Best Salvage Vehicles to Buy on Copart

CoProxy Editors

Published in Buying on CopartSeptember 8th 20255 min read

Buying the best salvage vehicles on Copart starts with a lot of questions. What are you looking for in a salvage vehicle? If you’re buying on Copart for a fixer-upper that you plan to daily drive or for a vehicle to flip there are a few consistent aspects. You’re looking for vehicles that are cheap and easy to fix, that have a large selection, and are desirable but attainable. Rare vehicles are more difficult to source parts for and the buyer audience is much smaller.Many of these vehicles are the most popular models on the road today, for a reason. They’re affordable, easy to find parts for, tend to be reliable, and are well known. The consistency in the construction plays a role in all of these aspects. The engineers have had the time to perfect them and buyers know them well. This is ideal for a safe daily driver or flip option.

Quick Salvage Vehicle Buying for Cheap Repairs

Avoid blown airbags: airbags cost between $1500 and $4000 to replace and can quickly drive up the cost of a repair that looked cheap otherwise.Avoid frame damage: frame damage can be the death of a vehicle turning it into a parts only purchase.Buy popular vehicles: popular vehicles are easier to source parts and sell faster on the flip.Cosmetic damage only: You won’t get as good of a deal on them but they tend to be a safer buy.Inspect in person: if you can, go to your local copart yard and inspect the vehicle in person.Pay attention to year and mileage: different model years can make a big difference and older vehicles can be harder to source parts for or sell. High mileage can be ok in some situations but think about how many miles it has left or if you plan to sell it, how it’s going to look to a buyer.

1. Toyota Sedans (Camry, Corolla)

Toyota Camrys and Corollas are some of the most common vehicles on the road. They’re affordable and reliable. This means they hold their value well. People know what to expect. You may not make a fortune on them, unless you get lucky and find an easy repair, but you’re unlikely to lose money on them. If you’re buying on a budget, getting started with car flipping, or just want an easy daily driver, start here.

2. Honda Civics & Accords

Honda Civics are some of the most well known mechanic vehicles. For the longest time they were the easiest and cheapest vehicles to work on. Perfect for beginner mechanics while also being endlessly mod-able and incredibly reliable.Honda Accords have been one of the most consistent vehicles in regards to holding their value. They rarely deviate on price and will last for thousands of miles. The demand is huge for them and can be the safest choice for a quick flip.

3. SUVs & Crossovers (Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape)

SUVs and Crossovers are the most popular vehicle models on the road. Every brand has their version and the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape are some of the most popular, highest selling, and most consistent options. It’s hard to go too wrong with any of these. The parts are easy to source and the demand is high. You can easily flip one for a quick profit. It’s also great for someone looking for an upgrade into a SUV that can’t quite afford a pristine one. Find one with minimal damage and fix the important parts and you’ll have a daily, family vehicle at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one.

4. Pickup Trucks (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tacoma)

Pickup trucks are always popular, the buying audience is huge, and they can command a great price if they work well. The repair costs can get a little higher with these as some parts can get expensive. You’ll still be able to source most parts but they’ll come with a price tag. Be aware of mechanical fixes for 4x4 models but also recognize that these will get a better sell price if you aim to flip it. If you’re looking for your own work truck then this is a perfect place to shop. You won’t be as concerned with cosmetic damage and just need to make sure that there is no frame damage or difficult fixes on key components.

5. Hybrids (Toyota Prius, Honda Insight)

Hybrids are in high demand and buyers often won’t worry as much about a little damage as long as it runs great. Battery replacements can cost an arm and a leg so be careful and only buy a used or salvage hybrid if you know these types of vehicles or know how to spot high cost repairs. If you can find a good one though you can sell them easily. It’s not the flashiest flip but can be a safe choice with the right buy.

6. Fleet & Rental Returns (Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, Hyundai Elantra)

Typically fleet and rental returns are well maintained through their life so if you can find one with minimal damage it can be an affordable option. The Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu, or Hyundai Elantra are all safer options. These days though you need to look out for high mileage as some of these are getting driven for a long time before reaching Copart.com. A great option for daily drivers though.

Buy The Best Copart Vehicles

Buying on Copart.com is a very different experience and if you’re new to the process go slow, be careful, and do your research. These vehicles are usually not drivable even if they say “Runs & Drives” that means something very different on Copart than it does to most people. Just because the engine turns on and the wheels turn a little, doesn’t mean you don’t have tons of suspension, electrical, or other issues to address before the vehicle is legal to drive on the road. Review some of our other articles before you start buying on Copart to avoid costly headaches.Basics to buying from an online auto auctionhttps://coproxy.com/articles/buying-from-an-online-auto-auctionGetting started buying salvage vehicleshttps://coproxy.com/articles/get-started-buying-salvageHow to Avoid Copart Feeshttps://coproxy.com/articles/how-to-avoid-copart-fees