off Lot: All vehicles must be transported

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💳 Payment Methods: Wire transfer, debit/credit cards, wallet apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay), cash (with limits)

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2. Public Car Auction - Marietta Wrecker Service ⭐ GREAT FOR PUBLIC BUYERS

📍 Address: 344 Kathleen Dr SE, Marietta, GA 30067
📞 Phone: (404) 650-9169
🌐 Website: welchelauction.com

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🗓️ Schedule: Monthly tow-yard auctions, typically Wednesdays at 10:00 AM
🎯 Auction Type: Public tow-yard/impound vehicle auctions (online-only)
👥 Who Can Bid: Open to public, no dealer license required

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💰 Key Fees:

• Buyer Fee: 5% on all vehicles
• Storage: $50/day after 48 hours (up to 5 days)
• Late Payment: $250 admin fee + permanent ban if not paid within 48 hours

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🔧 Special Features:

• Rapid Round Format: Live closing with 60-second timers
• Proxy Bidding: Available for advance bids
• Cash Only: Payment must be made in cash at vehicle location

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Free Storage: 48 hours after auction end
• Payment Deadline: By 4:30 PM Friday for Wednesday auctions
• Delivery Available: Starting at $75 plus per-mile fee
• Transporter Requirements: Insurance + Hold Harmless letter required

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⚠️ Important: All vehicles sold AS IS and must be towed (not driven) off lot

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3. Atlanta East Auto Auction ⭐ FULL-SERVICE PUBLIC AUCTION

📍 Address: 2970 US-78, Loganville, GA 30052
📞 Phone: (470) 552-1032
🌐 Website: aeautoauction.com

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🗓️ Schedule: Weekly public/dealer auction, Mondays

• Preview: 3:00-4:30 PM
• Live Auction: 5:00 PM (Lane B), 6:00 PM (Lane A)

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🎯 Auction Type: Public and dealer wholesale auto auction with simulcast
👥 Who Can Bid: Both public and dealers welcome

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💰 Public Buyer Requirements:

• Deposit: $500 cash deposit required
• Buyer's Fee: Varies by sale price (see office)
• Processing Fee: $225
• Title Fee: $18
• TAVT: 6.6% of sale price
• Credit Card Fee: 3% convenience fee

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Free Storage: 48 hours from sale date
• Storage Fee: $15/day after 48 hours
• Gate Pass Required: Must be obtained during office hours
• Test Drives: Green light vehicles can be test driven on lot

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📱 Online Bidding: SimCasts platform with mobile dashboard app

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⚠️ Special Restrictions: GA emission county buyers cannot bid on vehicles without current emissions

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4. Copart - Atlanta East (Loganville)

📍 Address: 6089 GA-20 Bldg 1, Loganville, GA 30052
📞 Phone: (770) 554-6366
🌐 Website: copart.com/locations/atlanta-east-ga-107

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🗓️ Schedule: Multiple sale days per week at 10:00 AM ET
🎯 Auction Type: 100% online vehicle auctions (salvage, run & drive, rental cars, etc.)

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💰 Fees: Similar to Atlanta West Copart location
🚛 Pickup: Same appointment-based system with Transportation App
📱 Apps: Same Copart apps required as Atlanta West location

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5. New Calhoun Auto Auction ⭐ TRADITIONAL LIVE AUCTION

📍 Address: 417 Lovers Lane Rd SE, Calhoun, GA 30701
📞 Phone: (706) 624-1944
🌐 Website: newcalhounautoauction.com

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🗓️ Schedule: Weekly auction every Wednesday at 5:00 PM

• Gates Open: 12:00 PM for inspections
• Test Drives: Until 4:00 PM on lot

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🎯 Auction Type: Weekly public auto auction with dealer consignments
👥 Who Can Bid: Dealers and public (public must attend in person)

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💰 Public Buyer Fees:

• Deposit: $500 cash required
• Credit Card Fee: 3.5% convenience fee
• Title Processing: $270
• GA Tax: 7% for GA residents

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💰 Dealer Fees (Tiered):

• $1-$499: $120
• $500-$999: $150
• $1,000-$1,999: $230
• [Continues up to $650 for $26,000+]

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Free Storage: 30 calendar days (general), 14 business days (online)
• Storage Fee: $25/day after free period
• Office Hours: Mon-Thu 9 AM-5 PM, Wed until end of sale, Fri 9 AM-1 PM

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📱 Online Access: Edge Pipeline for dealers only (public cannot bid online)

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⚠️ Important: Public buyers must attend in person and cannot participate online

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6. Houston Auto Auction (Macon)

📍 Address: 4599 Pio Nono Ave, Macon, GA 31206
📞 Phone: (478) 788-6947
🌐 Website: haamaconga.com

