Popular Cars and Auction Prices 🤩 💲

There’s usually a reason for popularity. It could be style, like the Aston Martin, appearance in pop culture (again the Aston Martin in James Bond), dependability like an indestructible early 2000s Toyota Corolla, cost, features, tech, or warranty.

High demand cars frequent our dealers’ only Capital City auction lot in Sacramento, and usually exit just as quickly. We’d like to name-drop some of the popular makes and models and give you an idea of the average price at auction. Why? 🤔

Because then you’ll know just how much you can save on a popular set of wheels. 🛞

By the way, popularity isn’t everything. Read more about reliability and how long different cars are expected to last.

Most Popular Cars in California

There are brands and model years that people like and don’t like. We should know, we see practically everything at Express Auto Auction.

Here are some of the most popular models in the Golden State, in no particular order.

1. Toyota RAV4

A used 2014 RAV4, with 100,000 miles, will likely run you over $10,000 at a used dealer. But we’ve sold that exact yer for less than $5,000. How about a 2004 Toyota RAV4 for under $1,000. We’re not talking junk cars! Even if they need some work 🔧, you will still save a lot of money on a quality brand.

Over the last several months, the average sale price of a RAV4, ranging from late 90s to late 2010s was $2,200!

2. Toyota Camry

We’ve sold hundreds of these and the average sales price hovers was $1,400 for mostly Camry’s from the late 90s and 2000s. But there was a 2012 Toyota Camry that sold for $2,100, a 2009 that went for $850, and a 2008 hybrid that sold for $6,600. All of these prices are great for your inventory and reselling, or personal use.

3. Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla’s follow a similar story as the Camry’s. These are popular and lot show up and a lot are sold. The average sale price is around $1,300 across lots of model years.

Check out our review of the Corolla.

4. Toyota Tacoma

Tacoma’s are popular trucks and it’s hard to find one with 150,000 miles AND under $15,000. Yet average sell prices at Capital City Auction were $3,200 the past months! Cha-ching! 💰

5. Toyota Prius

The Prius has been popular in California for a long time. We sell hundreds of these, and price is a big reason dealers come here. Average sale prices usually land around $2,900 at auction.

6. Ford F-Series

The most popular car (truck) in America and a lot of them come through Capital CIty auction. Average sale prices are about $1,500 at auction; and that’s huge because, as you know, these trucks command high prices even after 20 years and 200,000 miles!

7. Honda Accord

8. Honda Civic

Accord’s will run you $1,100 on average, while Civic’s average $1,400. Both of these cars eat miles all day and usually arrive on the lot with over 100,000 miles but a lot of lifespan left.

Honda is among the most reliable car brands.

9. Chevrolet Silverado

Much like the Tacoma and F-Series, the Silverado is a powerhouse and a very reliable truck that can change owners and still pile on the mileage. Even older and high mileage Silverado’s can run up the bid price, because of the demand for a popular truck that lasts, yet prices still average a low $2,200.

10. Nissan Altima

11. Nissan Sentra

Some Nissan’s last forever, don’t they? 👍 🛣️ Well Altima’s and Sentra’s sure do. You can get an Altima for dirt cheap, averaging just under $800, fix it, paint it, and it will serve you well. Much like the Altima, the Sentra sells on average for $1,400 at Capital City; mostly late 90s, 2000s models but with some newer 2010s thrown in as well.

We have more to say about the Altima here!

12. Hyundai Sonata

13. Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai, like Nissan, is another popular low-cost option in California. The Sonata sells for an average $1,100 while the Elantra usually goes for $1,900. Many of these are mid 2000s or early 2010s models and have a lot of lifespan left.

Here’s a comprehensive review of the Hyundai Elantra.

Saving Money at Auction

When it comes to the most popular cars and trucks, the evidence is overwhelming that you will save money at Capital City Auto Auction. 😀

We have auctions online every Thursday. Remember, you must be a licensed dealer to bid at our auction. Happy bidding! 🥳