From dream cars to salvage and more, here’s all the types of vehicles you can buy from IAA

Ritchie Bros. joined together with IAA in 2023, and ever since we’ve been on a mission to continue delivering solutions to our customers with effectiveness and efficiency.

Customers familiar with Ritchie Bros. might not be aware of IAA’s vehicle auctions and what type of vehicles they can buy. IAA sells thousands of aftermarket vehicles – from highly damaged to the nearly new – in every category, make, and model in their online auctions. But they also offer trucks, recreational vehicles, boats, and even the kind of heavy equipment and truck tractors you regularly see at Ritchie Bros. auctions.      

Here’s a quick overview of the various type of vehicles you can purchase at IAA auctions, and what you need to know about titles.   

Dream Rides that turn some heads

Every week, IAA conducts what’s called a Dream Rides auction. This is an attractive mix of high-end luxury vehicles, exotic roadsters, muscle cars, and more. Think Range Rovers, classic Rolls Royce, Ferraris, etc.

All vehicles are hand-picked by IAA specialists and sold through its online platform each week every Monday. Vehicles are located at various IAA branches across North America. This is a great spot for finding your next rebuild project or buying a vehicle ready to hit the road right away.

Rec Rides™ rev up powersport fans

The outdoorsy types looking for that perfect recreation motorized toy will appreciate the selection in IAA’s Rec Rides auctions. Whether it’s for roads, water, or snow, Rec Rides is the spot for powersports fun. 

In Rec Rides you’ll find items like Harley Davidson motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis, all-terrain vehicles, boats, and more!

Specialty Auctions for yellow iron and beyond

If you’re in the transportation industry then IAA’s Specialty Auctions should be a prime destination for finding a wide selection of semi trucks and trailers. IAA’s Specialty auctions also offer construction equipment, which can be purchased via the Buy Now option or weekly scheduled auction.

This is another buying solution for Ritchie Bros. customers looking for heavy equipment for their next project. 

Clean and salvage titles explained  

Before buying a car from an IAA online auction, it’s important to understand the type of title assigned to the vehicle. The two most common are clear and salvage titles.

Vehicles with clear titles have never been deemed a total loss by an insurance company. For IAA vehicles, this usually means the car needs some repairs, but the repairs should not be more than what the vehicle is worth.

A salvage title is typically issued when an insurance company says a vehicle needs more repairs than the car is worth, making it a total-loss vehicle. This usually happens because of a significant incident, collision or deterioration. Stolen or abandoned cars may get a salvage title even if there isn’t much damage, depending on state regulations.

It’s also important to know that each U.S. state has its own requirements to get a rebuilt or restored title for salvage-title cars. Buyers will need to check with their local regulations to know whether a rebuilt salvage vehicle can be sold and/or driven legally. These are the main reasons salvage-title vehicles are often purchased by licensed scrappers, dismantlers and recyclers.

Curious about bidding in IAA actions? Registration is FREE

If you’re interested in joining in online car auctions, your first step is to register for an IAA account. The process takes only a few minutes and can be done completely online.

See also

How to sell surplus for government agencies: 5 tips for better results