Ian CheesemanA buddy of mine rolled up in a sleek black BMW 3 Series last Friday, looking like he just hit the jackpot.
I figured he must’ve dropped a fortune on it—until he told me he snagged it for way less than I expected at a Toronto car auction. I nearly spit out my coffee.
Car auctions are a goldmine for anyone looking to score a solid ride at a fraction of the usual cost. From budget-friendly commuters to luxury upgrades and classic finds, these auctions offer something for everyone.
So, if you’re tired of dealership markups and ready to bid like a pro, here are the best car auctions in Toronto you need to check out!
How much do cars cost in a car auction in Toronto?
Car prices at Toronto car auctions can range from $2,000 to over $50,000, depending on the make, model, condition, and demand. You can find affordable used cars under $10,000, while luxury vehicles might go for significantly more.
Salvage and repossessed cars often sell at deep discounts, but they may require repairs. Bidding wars can also drive up prices, so set a budget and stick to it.
1. Auction Export
Auction Export has been around since 2007 and is fully licensed by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council, so you know they’re legit.
We like their massive selection of over 250,000 vehicles from the U.S. and Canada. From Toyotas and Hondas to BMWs or even Volkswagens, they’ve got options.
Getting started is easy. Registration is free, and all you need to do is make a refundable deposit using a credit/debit card or bank wire.
During live auctions, if the reserve price isn’t met, the seller might still approve your bid.
Live bidding on the phone is offered as well; simply request a call, and one of their reps will bid on your behalf while you listen in.
As for shipping, they deliver not just in the GTA but to over 50 countries worldwide.
One thing to keep in mind—some cars might come slightly damaged.
Won car on “phone bidding” and planning to do it again
“Bought a car last year and got back to this guys this year for another one. Won car on “phone bidding” and planning to do again, no idea if other companies do that, but as for me that works perfect. Got damaged car and repaired locally, description was absolutely correct (no surprises). Shipping guys helped a lot with prices before buying, and after got pictures of my car in warehouse(attached). Car was delivered in container with other cars to my country, all was good. (attached picture from the port) and there is after repair picture. Happy with my purchase.”
Olya Bulda, Google Review
Shipping was faster than expected
“As a first-time buyer from Auction Export, I was a bit apprehensive about purchasing a vehicle online. But, my concerns were quickly put to rest. The staff was incredibly helpful, providing detailed information and updates throughout. The transaction was transparent, and the shipping was faster than expected. I am thoroughly impressed by their professionalism and reliability.”
2. Stark Auto Sales
Stark Auto Sales is a name that’s been around for over 45 years. They specialize in selling vehicles and car parts, and they also run weekly live auctions.
Simply register and create a valid user account before accessing their online auctions.
Once you’re in, you can check out their Final Auction Inventory List ahead of time. They usually have around 99 cars available, but this can change depending on the week.
Auctions happen every Monday at 10 AM, so if you want to bid, mark your calendar. After winning a car, you have 10 days to pay in full, starting from 1 PM on auction day.
Proxy bidding is available as well. If you don’t want to manually bid, you can set a max bid, and the system will automatically bid for you in $100 increments.
On the downside, we heard about waiting for unreturned deposits.
Definitely this auction is the best one in Canada
“I’m buying Cars from Stark auto sales for last 8 years and definitely this auction is the best one in Canada, I always work with Salim, It’s the best guy out there, i’m he’s giving me best deals possible! Communication, timing and professionalism skills on highest level!”
vf life, Online Review
One of the best auctions in Ontario
“Good company and one of the best auctions in Ontario. Had a good experience with Salim their sales guy, matched my need with the best deal around. Car is still running strong. I’ll definitely recommend the company (auction).”
Oluwole Amida, Online Review
3. Openlane
Openlane (formerly ADESA Toronto) is huge—120 acres of buying and selling action, making it one of the biggest auto auction hubs around. In fact, they offer 10 auction lanes with 20 auction blocks, with always-on 45-minute auctions.
They have partnerships with big-name consignors like Avis Budget Group, Honda Financial Services, Ford Remarketing Services, and even Tesla Motors Canada. Meaning, they get a steady flow of well-maintained, fleet-owned vehicles.
Now, if you’re into something a little different, their specialty auctions every Thursday at 12 PM offer more than just cars. You can bid on power sports, marine vehicles, RVs, and even trucks.
