subject: What Government Car Auctions Can Mean For The Average Car Buyer? [print this page] One's first thought is "I need to have a lot of money."This is not true. With your government agencies always obtaining illegally used or forgotten about property you can get anything you're looking for. These agencies are always holding public auctions allowing one to be able to say buy a car that cannot be differentiated from a new one at first glance for around $200 dollars. These auctions not only have cars but houses, boats and property.
The biggest of government car auctions are held by the GSA, or the 'General Services Administration'. Outside of them are the U.S. Marshalls, or Department of Treasury, Border Patrol, the IRS, the FBI, the DEA and local state and county governments; anyone who seizes property in accordance with the law. The DOT along with your city and stat police hold government car auctions all the time. They are referred to as 'police impound auctions'.
Seized property is not the only brand of government auctions preformed these days. Other auctions can contain items made in abundance. Such things include computers, furniture, equipment or other ordinary items. Ever have a car repossessed? When this happens the banks hold what we call a "Repo Car Auction."
Car auctions are not held in the same area. So chances are you can find one close by. The auctions are held like clockwork. This can be weekly, monthly or quarterly as determined by the group overseeing it. To see when an auction is coming to you your local paper or internet is a source to keep an eye on. If you have a big family or your single one can find what they are looking for. Auctions contain just about any type of vehicle you might be looking for. If you are 18 or over, carry a valid driver's license and can pay for your item then you can frequent an auction.
Most of the time, with the right government car auctions, you get a 'preview' period. This can be two to three days for you to look the cars over and see what peaks your interest. You can inspect the cars, but you probably aren't going to get to test drive them. Mostly you are just allowed to start them up and look them over. You shouldn't encounter any buyer's fees unless the auction is held by a professional auction company.
Government auctions in a nutshell. Be forewarned you will have many people trying to win the same thing you want, this is what makes auctions fun. Make sure to have a few different cars that you want to bid on and don't get discouraged if you lose a couple of your cars. Word of advice, find a car that looks a little banged up but yet seems to run great and is sturdy, you'll have a better chance of winning. When going to government auctions, be prepared to get really good deals.
