WHERE TO FIND A PROJECT CAR IN 2025

INTRO 0:00
INSURANCE AUCTIONS 3:00
TOWYARD AUCTIONS 5:49
OTHER AUCTIONS 8:19
CRAIGSLIST 10:30
OFFERUP 11:19
WRAP UP 12:01

Disclaimer: Buying any used car, regardless of the source, comes with risk. We’re not responsible if you buy an absolute lemon.

Some of the methods here are high risk, high reward. It’s up to you to inspect the car beforehand. If you don’t have the know-how, that’s not our fault.

Consider this purely educational content.

15 years ago you could hit up Craigslist for some pretty crazy deals. Think of a bone stock Integra, non-running, that just needs a fuel pump and a good detail. These days it’s hard to find these deals, that’s why we’re going over some alternative places to source your next project car.

Everyone knows the cesspit that is Facebook Marketplace. The place where you have to deal with sh*t-posters, scammers, and unmotivated sellers. As a seller, you’ll find low-ballers, tire-kickers, and flakes. Sure, Craigslist had these too, but at least buyers had to construct a coherent message instead of slapping the infamous ‘Is this still available?’ button.

The other problem is that so-called ‘project cars’ aren’t the same these days. ‘Shells’ aren't cars that simply need an engine and transmission, instead, they need a drivetrain, interior panels, a diff, brakes, random suspension parts… Oh, and the cherry on top: ‘It doesn’t come with the wheels, so bring your own’. Check out ‘shells’ on Marketplace if you don’t believe us—most are absolutely lobotomized.

To be fair, you should still check Marketplace. It’s the most active, so the law of probabilities says that you’ll have the best chance of finding your project car here. But if you look and you’re still having trouble finding a deal, luckily there are other options.

So, where can you find a good deal on a project car in 2025? We’re going to discuss some of our favorites in the rest of this article—pros, cons, and if any are right for you. Some sources have tons have cars, basically any model, trim, and color you desire, while others are more about seizing an opportunity if it pops up.

So, we gave you some methods of finding a project car that doesn’t involve going around knocking on doors. While you’re not guaranteed to find exactly what you’re looking for, at least you’ll have more avenues to search. Even if the perfect car comes up, it’s not a given it will go for less than you could find on Marketplace.

And remember, for auctions, set your max bid and stick with it!