Southern Auto Auction in
East Windsor Township (CT)

Difficult to processing membership, unnecessary paperwork make the customer frustration. If you are looking to take out a loan from a bank, I am looking for options that require fewer documents.

Worst auto auction to pick up cars at won't help you at all and if you have to stay because the other lot closed they will kick you out even though there are no signs saying no over night parking I will never pick up there again

As a transporter, my experience with 161 Southern Auto Auction was extremely disappointing. Before sending my driver to pick up the vehicle, I confirmed multiple times with their staff that the unit was ready for pickup. Each time, I was assured that everything was prepared.

However, when my driver arrived at the location, he was told the vehicle was not ready. This caused unnecessary delays, wasted fuel, and lost valuable time. Transporters operate on tight schedules, and situations like this disrupt routes and increase operating costs — especially with fuel prices being so high these days.

Better communication and accurate information are critical in this industry. Confirming that a vehicle is ready when it is not shows a lack of coordination and respect for transporters' time and resources.

I hope they improve their communication and internal processes so other transporters do not face the same issue.

It closes very early. That's very bad, you understand? Please make it close a little later

Car my company had a lease to was going to be sold here, turns out it couldn’t so I went to pick it up on behalf of the leasing company, who had also dropped it off. They never charge the leasing company for storage based on their deal with them but because the car will no longer be sold there they are upset and trying to charge me over $3,000 for storage for the car… very strange and horrible business. No need to charge and they made up numbers. When I spoke with the leasing company they mentioned that they are NEVER charged for storage. But because I wanted to pick it up from the auction they made numbers up.

Horrible business people, horrible place, no heart, not recommended to anyone who is sincere and wants to do good business.

Bought a car there for a customer of ours, the car was already there so I didn't have a choice. Car was delivered, a late model car and it looked like someone was living in it. I don't know who did the pictures but they were awesome! I want to hire their photographer. I called the Auction spoke to Lynn she is the Lease manager I asked her why the car wasn't detailed, she said they didn't have time. Lynn was uncaring and rude. I called the Leasing company that owned the car and was told they pay Southern Auto Auction to clean the car. Normally I wouldn't care too much but I had a $1000.00 buy fee. I called again and spoke to Steve, he said take pictures and send them to him and he would get back to me the next day. Of course he never got back to me. All I was looking for was the cost of the detail. Been buying cars for 40 years and never had an issue like this, nor have I had to deal with ignorant auction representatives. In closing rest assured I will never buy another car from Southern Auto Auction. This is what happens when you buy online.

Denean is the best. She helped me out immensely with finding my plates. The facility is very clean, organized and professional. I had a fantastic experience here especially with Denean. She was very efficient and a pleasure to deal with. Fantastic customer service.

I have come from over 240 miles away to get a car on numerous occasions.Security is always great but there are no shuttles to take me to the car. It isn’t a life or death situation but my co driver can’t walk very far and I’m 72 and not as fast as I used to be.half mile ride would be much appreciated.

Inaccurate information about its vehicles and intentionally concealing significant damages. This practice involves the misrepresentation of the condition of the cars and withholding critical details about prior issues or defects, leading to a breach of trust with customers and potential legal implications for deceptive business practices. Such actions not only compromise customer safety but also violate industry standards of transparency and ethical responsibility.

This auction has to much estrogen making critical decisions, that are backed solely on emotions, and feelings. As the car auctions are on a steady decline, so are the attitudes of the employees at Southern Auto Auction. I tried contacting upper management , and the over abundance of improper female voicing is quite apparent. When I asked upper management if my problem has been cleared up. The old woman replied with “I don’t know, are you feeling lucky.?” Which clearly shows that everything I said from there on out was taken on a personal level. Instead of doing what successful business people do, instilling their pride, and professionalism and using it towards customers. Separating feelings, and emotions from the business atmosphere is where Southern Auto Auction lacks. I got the worst treatment possible, and had to deal with it, because it was out of my control. When I asked a question, I would NOT get a direct answer. Instead , I was told “everything will be fine.” I only bought one car from this auction over the span of a couple years. Which could be another reason for the way I was poorly treated at Southern Auto Auction.

