Quick overview: main auction types and lot categories
In Germany you will typically see three main categories of auction lots: insurance/salvage cars (often sold strictly “as is” with unknown repair scope), defleet/commercial cars (ex-lease and fleet vehicles with transparent history) and dealer trade-ins (taken in part-exchange with known service history). Copart is mostly associated with salvage and insurance stock; BCA and AUTO1 are strong in defleet stock and dealer inflow. AutoBild is a media platform that occasionally hosts special sales or partner auctions – we treat it more as an information and “entry” channel.
Comparison: Copart, BCA, AUTO1 and AutoBild
| Platform | Popularity / reviews | Fees / subscription | Ease of use & access | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copart | Very well-known, higher risk due to insurance/salvage stock | Fees depend on hammer price; extra charges for storage and yard services | User-friendly interface, buyer accreditation required; logistics is critical | Repair projects / dismantling, experienced traders with their own workshop |
| BCA | Consistently good reputation with dealers, lots of defleet cars | Fixed buyer fee + possible subscription; transparent price list | Good search, condition reports, online and physical auction sites | Commercial resale, fast turnover of “ready-to-sell” cars |
| AUTO1 (Auctions) | Large dealer network, many trade-ins | Lot-based fee, optional packages/subscriptions; clear conditions | Detailed lot descriptions, fast processing and handover, many integrations | Stable sourcing of “ready” cars for retail |
| AutoBild | Media platform with promo sales and partner auctions; mixed feedback | Depends on the respective partner; usually no subscription, but buyer fee | No single unified backend in all cases; always read conditions of each sale | One-off purchases, hunting for “interesting” offers |
What to choose for resale: Sicher-Check’s view
If your goal is fast turnover with limited risk, start with BCA and AUTO1. They offer more “live” defleet cars, and the level of transparency is higher (condition reports, photos, documented defects). Copart is a good addition for niche projects: repairable cars where you clearly understand the body/drive-train work required and can secure a good discount versus market. AutoBild is best used as an extra channel to spot unusual or promotional offers.
Which cars to buy for resale (market practice 2024–2025)
- Popular B/C-segment models (VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla) – petrol/diesel with clear service history.
- Small city cars (Aygo, Up!, Fiesta, etc.) – stable demand and quick turnover.
- Compact SUVs with honest mileage and history (Tiguan, Kuga, Qashqai) – liquid all year round.
- EVs with a healthy battery (good state of health) and transparent charging history – focus on battery diagnostics and degradation.
How to bid at German car auctions: step-by-step
- Registration and accreditation. Open an account as a commercial buyer, upload company documents (trade licence, ID). Check your buying limits and payment terms.
- Filters and watchlist. Set up filters for your budget and target models, save searches and build a watchlist 24–48 hours before auctions.
- Lot evaluation. Study high-resolution photos, condition reports, OBD error lists (if available), service history, mileage, valid TÜV. Ask for extra photos/video if anything is unclear.
- Final price calculation. Add up hammer price + buyer fee + VAT (where applicable) + transport + repair + detailing/pre-sale preparation.
- Bidding strategy. Decide your maximum bid in advance. Use “sniping” near the end of the auction if you wish, but do not go beyond your planned margin.
- Payment and logistics. Pay invoices on time; arrange transport or collection immediately. Check storage deadlines on site to avoid expensive storage fees.
- Arrival inspection and pre-sale work. Perform diagnostics when the car arrives, create a work checklist, fix critical issues, do cleaning and photos for your advert.
Risks and how to reduce them
- Hidden defects. Mitigated by carefully checking reports/photos and, where possible, doing a post-sale inspection at the yard before moving the car.
- Overpaying due to competition. In “hot” weeks plan alternative lots; do not chase a single VIN at any price.
- Logistics and storage costs. Start payment and transport arrangements immediately after winning. Storage and penalty fees can eat up your margin very quickly.
- Legal and tax nuances. Always check documents, restrictions, export/VAT rules. For intra-EU transactions make sure invoices and CMR/transport documents are correct.
Margin formula: (sale price – all costs) / all costs. For “ready-to-sell” cars aim for at least 8–12%; for repairable cars 15–25% is reasonable, given the higher risk.
How Sicher-Check can help: sourcing, bidding, checks and logistics
We work in Berlin, Potsdam and across Germany. We help you select lots, check history and condition, calculate economics, place bids, organise on-site inspection/logistics and prepare the car for sale. If you need help buying auction cars in Berlin/Germany for resale, feel free to contact us:
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