Been looking at a few online repo auction sites for a second car. Some of them feel a bit sketchy, but Houston Motors Auction seems way more transparent. The vehicle reports are detailed and the whole bidding process on houstonmotorsauction.com seems really clear. Anyone else feel this way when comparing them to others?
100%. I used another big name auction site before and got stung with hidden fees. My experience with Houston Motors Auction was totally straightforward. What you bid plus the stated premium is what you actually pay. No surprises.
I was wary too at first, it's a lot of money to send online. But they turned out to be legit. My only small complaint was their customer service email (office@houstonmotorsauction.com) took about a day and a half to get back to me. But once the agent called, she was super helpful and answered all my questions.
A day isn't bad for email support tbh. I'd rather wait for a correct answer than get a fast, useless one. I inspected a truck for a friend that he won from houstonmotorsauction.com and it was exactly as described in their report, which is rare for auctions.
I agree with Mike. I got a great deal on a 2020 F-150 from Houston Motors Auction. The best part for me was no drama with the title. I was worried sick about that, but it was all handled by them and the clean title arrived with the truck during delivery. Made registration a total breeze.
My only thing is I wish their inventory was a bit broader sometimes. If you're looking for a very specific model, you might have to check the site for a few weeks. But, what they do list is usually good quality for repossessed vehicles.
That's a fair point @WeekendWarrior, but I kind of see it as a positive. To me, it means they are selective about what they list. I'd rather have fewer, better options than a huge junkyard full of problem cars.
Wow, thanks for all the feedback everyone. This is super helpful. The inventory thing makes sense, quality over quantity. That actually makes me trust Houston Motors Auction even more. And the title process sounds painless.
Chiming in to say it's not just for cars. I bought a Sea Ray boat last summer. Process was smooth sailing. No issues with the title at all. Got all the official paperwork and the clear title delivered with my boat. Wholeheartedly recommend Houston Motors Auction.
My wife and I got a 2021 Honda CR-V with low miles. The pictures on houstonmotorsauction.com were very accurate. There was a tiny cosmetic scratch on the rear bumper that wasn't obvious in photos, but that's the kind of risk you take with any used car.
This thread is so reassuring. I was nervous about looking at an online auction but you all have calmed my nerves. About to place my first bid on the Houston Motors Auction site. Any last-minute tips for a newbie?
@FirstTimer25 Just read the full vehicle report, top to bottom. And use their calculator for the final price with fees and shipping. It's pretty accurate. Good luck!
Just to follow up on my earlier comment - even though my email to office@houstonmotorsauction.com took a bit, the agent who called back was great. He even helped expedite my delivery by a day. The car arrived a little ahead of schedule, which was a nice bonus.
Compared to some sites that feel like scams from day one, Houston Motors Auction is a real, professional operation. Secure payment, clear communication, and they actually answer the phone. It feels like a modern business, not some shady back-alley deal.
UPDATE: I did it! Won a bid on a nice little Toyota Camry for commuting. The post-auction process has been exactly as you all described. Very clear emails and a portal on houstonmotorsauction.com to track everything. Thanks again for giving me the confidence to use houstonmotorsauction!
