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City Motor Auction — A Detailed Review

 The main goal of this page is to serve as the primary resources for the City Motor Auctions review. With that goal in mind, let’s begin with a brief introduction.

City Motor Auction Group is a long‑standing dealer‑focused vehicle auction house based in Eagle Farm, Queensland, offering regular auction events that connect motor dealers and buyers with a wide selection of used cars. The company runs dealer‑only auctions, including simulcast online bidding, with sessions typically held twice weekly for late‑model and various range vehicles.

City Motor Auction was established in 1991 and has grown to become one of Queensland’s recognised automotive auction providers, known for its personalised service, no‑fuss approach, and commitment to professional auction experiences. The business prides itself on integrity and flexibility in meeting market conditions, while providing a marketplace where licensed dealers can efficiently sell and source vehicle stock.

SnapShot / Quick Drive-through City Motor Auctions Review

  1. 1
    City Motor is a vehicle auction platform with 100–200+ listings available on any given day.
  2. 2
    There are multiple auction types such as cars, sedans, hatchbacks, wagons, SUVs & 4WDs, vans, and commercial vehicles.
  3. 3
    Listings usually include descriptive information such as model, year, odometer (km), transmission, fuel type and energy capacity, along with multiple photos providing multiple views.
  4. 4
    Buyers can expect a wide range of vehicles in varying conditions: good, average, and specialty/problematic conditions.
  5. 5
    All auctions are conducted online through simulcast bidding.
  6. 6
    Each scheduled auction occurs on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM and Fridays at 11:00 AM (dealers only).
  7. 7
    City Motor Auction charges fees and buyer’s premium typical of dealer auctions (fee details available upon registration), applied only if a vehicle is successfully won.
  8. 8
    Overall, with a Google rating of 4.0 / 5 based on 172 reviews, City Motor Auctions is praised for its professionalism, smooth processes, and convenience for licensed motor dealers.
Image of cars from City Motor Auctions
Source: City Motor Auctions

How City Motor Auctions Work?

City Motor Auctions hosts multiple auction categories and listing types. Central Auto Auctions operates as a dealer-only vehicle auction house based in Brisbane, Queensland, offering 100-200+ vehicles for bidding on any given day. Buyers can purchase affordable deals for quality vehicles through a simple online bidding system and physical live auctionsat their Eagle Farm facility, located at 720 Kingsford Smith Dr, Eagle Farm QLD 4009, Australia, where they place a refundable deposit and only pay the buyer’s premium if they secure the deal.

Types of Auctions on City Motor Auctions

City Motor Auctions lists vehicles across a wide range of categories to ensure buyers’ consistent choice and flexibility.
Usually, 3 different types of auctions are held regularly or occasionally:
  1. 1 Cars: Sedans, Hatchbacks, Wagons
  2. 2 SUVs
  3. 3 Vans & Commercial Vehicles

Auctions Structure

  • All auctions are simulcast online in real-time
  • Each vehicle has its own scheduled closing time
  • Listings are active according to the auction schedule
  • A “Last Call” extension applies if bids are placed in the final moments

Information Available on Listings

Listings usually include:

Vehicle make, model and year
Odometer (km)
Transmission and fuel type
Dealer Comments
Multiple images showing different angles
Location
Registration Number
Features & Safety

Overall, City Motor Auctions positions itself as a transparent and flexible alternative to traditional car buying.

Review of Vehicle Details Listed on City Motor Auctions


City Motor Auctions listings generally include detailed descriptions such as model, year, odometer (km), transmission, fuel type, inspection location and pickup details. This allows buyers to shortlist vehicles efficiently before deeper research.

3.5 – It includes very good and overall detailed information.

Review of Vehicle Conditions on City Motor Auctions

Cars in auctions aren’t limited to poor condition or low quality stock. Auction vehicles can range from well-maintained cars to those that require repairs and maintenance. City Motor Auctions vehicle listings can be divided into three broad types:

  1. 1 Good Condition: younger, well-maintained vehicles
  2. 2 Average Condition: everyday used vehicles and older fleet cars that may show wear and tear
  3. 3 Specialty/Problematic: occasional classic or prestige vehicles, as well as cars with mechanical or cosmetic issues

3 – The car looks good based on photos. Otherwise, it is mentioned by the seller in dealer comments.

Review of Images on Vehicles of City Motor Auctions

3 – Most cars include 10 – 20+ photos, enough to be informed to the buyers.

Review of Buyer's Premium on City Motor Auctions

Instead of inflating the car prices with hidden margins, City Motor Auctions keeps auction pricing simple and transparent with a clear buyer’s premium which is charged only when buyers successfully win a vehicle. It charges a flat buyer’s premium of $500(assumed) .

2 – The exact fee is not mentioned.

Average Reviews of City Motor Auctions from Customers Online

Google ratings are only weighted by number of reviews; Trustpilot and ProductReview excluded due to insufficient data.

  • Google Ratings: 4.0 based on 172 reviews

: 4.0 × 172 = 688

  • Trustpilot: 0 reviews
  • ProductReview rating: 0 reviews
  • Total weighted score: 688
  • Total reviews: 172

Final rating: 688 ÷ 172 = 4.0

Final Score for City Motor Auctions after Reviewing different factors:

3.1 – City Motor Auctions provides a decent daily inventory, online simulcast access, and generally helpful staff, making it convenient for buyers in Brisbane. The score is lowered due to limited formal condition reports, reliance on dealer comments, and occasional post-purchase issues, so careful inspection and research are recommended.

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Overall Pros and Cons

In conclusion, City Motor Auctions offers transparent fees, a reliable auction schedule, and a streamlined online bidding experience—making it a practical and efficient choice for licensed dealers who value clarity, convenience, and professional service.

How to Bid on City Motor Auctions? Step by Step Guide

  1. 1
    Register an account on the CMG/BidsOnline portal to receive a unique bidder number.
  2. 2
    Pay a $500 refundable deposit via credit card to activate your bidding privileges.
  3. 3
    Inspect vehicles in person at the Mile End South or Hillcrest yard, open 5–6 days a week.
  4. 4
    Join the Simulcast Auction at the scheduled time. Bidding is real-time—simply click the “Bid” button to place your offer.
  5. 5
    If successful, your $500 deposit is charged, and the remaining balance is due via EFT within 24 hours.
  6. 6
    Receive notifications via email or SMS regarding your bid status or auction results.

In conclusion, City Motor Auctions offers transparent fees, diverse listings and a structured online bidding process to make it easier for buyers to approach vehicle auctions with clarity, analysis and confidence.

Auction Time

City Motor Auctions simulcast auctions every Wednesday 10AM and Friday 11AM, and these sessions are dealers only. Buyers must be registered and approved to participate in these live simulcast auctions.

FAQs- City Motor Auctions Review

Is City Motor Auctions legitimate in Australia?
  • Yes, City Motor Auctions operates nationwide as an online-only vehicle auction platform.
  • No, the buyer’s premium applies only if you successfully win a vehicle.
  • Often yes, especially the flat buyer’s premium and other factors make it affordable.