How to Read a Copart Lot: Damage Codes, Run & Drive, Keys and Odometer
Every Copart lot page is packed with codes. Here is what each one tells you — and what it does not.
Copart lot pages follow the same layout for every vehicle. Once you know how to read them, you can filter out most bad lots in seconds. The fields below match what you see in our live inventory.
Primary and secondary damage
The damage fields are set by the auction when the car arrives. They describe the main visible damage, not a full assessment.
- Front end / rear end / side — collision damage. Look at the photos for airbags, bent pillars and wheel alignment.
- Minor dents/scratches — usually cosmetic.
- Hail — dents on the roof and bonnet; often good value if the glass is intact.
- Flood / water — avoid unless you know exactly what you are doing; corrosion and electrical faults appear months later.
- Mechanical — engine or transmission problem, sometimes without body damage.
- Undercarriage, rollover, burn — high risk.
Run & drive and "vehicle starts"
"Run & Drive Verified" means the car started, went into gear and moved when it was checked in. "Vehicle starts" means it started but did not move. Neither is a mechanical inspection.
Sale status
- Pure sale — the car sells to the highest bidder, no minimum.
- On minimum bid — the seller has a reserve; if bidding does not reach it the sale may need approval.
- On approval — the seller decides after the auction.
Keys
"Yes" means keys were present at check-in. Replacing smart keys and programming can cost hundreds of dollars on premium cars.
Odometer brand
"Actual" is what you want. "Not actual" or "exceeds mechanical limits" means the reading is not reliable — this affects value and sometimes registration.
Estimated retail value and repair cost
These are insurer estimates. They help compare lots, but real repair costs depend on parts prices and labour in your country. A US estimate may be far below — or above — what the repair will cost in Europe.
Photos, 360° view and engine sound
Many lots include a 360° exterior spin, an interior panorama and a recording of the engine running. Listen for knocks and look for warning lights on the dashboard photo. Our lot pages show all of them in one place.
Location and auction date
The yard location decides the inland transport cost; the auction date tells you how much time you have for an inspection. Lots marked "date pending" are not yet scheduled.
Put it together
A good lot typically has cosmetic or light collision damage, run & drive status, keys, an actual odometer reading and a title that your country accepts. Found one? Send us the lot number or press "Bid through 7 Motors" on the lot page — we will check it and give you a landed-cost estimate before the auction.
