Have you ever had a conversation with your friends about what your top 5 best movies, TV shows, or artists are? You’ll usually explain why your top 5 are your favorite, and you may even get your friends to check them out. Similarly, if you’re a new auto dealer, you may ask other dealers “Which auto auctions are the best?”
While Big Valley Auto Auction has been around for nearly two decades and are confident in our business, we know we’re not the only auto auction in the world, and we might not be the auto auction that meets your needs. Big Valley Auto Auction’s motto is “When you’re here, you’re family”, which is why we want to ensure your dealership is successful. With your best interest in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best dealer-only auto auctions in Texas. And in order to remain completely unbiased, we’ve excluded ourselves from this list.
We’ve compiled this list of 5 Texas dealer-only auto auctions based on the following criteria:
- Google Star Rating of 4 stars and up
- More than 100 reviews
After reading this article, you’ll have the information needed to determine which auto auction is best for your dealership.
What Are the 5 Best Auto Auctions in Texas?
Texas is the 2nd biggest state in the United States of America. Out of its 1,200 cities, we've narrowed down the 5 best auto auctions in the "Lone Star State".
- Alliance Auto Auction-Dallas
- Metro Auto Auction of Dallas
- ADESA San Antonio
- Manheim Texas Hobby
- Texas Lone Star Auto Auction-Austin
Auto Auction #1: Alliance Auto Auction-Dallas
Google Rating: 4.5 stars (334 reviews)
Based in Dallas, Texas, Alliance Auto Auction-Dallas has weekly sales every Wednesday at 12:30 PM. Since its beginning in 2011, Alliance Auto Auction has offered 6 benefits to their customers.
- Ride and Drive Service and Repair Shop
- Pre-Sale and Post Sale Inspection
- .22 Caliber Protection Plan
- Detail Services
- Alliance Quality Rating (AQR)
- Online Simulcast
Ride and Drive Service and Repair Shop
Alliance’s Ride and Drive Service and Repair Shop is a fully operational mechanic shop that can assist you with any repairs or maintenance needed for your vehicle. All repairs are guaranteed and estimates are given beforehand. Below are the services Alliance’s Ride and Drive offers.
Pre-Sale and Post Sale Inspections
For $85.00, Alliance offers a Pre-Sale inspection that places vehicles through an extensive inspection process, ensuring accuracy of any condition issues a vehicle may have. Alliance specialists will notify the customer of any issues that qualify for arbitration and how they can announce those conditions. This service helps the seller increase the chance of their vehicle selling and builds buyer confidence.
For $70.00, Alliance’s Post-Sale inspection covers a frame check. An extra $75.00 covers “As-is” PSIs on red-light units. PSIs don’t guarantee flood damage findings. Below is a chart that lists the mechanical and frame check prices, depending on days, miles, and price points.
.22 Caliber Protection Plan
The .22 Caliber Protection Plan is $295.00 and covers Post Sale Inspections, 2 Month / 2K mile warranty, and a $100.00 deductible.
Detail Services
Alliance’s detail services consist of 3 different tiers. The first tier costs $50.00 and offers a full wash and vacuum, windows, and dress. The second tier is a complete detail, including engine, for $115.00. The third tier is a full detail for large SUVs and large trucks, which costs $135.00.
Alliance Quality Rating (AQR)
AQR is Alliance’s rating scale for vehicle condition levels. This is based on the condition of a vehicle’s interior, exterior, frame, and mileage. Below is the AQR rating scale, which ranges from Like New to Inoperable.
Online Simulcast
Alliance offers an online simulcast on EDGE Pipeline. In order to bid online, you have to register for free and create a login account.
In order to buy or sell at Alliance, you must register with AuctionACCESS first. Once you’ve become an AuctionACCESS member, you can then fill out the Alliance dealer registration form found on their homepage.
Auto Auction #2: Metro Auto Auction of Dallas
Google Rating: 4.2 stars (440 reviews)
In June 2012, Metro Auto Auction of Dallas opened their doors in Lewisville, Texas. Metro has their Dealer Consignment Sale every Tuesday at 9:30 AM, which runs 1,200 vehicles weekly.
Metro Auto Auction also has a Friday Dealer Trade Sale, Early Bird Giveaway every Friday, and an INOP Sale every 2nd and last Friday of the month. Metro’s Dealer Trade Sale begins at 10:00 AM and runs over 800 vehicles in-lane and online, and the Early Bird giveaway starts at 9:45 AM. The INOP Sale takes place every 2nd and last Friday of each month, starting at 9:15 AM.
