Government Car Auctions

Government car auctions may be one of the best places to get a car when you are in need of an inexpensive one.  Many people do not realize that these types of auctions go on all the time, and they can be missing some terrific deals.  A government car auction can save you thousands of dollars, and you can find great cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, all for a much lower price than normal.  These vehicles may have been seized, abandoned, or turned over to the state in the event of the owner’s death.

Many different agencies are responsible for holding a government car auction.  The biggest one is the GSA, or General Services Administration.  This can be found at www.gsaauctions.gov.  A lot of state and county governments hold their own.  Bigger groups may hold private auctions, such as the FBI, Homeland Security, and Border Patrol.  Not all government car auctions are open to the public.  Those that are may cost a small fee to attend, or you may be able to purchase a pass for a certain time to attend as much as you like.  Another website to try is www.gov-auctions.org.

Who Uses This Service?

Government car auctions are the best place for many people to look for a vehicle.  Many first time drivers look for a car here because they are young, and would like an inexpensive vehicle to drive around and learn in.  Government auctions are great for students who may not have a lot of money, but need a vehicle, or young families who are just starting out.  Even families who may already have one reliable vehicle may think about getting a second car from a government auction, either for emergency purposes or to keep the mileage on their new car low.

Most people know that government agencies of every state have these kinds of used car auctions.  Unfortunately, many people do not know how to find out about them, where they are, or how to attend one.  They may also not understand how to bid, and what, if any, requirements there are.  It is worth the time and effort to learn all you can about them, as they are a great place to find a great vehicle for a steep discount.  Check out www.carsfrom500.com for a listing and information about government police auctions.

Researching A Car Auction

You may be able to get a very reliable car or truck, even for close to 10% of the original value, at a government car auction.  Following a few tips can get you in the driver’s seat and on your way.  First, you need to do your research to find an auction in your area.  Call around to your local government agencies and police stations to get information on the car auctions close by.  Government car auctions are not always advertised highly, which can really work towards your advantage.  For a listing of vehicles and information on government car auctions, you can try http://usgovernmentauctions.net.

Research the company on the Internet before you attend.  You may also want to call ahead to see if you have to be a certain age (which will vary state-to-state in accordance with the driving laws) and to see if you will need to have a deposit.  Some government car auctions will only allow you to bid if you first put down a deposit of around $100.  If you buy something, that $100 goes towards your vehicle’s cost.  If you do not make a purchase, the money is returned to you.

Making The Sale

It might be best to attend a number of car auctions first, to see how they work.  You may be dealing with other customers who are used to these auctions, and you will need to know what you will be up against.  Get a feel for the bidding process, so you know what to do when you find the car you decide you want.

If you are attending an auction with the intent to buy, you will benefit by bringing a friend who is experienced with vehicles, or a trusted mechanic.  A used car will sell as-is, and there are no refunds or money given back.  Once you buy it, it is yours, no matter what happens when you leave the auction.  A mechanic can look at the car and help you make the decision about whether it is worth the price tag or not.  Expect to do a bit of maintenance on any kind of used vehicle you buy, but you should not get stuck with a vehicle that is going to cause you more problems than it is worth.  Always remember that you are solely responsible for the auto after you buy it. 

Re-selling A Government Car

Many people are at a government car auction for the sole purpose of buying a quality used car and getting the best deal at the same time.  Other people may be buying cheap cars with the intent of fixing them up and selling them again.  Individuals who are excellent with mechanical skills can really benefit by buying autos from government auctions.  Some customers find that they can buy cheap used vehicles at an excellent price, put a bit of time and money in them, and then re-sell them for a higher profit on the side.

Used car lot owners are another class of people who may utilize the government car auctions in their area.  What better way to fill their lot than by buying cars and trucks at rock-bottom prices, fixing them, and then putting them on the lot for a much higher price tag.  However, while this is an excellent business idea, it is wise to have a good team of mechanics who can look into each vehicle as it comes along, to find any hidden problems with it.  As long as there are people to do that, a dealership can really make a good profit buy using all the government car auctions they can to get cars at the lowest possible price.

Go now and find a government car auction in your area to get the best price on a used auto.  It will be worth the time and energy when you find the best deal in town.