Non-running and broken cars sell for a fraction of what working cars bring, which is exactly why mechanics, flippers and parts buyers look for them. The catch is that “doesn’t start” can mean a $100 battery or a dead engine. This guide explains how to read an auction listing for a broken car, what to check before bidding, and how to keep the deal profitable.
What the condition labels mean
Most auctions describe a car’s running condition in a few standard ways. On Remarket Space, every listing shows one of these:
| Label | What it means | Risk level |
|---|---|---|
| Runs & drives | Starts and moves under its own power | Lowest |
| Starts, won’t drive | The engine runs, but the car won’t move (often transmission, drivetrain or brakes) | Medium |
| Does not start | The engine won’t start | Higher: the cause is unknown |
| Run status unknown | Not tested, common with boats, equipment and stored vehicles | Highest |
Treat “does not start” and “unknown” as the worst case until you know otherwise, and bid accordingly.
Common reasons a car won’t start
Some no-start problems are cheap, and some aren’t:
- Usually cheaper: a dead battery, corroded terminals, a bad starter or alternator, a blown fuse, or an empty or bad-fuel tank
- Can go either way: fuel pumps, ignition switches and key or immobilizer problems
- Usually expensive: a seized or damaged engine, a timing belt or chain failure, or major electrical damage
The listing’s photos, video and inspection notes help you guess which bucket you’re in. A car with a clean engine bay and a recent battery is a different bet from one that’s been sitting in a field.
Check the title type, too
Running condition is only half the picture. Remarket Space listings also show the title status:
- Clean title: no brand
- Salvage title / Prior salvage / Total loss history: the car was declared a total loss at some point. Salvage vehicles usually need a state inspection before they can be registered again. See salvage title cars in Minnesota.
- Junk title or bill of sale only: may not be registrable for road use, so this is often a parts or project car. Check with your state’s motor vehicle office before bidding if you plan to drive it.
- Mileage not actual: the odometer reading can’t be trusted
How to budget for a broken car
Work backward from what the car is worth to you once it’s fixed, or as parts:
- Estimate the end value. Use real sold prices for the same model in running condition.
- Price the likely repair, then add a buffer for what you can’t see.
- Add fees, tax and transport. These include the buyer’s premium, administrative fee, sales tax and title fees. See the Pricing & Fees page.
- Set your maximum bid at the end value minus all of the above, minus the profit you want.
If the deal only works when the problem turns out to be the cheap one, it’s a gamble, not a deal.
Getting it home
A non-running car can’t be driven away, so plan the move before you bid. At impound and surplus auctions, you’re usually responsible for towing it yourself. Remarket Space delivers every vehicle it sells, so there’s no lot pickup to arrange.
Where to find broken cars at auction
Remarket Space lists cars in every condition, from runs-and-drives to does-not-start, often with no reserve, and Buy Now prices start at $699. Every listing shows its running condition, title status, photos, video and inspection notes up front. Browse today’s cars →
For other options, see Online Car Auctions in Minnesota and our guide to flipping cars in Minnesota, including the 5-car limit before you need a dealer license.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying a car that doesn’t start?
It can be, if the price leaves room for a worst-case repair. Buy on the assumption that the problem is expensive, and treat a cheap fix as a bonus.
What’s the difference between “starts, won’t drive” and “does not start”?
“Starts, won’t drive” means the engine runs but the car won’t move, which often points to the transmission or drivetrain. “Does not start” means the engine won’t start at all.
Does Remarket Space deliver the cars it sells?
Yes. Every vehicle Remarket Space sells is delivered.
Does the guarantee cover non-running cars?
The 3-Day Major Mechanical Guarantee applies to eligible vehicles. Check the guarantee page and the listing for details before you bid.