Metro also offers an online simulcast through EDGE Pipeline. Once you’ve completed the free sign up process, you will be able to participate in Metro’s online sale.
Metro Auto Auction offers a Post Sale Inspection that covers items such as the engine, transmission, and airbags. All Post Sale Inspections are guaranteed for 7 days after sale day, and if an item of the vehicle that was inspected fails during the 7-day period, the item will be replaced or repaired at Metro Auto Auction’s option up to a $1,200 maximum. Post Sale Inspections must be requested on Sale Day by 5:00 PM, and the vehicle cannot have been moved off the lot by that point.
If you are interested in selling at Metro Auto Auction of Dallas, you first must be a registered AuctionACCESS member. Once you’ve been approved, you can become a registered Metro Auto Auction dealer.
Auto Auction #3: ADESA San Antonio
Google Rating: 4.1 stars (205 reviews)
Established in 1989, ADESA San Antonio provides wholesale vehicle auction solutions to professional car buyers and sellers. ADESA San Antonio offers 3 benefits for their customers.
- Pre-Sale Services
- Sale Day Services
- Post-Sale Services
Pre-Sale Services
ADESA offers a bundle of Pre-Sale services, including vehicle inspections, condition reports, and reconditioning shops.
Sale Day Services
ADESA’s Sale-Day services consist of a remote seller option, arbitration assistance, and post-sale inspections.
Post-Sale Services
The Post-Sale services ADESA offers include dent repair, hail repair, and key replacement.
If ADESA San Antonio suits your needs, you can register to create an ADESA account to receive their services.
Auto Auction #4: Manheim Texas Hobby
Google Rating: 4.0 stars (753 reviews)
Located in Houston, Texas, Manheim Texas Hobby runs vehicles every Thursday at 9:00 AM. Manheim Texas Hobby offers 3 major benefits.
- Enhanced Vehicle Imaging
- Reconditioning Services
- Online Simulcast
Enhanced Vehicle Imaging
Manheim’s Enhanced Vehicle Imaging allows you to showcase your inventory with 15 high-resolution images, either outdoors or in their showroom. Manheim offers 3 different packages to choose from.
- Package 1: $15.00 and 7 outdoor images.
- Package 2: $25.00 and 15 outdoor images.
- Package 3: $50.00 and 15 showroom images.
This service is best for aged vehicles and vehicles with a low AutoGrade score. These images lead to a 16% better conversion rate than low-resolution images and 50% better conversion rate than vehicles with no photos.
Reconditioning Services
Manheim Texas Hobby’s reconditioning services consist of detailing, light mechanical repairs, and paint and body repairs.
Online Simulcast
Manheim Texas Hobby offers an online simulcast that takes place during their in-lane auction. This gives buyers the opportunity to bid on vehicles from their home or office.
In order to bid at a Manheim Texas Hobby auction, you’ll need to enroll in AuctionACCESS. Once your enrollment is complete and approved, you can sign up to become a registered Manheim dealer.
Auto Auction #5: Texas Lone Star Auto Auction-Austin
Google Rating: 4.0 stars (140 reviews)
Located in Austin, Texas, Texas Lone Star Auto Auction-Austin's sale day takes place every Friday at 11:00 AM and New Car Trades every other Thursday at 11:00 AM.
If you feel Texas Lone Star Auto Auction-Austin is the best choice for you, you will first have to become an AuctionACCESS member. Registration for Texas Lone Star Auto Auction-Austin is managed at auction level, which means you will have to call the auto auction at 512-268-6600 for registration information.
Which Auto Auction is Best For Me?
Picking an auto auction to buy or sell from can be a tough decision for both newcomers and experienced members. However, knowing which options are available, along with the benefits they bring, may help make the decision a little easier.
Whether you’re unsure which auto auction is right for you, or you’re just weighing your options, it’s always good to check out which auctions meet your criteria and are best for your dealership.
As we've mentioned before, we didn't list ourselves, so we could remain unbiased. But if you'd like to see what it's like to buy or sell with Big Valley Auto Auction, click the button below to speak with our dealer registration specialist to get you registered.
Not ready to talk? That’s okay! First, learn more about what it’s like to buy and sell at Big Valley Auto Auction by clicking the image below:
