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Find Your Next Vehicle in Vermont at Our Auction

Shopping for a used vehicle in Vermont doesn't mean you're limited to nearby dealerships. Maybe you need a reliable car for work or a larger vehicle for family trips. Capital Auto Auction gives you another way to shop for a used vehicle that fits your needs and budget.
We've helped buyers and sellers find each other through vehicle auctions since the 1980s. Our weekly live auctions let you bid online or by phone from Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, Brattleboro, and other Vermont towns. With new vehicles coming up for auction, you can shop for different makes and models without spending your weekends visiting dealerships.

What Types of Vehicles Can You Find at Auction?

Vermont drivers need different things from their vehicles. You may want a car that saves gas on your daily drive. Or maybe you need an SUV for outdoor trips or a truck that can handle tough jobs.
Capital Auto Auction offers many types of vehicles, based on what's available at each auction. These may include:

  • Sedans and small cars: Good options for daily drives, work trips, and errands.
  • SUVs and crossovers: Roomy choices for families, road trips, and changing road conditions.
  • Pickup trucks and vans: Vehicles for hauling tools, moving supplies, or helping with work.
  • Motorcycles, RVs and boats: More choices for travel, outdoor fun, and time away.

Our inventory may include cars taken back by lenders, vehicles from dealers, government vehicles, and business fleets. This gives you more choices than you might find at a regular dealership. Before bidding, you can look at photos, read vehicle details, and check available condition reports to help you decide.

Why Buy a Vehicle at Auction Instead of a Dealership?

One big difference between auctions and dealerships is how prices are set. Instead of talking down a dealer's asking price, you place bids against other buyers. You may find a good deal, especially when vehicles from businesses or large fleets come up for sale. Still, prices depend on how many people bid, so saving money isn't always guaranteed.
Buying through Capital Auto Auction also gives you more control over how you shop. You can:

  • Look into several vehicles before choosing which ones you like.
  • Set your highest bid based on what you can afford.
  • Shop for vehicles you may not find at nearby dealerships.
  • Bid from home without driving across Vermont to shop for cars.

With some planning, auctions can be another smart way to shop for a used car.

How Does the Online Car Auction Process Work?

Getting started with Capital Auto Auction is simple, even if this is your first vehicle auction.
Step 1: Sign Up
First, create an account and complete any needed checks to become a bidder. Once you're signed up, check our upcoming auction dates and look through the vehicles. Compare your choices, read the condition details, and see which ones fit your needs. Set your spending limit before bidding starts so you don't spend more than you planned.
Step 2: Place Your Bid
During a live auction, you can place bids online as prices change. Some auctions also offer proxy bidding. This lets you set your highest bid ahead of time. The system then raises your bid in small amounts when needed, without going over your limit.
Step 3: Finalize Your Purchase
If you win, check your final price and any extra fees. Make your payment using an accepted method before the deadline. You'll then need to pick up your vehicle or arrange for someone to bring it to Vermont. Read the auction rules first so you know what you'll need to do before you buy.

Can Vermont Residents Sell Their Vehicles at Auction?

Have a vehicle you no longer need or use? Capital Auto Auction gives Vermont owners another way to sell vehicles that qualify through our auctions.
Instead of posting private ads or taking a dealer's trade-in offer, you can put your vehicle in front of auction buyers. We help promote accepted vehicles and handle the bidding process. This may save you time answering questions from buyers and talking back and forth about prices.
To get started, send us your vehicle details and the needed proof of ownership. You'll also need to share its mileage, features, condition, and any problems you know about. Clear, honest details help buyers understand what they're bidding on and decide how much they want to spend.

Why Choose Capital Auto Auction for Your Next Vehicle?

Buying at auction can feel easier when you know what to expect. Capital Auto Auction has helped vehicle buyers and sellers since 1988. We offer another way to buy or sell without going through a regular dealership. Our weekly auctions give you new chances to find vehicles, and online bidding lets you take part from across Vermont. You don't have to visit an auction site just to see what's for sale.
You can also use the details in each listing to help you plan before you bid:

  • Look at available photos and vehicle details.
  • Compare vehicles to see which ones may fit your needs.
  • Review your choices and plan your bids ahead of time.

If you're new to auctions, you can take your time looking at vehicles and setting your budget. If you've bought at auction before, you may enjoy checking out the changing selection. You can browse our inventory to see what's available or learn more about us before getting started.

What Should You Do After Winning a Vehicle in Vermont?

After buying a vehicle, you'll need to handle the right paperwork before driving it on Vermont roads.
The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles handles vehicle titles and registration. Depending on where you live, you may be able to visit a DMV office in Montpelier, South Burlington, Rutland, or Bennington.
Once your paperwork is done, Vermont has plenty of great places for your first drive. Take Route 100 through the Green Mountains for pretty views and small towns. The Lake Champlain Byway offers views of the water, while the Molly Stark Byway passes through old towns in southern Vermont. For a longer drive, try the Connecticut River Byway, where country roads and riverside towns make the trip fun.

Ready to Explore Our Vermont Auto Auctions?

Whether you're buying a car for work or selling one you no longer need, Capital Auto Auction can help you explore your choices. With weekly auctions, many types of vehicles, and online bidding, you can take part from Vermont without visiting dealerships.
Ready to get started? Explore our Burlington, Vermont auction page, sign up to bid, or contact us with questions. Your next vehicle could be waiting for your bid!