All vehicles are sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS with NO guarantees or warranties—expressed or implied. You are fully responsible for conducting all due diligence before placing any bids.
AGE RESTRICTIONS & PREMISES RULES
Bidders must be 18 years or older to participate.
No minors or pets are allowed on the premises at any time.
Failure to abide by these conditions may result in immediate removal from the auction.
Auction Day Vehicle Inspection
Buyers may inspect vehicles on the day of the sale, before the auction begins.
Minimum Age Requirement: Buyers must be 18 years or older to participate.
Valid ID Required: A government-issued photo ID is required to bid.
Deposit & Payment Requirements
Deposits (Cash Only)
$300 deposit required for all winning bids.
$500 deposit required for winning bids of $2,000 or more.
Winning bids of $5,000 and above may require a higher deposit.
Deposits are non-refundable and must be made immediately after winning a bid.
Failure to leave a deposit forfeits future bidding privileges.
Accepted Payment Methods
Deposits: CASH ONLY
Final Balance: MONEY ORDERS or CASHIER’S CHECKS ONLY
CASH is NO longer accepted for final balance payments at any location
Full Cash Payments: We no longer accept full cash payments for outstanding balances.
Vehicles must be paid in full and removed by 3 PM on the following business day.
Late Payment & Storage Fees:
If not paid within one business day, the deposit will be forfeited.
If paid but not removed on time, a storage fee applies:
$25/day (San Diego)
$50/day (Oakland/Stockton)
Buyer Responsibility: Buyers are responsible for transporting and removing their vehicles. Brownfield Auto Auction is not responsible for theft or damage once the vehicle is sold.
Deposits for Online Bidding
To participate in online bidding, all users must maintain a valid deposit in their account:
A minimum refundable deposit of $500 is required to activate bidding privileges.
This deposit grants a buying power of up to $10,000, based on a 10% deposit-to-power ratio.
Deposits are fully refundable if:
No bidding activity or purchases have been made within 7 calendar days of placing the deposit, and
There are no pending payments or unpaid invoices linked to the account.
Forfeiture Policy: If a user fails to pay an invoice in full within 3 business days from issuance, the deposit will be forfeited and applied toward administrative or cancellation costs.
By placing a deposit, users agree to these terms and acknowledge that failure to comply with payment obligations may result in restrictions, forfeiture, or suspension of bidding rights.
Buyer’s Fees
Buyer’s Fee (Based on Final Sale Amount)
Sale Amount | Fee |
$0 – $299 | $110 |
$300 – $499 | $135 |
$500 – $699 | $160 |
$700 – $899 | $185 |
$900 – $1,099 | $210 |
$1,100 – $1,299 | $235 |
$1,300 – $1,499 | $260 |
$1,500 – $1,699 | $285 |
$1,700 – $1,999 | $310 |
$2,000 – $2,499 | $335 |
$2,500 – $2,999 | $360 |
$3,000 – $3,499 | $385 |
$3,500 – $3,999 | $410 |
$4,000 – $4,999 | $435 |
$5,000 – $5,999 | $460 |
$6,000 – $6,999 | $485 |
$7,000 – $9,999 | $510 |
$10,000 & Over | 8% of Sale |
Broker Fee
Sale Amount | Fee |
$0 – $2,999 | $100 |
$3,000 – $6,999 | $200 |
$7,000 – $9,999 | $300 |
$10,000 & Over | 5% of Sale |
Gate Fee
Sale Amount | Fee |
$0 – $499 | $0 |
$500 – $1,999 | $39 |
$2,000 – $3,999 | $49 |
$4,000 – $5,999 | $59 |
$6,000 – $7,999 | $69 |
$8,000 – $9,999 | $79 |
$10,000 – $14,999 | $89 |
$15,000 – $19,999 | $99 |
$20,000+ | $159 |
Green Light Fee
Sale Amount | Fee |
$0 – $2,999 | $100 |
$3,000 – $6,999 | $200 |
$7,000 – $9,999 | $300 |
$10,000 & Over | 3% of Sale |
SMOG Fee (If Applicable)
$50
Note: These fees must be added to the final bid price. For any questions about fees, please contact us or visit our facilities on auction day.
Bidding & Auction Terms
Minimum Bids & Reserves
Vehicles are auctioned with no minimum bids or reserves, except for consignments that have a reserve price.
If a reserve is not met, the bid will be classified as an “IF” bid.
“IF” Bids (Offers)
“IF” bids mean the bidder agrees to purchase the vehicle if the seller accepts the offer.
Offers remain valid until Monday after the auction.
If an offer is approved and the buyer fails to complete the purchase, the deposit is forfeited.
Mileage Disclaimer
Vehicles 10 years or older are sold as "TMU" (True Mileage Unknown) unless otherwise stated. Brownfield Auto Auction does not guarantee the odometer reading on any vehicle.
Vehicle Registration, Title & DMV
The buyer is responsible for all DMV and emission fees.
Emission-related repairs are the buyer’s responsibility.
Brownfield Auto Auction does not process DMV paperwork.
The buyer is responsible for title transfer, sales tax, and registration.
Vehicle Inspection & Auction Policies
Inspection begins 2 hours before the auction starts.
Test drives are not allowed.
Tampering with vehicles (e.g., removing keys, altering mechanical components) is prohibited and subject to vandalism charges (California Penal Code 594 PC).
Brownfield Auto Auction is not responsible for listing errors regarding year, make, model, or mileage.
Vehicle Paperwork & Title Codes
Code | Meaning |
T | Title |
ST | Salvage Title |
SR | Salvage Retention |
OT | Out-of-State Title |
ADT | Application for Duplicate Title |
SADT | Salvage with ADT |
SCERT | Salvage Certificate |
LS | Lien Sale Paperwork |
ADT/SR | Duplicate & Salvage Retention |
LLBB | Lemon Law Buyback |
TP | Title Pending |
NT | No Title |
PNO | Planned Non-Operation |
Title paperwork is processed after payment clears. Brownfield Auto Auction is not responsible for errors in title documentation.
Auction Rules & Buyer Responsibilities
Buyers must ensure they are bidding on the correct vehicle.
If you are the highest bidder, you must purchase the vehicle—failure to do so will result in forfeiture of bidding privileges.
Vehicles are sold "AS-IS, WHERE-IS" with no guarantees or warranties.
Green Light (If Applicable)
Covers engine & transmission ONLY for 1 hour after purchase.
Sale cancellation due to Green Light must be approved by management.
If approved, the vehicle and paperwork must be returned within 1 hour, and the vehicle must not exceed 20 miles of test driving.
Legal & Liability Notices
Media Waiver
By entering the auction, you grant permission for Brownfield Auto Auction to use your image and video recordings for any promotional purpose. No compensation will be provided for media use.
Assumption of Risk & Liability Release
All individuals entering the premises agree to release Brownfield Auto Auction from any liability related to personal injury, loss, or property damage. Attendees assume all risks associated with the auction.
Participation Agreement
By participating in the auction, you agree to all terms and conditions.
Do not place bids if you do not agree with the auction rules.
Bidding implies full understanding and acceptance of these terms.
For Questions About Fees or Policies
Visit our auction facility on auction day or contact us for more information at (619) 374-1221 or [email protected]