On top of that, they have TopLine auctions for those looking for luxury cars, high-mileage workhorses, and everything in between.
We’re impressed that they have their own mobile app—so you never have to worry about missing a bid.
Sadly, we heard about unprofessional communication between their staff and clients.
Great auctioneers that make the process a lot more enjoyable
“Staff is always helpful! Have sold many many cars here without an issue. Auction continues to bring great money and has great auctioneers that make the process a lot more enjoyable. They also make sure they chat with the seller to ensure too dollar is reached. My rep Leigh always finds me great run spots. Have always and will continue to recommend Adesa Toronto to any of my fellow dealers.”
Matt Gleedi, Google Review
Great auction asset
“Been dealing with Adesa for many years, wanted to point out Teisha from PSI, Always cheerful, responds to inquires and a great auction asset. Thanks for all your assistance.”
Kris Autotech, Google Review
4. North Toronto Auction
North Toronto Auction (NTA) has been in the auto auction game since 2003.
They host monthly public auctions, typically held the last Saturday before a long weekend. These auctions let anyone bid in person, which is great if you like checking out the cars before committing.
On top of that, they also have public timed auctions, so if you prefer bidding from home, you can register online or use their AutoGavel app.
You can open multiple auction lanes at once using the Lane Picker feature. Plus, they provide different bidding options, including incremental bids, hard bids, and max bids, making it easier to strategize and win the car you want.
While NTA has a lot going for it, there have been reports of flawed cars, especially ones with bad transmissions. We suggest checking the listings carefully—ask for details, and be prepared for potential repairs.
Excellent experience dealing with the fine staff at the auction
“Had absolutely an excellent experience dealing with the fine staff at the auction. This is my second purchase from their first was a car last year which I’m happily still driving. If anyone’s interested it’s a 2012 Acura RDX SH turbo all wheel drive send me a message if you wish to purchase it it’s up for sale now, I’ve had it for over a year. The second was just recently I I’ve bid on a couple of motorcycles thinking that I would lose one but I ended up winning both. The staff there was super accommodating and helped me load them up into my vehicle even stayed after hours for me to return for the second one. The buying procedure was very easy . The staff is knowledgeable and always willing to help at the front office. The ppl in the yard were absolutely incredible.”
Oubay Chebib, Google Review
Got two cars way below market price
“It can be intimidating participating in a car auction as there are so many options, high ticket items, the auction is fast-paced, and you need some knowledge of cars. The staff answered all of my questions openly, each person I approached was helpful and kind, and very honest. If you do your research of all the cars and choose just a few to bid on, go to inspect in person during opening hours, ask questions, and avoid impulse bidding during the auction then you can come out a winner. Like I did. I got two cars way below market price, my mechanic told me they are in good condition, and all my documents and registrations were completed smoothly. I will consider this auction again the future and recommend it to others.”
Ada D, Google Review
5. Copart
If you’re looking for a car auction that’s 100% online, Copart is one of the biggest names in the game. Founded way back in 1982, they were ahead of the curve, becoming the first fully online auto auction by 2003.
Since then, they’ve expanded globally and now sell over a million vehicles every year. Registering gives you access to their massive inventory of used and repairable cars, trucks, SUVs, and more.
Any Copart auction is listed online, complete with lane details, item counts, sales lists, and a live auction button to jump in when it’s go-time. They even have an auction calendar, so you can plan ahead.
A unique feature is their Nightcap Sales—a second chance to grab vehicles that didn’t sell in earlier auctions because they didn’t meet the reserve price.
Unfortunately, some buyers have told us about encountering rude customer service reps over the phone.
Incredibly helpful and attentive
“Hats off to KEN, I recently purchased a car from Copart, and my experience with KEN, the General Manager, was outstanding. From the moment I had questions about the auction process to finalizing the purchase, Ken was incredibly helpful and attentive. He took the time to address all my concerns, ensuring I felt confident throughout the process. His professionalism and customer service went above and beyond, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend Copart, and kudos to KEN for setting such a high standard of excellence!”
Malik Ali, Google Review
Everything via the auction went seamlessly
“I can honestly say, Copart Toronto went above and beyond in their interaction with me as a first time customer. I used their car broker service and everything from the administration to the purchasing of my vehicle via the auction went seamlessly. I received excellent customer service from their front line staff and broker and they have been there every step of the way to guide me through the buying process. I’m very grateful for their service and give them the highest recommendation.”
Duriel Cooper, Google Review