If you want to re live drama from a “high school - like “ atmosphere. This auction may just be for you. But if you’re looking to conduct business with an honest, professional, and upfront auction then I would steer clear of Southern Auto Auction.

My day was going great, I was having the best day of my entire life, and then I met Frank. Their “Security” … Unpleasant and Smelled absolutely horrible like old foot cheese. Was rude and inconsiderate.

Not good a security guard at the front gate got in my face screaming at me like he has the authority to do that like he’s police officer when he’s just a lot gaurd im gonna find out what’s his name and bring up the proper channels kus clearly that wasint professional at all he needs to learn how to give people space and not get up in thier face yelling at them

Unfortunately my car was repossessed and moved to this auction while I’ve been in contact with everyone at the lender & auction someone thought it was ok to cut my keys after I stated plz don’t I’m redeeming my vehicle now I went to redeem on 10/19 and My car isn’t running isn’t able to start because why they cut the keys after saying they wasn’t ! I spoke to Elaine day before & she told me “my car was not touch & left how it was found “ Lie ! This has been going on for 2 weeks nd I’m still without my car I paid for & their company/ dealer will not provide me with a loaner car & they will not tell me where my car is I haven’t seen my car since it was repossessed and this auction is either A) never sent my car out and is doing diagnostic at there place of work or B) it is at the dealer , and it is not being worked on I’ve lost my job because the lack of urgency this is to them. I’ve filed a BBB claim as of right now and moving forward I will sue this company if this doesn’t get resolved!!!!! I didn’t even want to post this but I am not letting a company any company get away with this !!!!!

We just got our dealer license and we are setting up the shop as I write this review. We were excited to do business with this auction as other dealer collegues spoke highly about it being one of the last independent and friendly auction houses. I took the day off to drive personally to this establishement to make sure all paperwork was done correctly. Unfortunately, after a week our application was denied because we have limited business and financial history. So how are we supposed to build a business if we can't get products to sell? Even after asking me to send them a copy of my green card (which I still have no idea what it has to do with a dealer application), I was denied. Now I wonder if being a LEGAL immigrant had something to do with this arbitrary decision since we had no problem whatsoever signing up with all the major houses (Manheim, Adesa, ACV). I don´t like playing the racism card but this is what this situation looks like to me as we met every requirement asked for in the paperwork and nowhere in the application mentions anything about needing a certain time in business to apply. Just a sad situation that could have been easily avoided.

Out of the 10 cars I've bought, 2 have been good. As a new dealer I can't believe how horrible some of these cars have been. Between engines and transmissions blowing after 1 test drive I'm not sure how they're able to hide these problems. For me this auction has been devastating financially and really puts my reputation on the line.

If you are a used car dealer, this privately owned auction house is one of the top-tier businesses around. We are a new used-vehicle dealership and been here for a full year now. A family atmosphere with a streamlined dealer sign-up process creates a win-win for all parties. Vehicles are clearly conveyed, you’re able to test drive, and easy scan vin system to check the vehicle history. The staff and employees are amazing people that help keep this auction prioritized to a high-standard facility. Amazing food too! Fees per vehicle vary so factor that into your bid. We are very fortunate to be Connecticut natives to utilize their services for a majority of our future inventory.

I’ve been coming to this auto auction for about eight years now. I recently began to work for an auto group that buys hundreds of cars on a monthly basis here. I have never had an issue prior when it came to if bids. The one time that I do, I’m completely dismissed and was talk to you in circles. I have never been turned off so much by the level of misunderstanding from the staff members, the unprofessionalism as well as their reluctance in working with buyers. It seems like the seller is all that matters here. I was not asking for compassion. Just simple understanding. They have a designated area that Solely works on if bids yet only for the seller. When the buyer wins a bid the sale price and then on an iF is stated as the gavel is slammed. You’re never asked if you were OK with the iF you were never asked to confirm the iF. You are also not allowed to go to the iF bid designated area to work this out. So after being forced on an iF, and going to tell the young lady at the counter within a minute that you were not interested on having an if bid it’s already too late. I question myself as to why such an unequal rule exists only to remind myself that the auction makes money off, both the buyer and the seller. This does not go without saying that the actual rep was not even there. If bid was taken by another employee of the auction itself. No wonder they are unwilling to correct the situation, address, the policy and procedures, and or give a real detailed explanation onto why, as long as their employees are running the show dealers are subject to take losses on a consistent basis. If you’re selling your cars, this is the place to be if you’re buying cars start exploring out towards other avenues.

