Attending a dealer car auction is by far the best privilege of becoming a used car dealer. The prices are way lower than a public auction, and some vehicles come guaranteed. The condition, and maintenance of the vehicles are generally greater, than that of any California public auto auction I‘ve attended.

At dealer car auctions, You can either purchase vehicles come with a guarantee, or are as/is. Manhiem auto auction, and Adesa auto auctions offer guarantees on some vehicles. Parts of the vehicle that are guaranteed are most commonly frame, engine, and transmission. You can also arbitrate a vehicle if the SRS, ABS, or check engine light is on. When you arbitrate a vehicle, you bring the vehicle back to the auction for a problem that was guaranteed. The auction acts as a third party mediator between the buyer and seller. If there was indeed a problem found that was guaranteed, you can get your money back. Most guarantees last for a single day. One of my favorite auctions writes anything wrong with the car on the windshield. If I discover a major engine problem that wasn‘t disclosed, I can bring it back that day, and arbitrate it. When I purchase a vehicle, I pay for it and take it for a nice test drive. If I notice something funny, or if a light pops up on the dash, I bring it back and arbitrate it. As/is vehicles are exactly that as/is. No matter what happens to the car after you buy it you're stuck with it. These are vehicles you have to check thoroughly prior to bidding and be careful with.

If you know someone, who already has a used car dealer license you can get a salesperson license under their dealership. You don‘t have to pay any overhead on a lot, nor be bonded. You get dealer privileges with a salesperson license. You would be able to attend dealer car auctions, use dealer plates, etc. The problem is finding a dealer willing to trust you with this privilege, since they're held liable if you do something illegal.