so the website is for dealers only, they do not sell to the public.
No, anyone can buy a car there, but it does depend on where the car is being sold.
Copart is one of the top salvage auto auction sites there is. It varies from state to state on who can purchase a salvage car. For example: I believe in IL you have to be a liecensed recycler but in MO any one can purchase a salvage title car. Copart has a listing on their website of the locations of their facilities in each state and the restrictions they follow. Regardless, if you really want a car and it is in a restricted zone you can purchase it through a broker.
vehicle to work perfectly so they say, look great, yet be unfit for the road.
It all depends on the insurance company. They may choose to auction the car off rather than repair it because it is more finacially practical for them to go that route. Of course, to have it fixed they would use factory new parts etc, etc. Sometimes a private individual can fix the car a lot cheaper than the insurance company.
IF you get the right car, a salvage car can save you money.
As a wise man once said, If you plan to drive the car and enjoy it a prior salvage car can be a good buy. If you are worried about it's resale value then it is not something you want.