They have some beautiful car's the staff is pretty friendly and helpful!

What a surprise.
After loading a full load of cars sold by this auction, they won't allow a tired driver to rest.
My guess is that it's run by democrats. (I'm just guessing)
But what a way to show appreciation to the ones who keep your product moving.
Too bad 0 stars wasn't an option.

Applied to attend this auction and got denied access because I’m in a multi unit address. Not sure how that correlates to my business but have been in business for myself for over 12 years in good standing with all vendors and auctions. Sent several emails and no response till I post something on Facebook.

Feels like I’m being discriminated in some kind of way and the only response I get is that they are a private auction and they can choose to do business with whoever they feel like.

What I’m saddened about is that I used to shop there under another dealer with no issue and now in the current climate we are in I’m saddened to see that they are actually discriminating based on something like address instead of actually checking the business and its references.

NO IDEA HOW this auction house has 4+ stars, they are the WORST. 1+ MONTHS of back & fourth trying to get signed up and then ANOTHER 3 WEEKS of trying to get "approved" to sell vehicles in their auction. No call back, no email response and when you call them to check up on the status I get attitude for calling 3 times per week. HOW ABOUT INSTEAD OF GIVING ME ATTITUDE YOU SIMPLY DO YOUR JOB SO EVERYONE CAN MAKE MONEY! SO many other options, don't even waste your time here.

After coming to auction truck parking lot at 9:30pm to stay over night, and pickup the cars first thing in the morning. After getting about 3.5 hours of rest, I was knock at the door of the truck and kicked out from parking lot. The security threatened me with calling the cops if I don’t leave. I explained to security that I cannot drive I’m out of hours of service. It wasn’t safe for me to drive,and I got put into a violation. I told the security why they didn’t kick me out right away within the first hour of being there? why did they have to wait almost 4 hours to kick me out in the middle of the night? There is no signs anywhere on that truck lot that says “NO trucks staying overnight”. Then I was driving for one hour around Connecticut trying to find a place to park, not many truckstops or places to park in the area.
I feel like the auction does not appreciate Car haulers, and I felt like I was bullied around. Maybe they should put some gates at the entrance so the truckers don’t pull in after hours.

I had to pick up one car from this auction. Spent 4 hours walking around looking for it. Asked the guard, got an answer: “ it might be in the sold lot”
Turned out it was like 8 lanes down. Basically looked through 3/4 of the cars.
Super unorganized. One of the worst and most unprofessional team, that works out there. Since the accuracy of the locations are totally off.
MANAGMENT!!!!!
Please do something about it. Otherwise I will convince all my 30 drivers that have “great” experience with you, to write reviews.
Manheim. A very great example. Even if you are unable to find a car, the whole team will help you.

Review from a transporter point of view: Stop calling cops on us for stupid rules you have regarding parking. It’s just not cool.

EDIT:

My opinion on you guys stands. You’re making us wear these reflective vests now, but not if you’re a dealer? What is this? Segregation?

The worst customer service I've ever received in my life. Every staff member I spoke with was rude and talked over me. I've never had so many issues trying to sign up for an auction. They never return your calls or have answers to your questions. If you're thinking of signing up here, I wouldn't waste your time like I did. I went back & forth for a month trying to get in this auction just to get declined. i would've purchased more cars here than any other auction but now I can't. Also just a warning: they give out your information to people who aren't even in your company...

I just checked the page to see if they are still there . They are! I used to be a regular customer. They were the only real big auction in that area for decades. Great food . Good lease dept . After that , trust me , if your not one of the top 10? Dealers in volume, they couldn't care if you come or not . They didn't have reviews 15 years ago but these are actually the same as they were then . Too bad , beautiful auction. Try Lynnway they are big now and took all their share from .. Southern

I just spoke with Lauren Rivera and she very nicely hung up on me. I and a question that they supposedly couldn't give me information on so without explaining or discussing she hung up. I will make sure as many people I know do not to use this place. Have some respect Lauren. When you get a minute call me back so you can explain all the damages you found on the car. Thanks. check you VM