'No More Secrets': Woman Goes To a Dealership Auction. She Can't Believe the Prices

A Miami woman has revealed how you can buy a car from an auction for as cheap as $800.

In a TikTok that’s generated over 285,000 views as of this writing, Rebecca Martinez showcases the process of attending a dealers-only auction.

“Let me tell you about a place where you can literally get cars for $800,” Martinez begins.

Martinez says that the dealers-only auction is the place to get fantastic deals on cars. However, there is a catch. To get into the auction, you need to have a dealers license. But she says it’s worth it.

“The cars and the car prices will shock you,” Martinez claims.

Martinez says  a decked out Jeep Gladiator sold for $30,000 at the auction when typically this vehicle would be sold for six digits.

“The car options and opportunities to get them super cheap are honestly endless,” she continues.

Martinez says the dealers only auction has been a great way for her to purchase cars for her Turo business and personal cars.

“No more secrets. No more spending hours upon hours in a dealership, nor having to go down the Facebook Marketplace rabbit hole just to potentially deal with scammers,” Martinez says. 

“These cars going through the lines at the auction are heavily inspected. Meaning you get to know almost every little thing about this car,” she adds.

“Nothing is hidden. Which definitely helps make the car buying process go a lot smoother,” Martinez concludes.

Can Anyone Buy Cars at Dealer-Only Auctions?

Regular people can buy cars at a dealer-only auction if they obtain an auto dealers license. The process to get a license varies from state to state and the full breakdown is listed on your state's department of motor vehicles website, Surety Bonds reports.

There are five different types of dealer licenses that you can obtain. These licenses include wholesale dealer, franchise dealer, new car dealer, used car dealer, and miscellaneous dealer. 

There are eight steps to becoming a certified dealer:

1. Research and determine local licensing requirements
2. Determine and select the business structure
3. Complete states licensing application
4. Purchase business insurance
5. Provide proof of physical business location
6. Submit fingerprints for background check
7. Complete pre-licensing training
8. Pay registration fees once approved.

Typically the license can cost between $225 and $800. However, this price does not include the fees associated with registering a business, getting insurance, and paying for a background check.

Is There A Secret Way Unlicensed Buyers Can Take Advantage?

If you’re not inclined to get a license to be a car dealer, there is a workaround to get access to dealers-only auctions: pay a dealer a fee to bid for you.

“I went in one time with a dealer and he let me bid on my own car. He only charged me $800,” one TikTok commenter shared.

Martinez has also posted about doing this for one of her clients. 

“I just bought a car at a dealers-only auction for one of my clients who inquired about my car buying service,” she says.

While buying a car at a dealer-only auction can be a way to score a great price, people who commented on Martinez’s post did have some criticisms and words of caution.

“Dealer pays $800, dealer sells us this car for a low price of $45,000,” one wrote. 

“The scammers are the dealers,” a second agreed. 

“I used to go to these with my dad. They are cheap sometimes because they got things wrong with them,” another said.

Motor1 has contacted Martinez via email and TikTok direct message. The story will be updated if she replies.