How to find vehicle auctions near you
Start by searching online using your city, province and the type of vehicle you want. Useful searches include:
- Vehicle auctions near me
- Car auctions Cape Town / Johannesburg / Durban
- Repossessed car auctions South Africa
- Salvage vehicle auctions in your city
- Bank repo vehicle auctions in your province
- Bakkie and truck auctions in your area
- Accident-damaged car auctions in your city
You can also use Google Maps and search for: vehicle auction, car auctioneers, repossessed vehicle auction, salvage vehicle auction, insurance vehicle auction, or commercial vehicle auction.
Do not rely only on a Google Maps listing or a Facebook advert. Visit the auction company's official website and look for its current auction catalogue. A proper catalogue should show:
- The vehicle's location
- Viewing dates and times
- The auction date, and whether bidding is online, timed, live or webcast
- Registration and deposit requirements
- Buyer's commission and admin fees
- Payment and vehicle collection deadlines
Search beyond your own town
Large vehicle auctions are usually based in major cities and industrial areas. If you live in a smaller town, expand your search to the nearest major city:
| Province | Cities or areas worth searching |
|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Midrand, Pretoria, Centurion, Boksburg, Kempton Park |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Epping, Bellville, Blackheath, Somerset West |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Pinetown, Umhlanga, Pietermaritzburg |
| Eastern Cape | Gqeberha, East London, Mthatha |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Welkom |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni, Mbombela, Middelburg, Secunda |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Tzaneen, Mokopane |
| North West | Rustenburg, Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington |
Many auction companies also run national online auctions, so you may be able to bid from another province — but always check where the car is actually stored before bidding. Transporting a car across South Africa can be expensive, especially if it doesn't run or can't legally be driven home.
Are vehicle auctions open to the public?
Many vehicle auctions allow private buyers to participate — you don't always need to be a car dealer. Usually, a public buyer can:
- Browse available vehicles online
- Attend a viewing day
- Register as a buyer and submit FICA documents
- Pay a bidding deposit
- Bid online or in person
Most auction houses require identification, proof of address and acceptance of their auction terms before they allow you to place bids. Some auctions are aimed mostly at dealers, fleet buyers or commercial buyers — always check the individual auction's rules before travelling or paying a deposit.
Can you go and look at the vehicles?
Usually, yes — but only during the official viewing period. Auction houses often allow buyers to inspect vehicles beforehand, giving you time to look for accident damage, tyre wear, rust, leaks, missing parts, warning lights and signs of poor repairs.
Don't assume every auction allows test drives. Some only allow visual inspections and may let you start the vehicle. Others allow inspections or test drives at the branch where the vehicle is stored. The rules depend on the auction company and the individual vehicle — for the full mechanical walk-through, see our guide on how to buy a car at auction in South Africa, or the old-timer's auction tricks for what to watch beyond the checklist.
Public vehicle auction platforms to check
The companies below currently offer vehicle auctions or auction platforms that private buyers can generally access after registering and meeting deposit requirements. This is not an endorsement of every vehicle listed on these platforms — it's still your responsibility to inspect the car, understand the costs, and read the terms before bidding.
Bidvest Burchmores
One of South Africa's best-known vehicle auction companies, selling used vehicles through branch and online auctions, with major operations in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Private buyers can register, but FICA documents are required before bidding.
bidvestburchmores.co.za →Aucor
Runs vehicle auctions across South Africa, listing passenger vehicles, bank repossessions, fleet vehicles, trucks, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. Buyers can view stock and register online, or register on the day of an auction with ID, proof of address and the registration fee.
aucor.com →Nedbank MFC Auction House
Focuses mainly on repossessed vehicles. Private buyers can sign up, register for an available auction, pay the required deposit and take part in online bidding. Documents must be verified before a vehicle is released.
mfcauctions.co.za →GoBid
A national online vehicle auction platform listing used vehicles, accident-damaged vehicles, insurance vehicles and other stock. Public buyers and dealers can register and bid in its timed online auctions.
gobid.co.za →WeBuyCars Auctions
Runs daily online car auctions open to the public nationally. Buyers need to register and meet FICA requirements before bidding. Listings may include condition reports, and some vehicles may be available for inspection or test drive at the branch where they're located.
webuycars.co.za/car-auctions →BMW Financial Services Auctions
Holds auction events for selected repossessed vehicles when scheduled, managed by independent auctioneers. Public buyers can participate after paying the registration fee and meeting requirements. More specialised than the larger national platforms, so stock and dates are less frequent.
bmw.co.za auctions →Different types of vehicle auction houses
Not every auction sells the same kind of vehicle. The category matters because the risk, paperwork and likely repair costs can be very different.
Sold after the previous owner fell behind on finance payments. Not automatically a bad car — some are in good condition, others have missing keys, no service history, or accident damage. Check the listing for terms like Runner, Non-runner, Starts, Keys available, Service history available, Accident damage, Code 2, or Salvage.
Sell vehicles damaged in accidents, storms, floods, fires or theft-related incidents — including repairable write-offs and vehicles sold for parts. These can look cheap, but visible damage may hide problems with airbags, suspension, chassis alignment, cooling systems, wiring or electronics.
Include trade-ins, older dealer stock, fleet returns, and vehicles a dealership doesn't want on its own showroom floor. Some are clean and usable; others may need mechanical work, body repairs or paperwork attention.
Vehicles previously used by companies, rental businesses, delivery companies or security firms. Mileage may be higher, but service records are often more complete because the vehicle was maintained on a company schedule.
Bakkies, panel vans, minibuses, trucks, trailers and equipment. Repairs, tyres, servicing and licensing can be far more expensive on commercial vehicles, so understand the full running cost before bidding.
Live, online, timed and webcast auctions
Auction houses use different bidding formats — knowing which one you're registering for changes how you need to prepare.
- Live auctions — take place at a physical venue; buyers attend in person and bid as an auctioneer sells each vehicle.
- Online auctions — registered buyers bid through a website; the vehicle is usually still stored at a physical yard for viewing beforehand.
- Timed auctions — run for a fixed period; the highest valid bid at the end may win, subject to reserve prices and auction rules.
- Webcast auctions — combine a live auctioneer with online bidding; you can attend in person or bid through the platform.
How to avoid fake auction listings
Auction scams are common because people are attracted to cheap vehicles.
- The price is far below market value
- You are not allowed to inspect the vehicle
- The seller wants payment into a personal bank account
- The company has no official website
- The advert only exists on Facebook or WhatsApp
- The seller pressures you to pay immediately
- There is no auction catalogue, lot number or written terms
- The seller claims the vehicle will be delivered after payment
Always use the auction company's official website and independently verify its contact details and bank account before paying a deposit.
Finding an auction house is only the first step
Vehicle auctions can offer real opportunities for private buyers, but use established platforms, check the official catalogue, inspect the vehicle during the viewing period, and calculate all costs before you decide on a maximum bid. A low starting bid doesn't always mean a cheap car — buyer's commission, admin fees, repairs, tyres, transport, licensing and insurance can quickly turn a bargain into an expensive mistake.
Ready to go and view a car?
Once you've found an auction house, the full RSA Vehicle Guide bundle tells you exactly what to check once you're standing in front of the car — all 60 checks, with real pass/fail photos, SA repair costs, and walk-away triggers for every one.