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🗓️ Schedule:

• Dealer Auction: Wednesdays at 11:30 AM
• Public Auction: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM and Saturdays at 6:00 PM

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🎯 Auction Type: Dealer and public auctions plus retail sales
👥 Who Can Bid: Both dealers and public

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💳 Payment Methods: All major credit cards, debit cards
🕒 Business Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, Sun Closed

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⚠️ Note: Limited detailed information available online - call for current auction details and fees

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7. Americas Auto Auction - Savannah ⭐ MAJOR DEALER AUCTION

📍 Address: 1712 Dean Forest Rd, Savannah, GA 31408
📞 Phone: (912) 965-9901
🌐 Website: americasaa.com/locations/savannah

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🗓️ Schedule:

• Dealer Sale: Wednesdays at 9:30 AM ET (4 lanes, 500+ cars)
• Public Sale: Monthly Thursdays at 7:00 PM ET (tax months only)

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🎯 Auction Type: Wholesale dealer auction with limited public sales
👥 Who Can Bid: Dealers (online & in-person), Public (in-person only during public sales)

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Gate Hours: Mon-Thu 9 AM-5 PM, Wed 8 AM-5 PM, Fri 9 AM-1 PM
• Vehicle Pull Fee: $10 upon request
• Storage: $25/day if not removed timely
• Transportation: Nationwide service available

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📱 Required Apps: AuctionACCESS for dealers, Edge Simulcast for online bidding

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⚠️ Important: Public buyers cannot bid online and must be physically present

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8. GSA Fleet Vehicle Auction ⭐ GOVERNMENT VEHICLES

📍 Various Georgia Locations (Cartersville, Savannah, etc.)
🌐 Website: autoauctions.gsa.gov

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🗓️ Schedule: Varies by location and sale type (check GSA calendar)
🎯 Auction Type: Government fleet vehicle sales (live and internet)
👥 Who Can Bid: Open to public (18+, valid SSN/Tax ID)

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💰 Fees: NO BUYER'S FEES - GSA explicitly states no buyer fees
💳 Payment: Credit cards (up to $24,999.99 per transaction), debit cards, cashier's checks

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🚛 Pickup Details:

• Live Sales: Removal by date in catalog
• Internet Sales: Within 10 calendar days of award
• ID Required: Government-issued photo ID
• Gate Pass: Required from auction facility
• No Transportation: Government does not arrange transport

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📋 Special Requirements:

• SF-97 title certificate issued
• REAL ID Act compliance may be required at federal facilities

‍👉 For a directory of auctions nationwide, check out this list of auto auctions

Buyer's Guide: Tips for Atlanta Auto Auctions

For First-Time Buyers:

1. Start with Public-Friendly Auctions: Atlanta East Auto Auction and New Calhoun offer the best first-time buyer experience
2. Bring Cash: Many auctions require cash deposits ($500 typical)
3. Arrive Early: Preview periods are crucial for inspection
4. Understand Light Systems: Green = mechanically sound, Yellow = special conditions, Red = AS-IS, Blue = title issues

For Online Bidders:

1. Copart Locations: Require membership and mobile apps for pickup
2. Registration Fees: Basic ($99) vs Premier ($249) memberships
3. Storage Fees: Start after free periods (typically 2-3 days)
4. Transportation: Must arrange your own - vehicles cannot be driven off lots

For Public Buyers:

1. Best Options: Atlanta East, New Calhoun, Marietta Wrecker, Houston Auto
2. In-Person Required: Most public sales require physical attendance
3. Payment Methods: Cash preferred, credit cards often have fees (3-3.5%)
4. Insurance: Required if driving vehicle home

Cost Considerations:

• Buyer Fees: Range from 0% (GSA) to 5% (Marietta Wrecker)
• Storage Fees: $15-$50 per day after free periods
• Transportation: Budget $1-3 per mile for professional transport
• Title Fees: $18-$270 depending on auction

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which auction is best for beginners?

A: Atlanta East Auto Auction offers the most comprehensive public buyer experience with test drives, clear fee structures, and helpful staff.

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Q: Can I buy online if I'm not a dealer?

‍ A: Yes, but options are limited. Copart allows public online bidding, and Marietta Wrecker is online-only for public buyers.

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Q: What's the closest auction to downtown Atlanta?

A: Copart - Atlanta West in Austell (~20 miles) is the closest major auction facility.

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Q: Are there any auctions with no buyer fees?

A: Yes, GSA Fleet Vehicle Auctions have no buyer fees, but selection is limited to government fleet vehicles.

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Q: Do I need special licenses to buy?

A: For public buyers, no special licenses are needed. However, in Georgia, you need a broker to buy clean-titled vehicles at some auctions.

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