Car Auctions in Lithuania 2026 — How to Buy Cheaper

Car auctions are one way to buy a car below market price. In Lithuania and Europe, there are insurance auctions (Copart, IAAI), leasing auctions (ExLeasingCar, Autorola) and seized vehicle auctions (bailiffs, STI). However, savings come with risks: hidden defects, broker fees and complex documentation. In this guide — everything you need to know before buying a car at auction in 2026.

Types of Auctions

1. Insurance Auctions (Copart, IAAI)

Insurance auctions sell cars that insurance companies have declared a total loss — after an accident, flood, vandalism or theft. Prices can be 40–70% below market, but the car is almost always damaged.

Platforms:

• Copart (copart.com) — the world's largest, ~200,000 cars at any time. Operates in the US, UK, Germany, Spain.
• IAAI (iaai.com) — second largest, primarily US market.
• Autobid.de — German insurance auction, geographically closer to Lithuania.

Important: Most insurance auctions sell cars without warranty, on an "as is" basis. On-site inspection is usually not possible.

2. Leasing / Ex-Lease Auctions

Leasing companies and large fleet operators sell cars whose lease agreements have ended. These are typically well-maintained vehicles with full service history — only 2–4 years old.

Platforms:

• ExLeasingCar (exleasingcar.com) — European ex-lease platform, many German and Dutch cars
• Autorola (autorola.lt) — operates in Lithuania, mostly B2B, but private registration is possible
• Ayvens Carmarket (ayvens.com) — formerly LeasePlan, one of the largest in Europe

Advantage: Better car condition than insurance auctions. Full history, service book, often just one owner.

3. Seized / Bailiff Auctions

Bailiffs and the STI (State Tax Inspectorate) sell seized cars from debtors. Prices are sometimes lower, but selection is limited and the process is slow.

Where to find:

• evarzytynes.lt — Lithuania's official electronic auction system
• Bailiffs' Chamber website — announcements about seized property
• STI auctions — rare, but cars do appear

Important: At seized auctions, the car's condition can be anything. Check everything before paying.

How to Participate in an Auction — Step by Step

1. Register on the platform

Most platforms require registration and identity verification. Some (Copart, IAAI) require a broker — an intermediary who bids on your behalf.

2. Search and analyse the car

• Filter by make, model, year, damage type
• Carefully review photos — this is usually the only information available
• Check the VIN number — this is critically important. Use our VIN check guide and verify the history before bidding

3. Bidding process

• Set your maximum price in advance and don't exceed it
• Add buyer's premium: typically 5–15% of the final price
• Add shipping costs: from the US — €1,500–3,000, from Germany — €300–800
• Add customs duty and VAT (if from a non-EU country): 10% duty + 21% VAT

4. Payment and collection

• Payment within 2–5 business days after winning
• Arrange shipping (platform offers or independently)
• Registration in Lithuania: you'll need an import declaration, pollution tax payment, technical inspection

How Much Can You Actually Save?

Real example — 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:

Conclusion: After all taxes and repairs, savings are often minimal or zero. Insurance auctions only make sense if you have your own workshop or are buying the car for parts.

Leasing auctions are a different story. Cars there are in good condition and savings of 10–20% off market price are realistic.

Risks and Pitfalls

Hidden damage

Insurance auction cars often have damage invisible in photos: frame deformation, flood damage (electronics corrode within months), airbag system issues.

Odometer rollback

Particularly relevant for US imports — odometer fraud is rarer there but not impossible. Always check the VIN before bidding.

Broker fees

If using a broker (Copart/IAAI), an additional fee of €200–500 per lot. Add shipping, customs duty, VAT on top.

Documentation issues

US cars have a Clean Title or Salvage Title. Registering a Salvage Title car in Lithuania is more complex — a separate technical expertise is required.

Don't want to risk auctions? We'll help you find a verified car from European dealers with a warranty — +370 610 33377 | Get a quote →

Best Platforms for Lithuanians 2026

Alternative — Car from Germany via a Dealer

If you don't want to risk auctions, another way to buy cheaper is to purchase directly from German or Dutch dealers. Cars with service history, warranty and proper documentation. More about this process — in our guide to buying a car from Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions