Yes it’s true! You Can Get Fantastic Deals on Used Cars at Auctions. I know a woman who purchased a 1995 Jeep Wrangler at a government auction for $2. These cars normally go for $4500 at dealers. These deals occur every day at government auctions.
Various branches of the United States Government hold auctions several times a year to dispose of the surplus fleet vehicles than have been retired from service, and the vehicles that have been seized by the government for various reasons. These auctions are held in all fifty states because it would cost the government too much money to ship them all to one central place to sell.
The government buys new vehicles, to maintain the fleets that the different agencies use to complete their day to day functions. To avoid wearing them out and having breakdowns that could disrupt government business, there are strict regulations on how long a vehicle can be kept before it is retired from service. When a vehicle is retired from service, it must be disposed of by way of a public auction. The government also seizes vehicles that are involved in the transport of sale of illegal drugs, and they also seize vehicles as part of prosecutions for tax evasion. All of which go to the auction block.
How Can These Cars Sell So Cheap?The government seizes people’s vehicles everyday. These vehicles become available at public auctions across the country; since the government does not have to pay anything for these vehicles they sell them dirt cheap.
Another source of cheap cars is repossessions. Many people can not make their car payments; as a result their cars are repossessed and sold at auctions. You can pick them up for pennies on the dollar. Others misfortunes become your opportunity. Banks want to sell these cars as soon as possible because the cost of storing them outweighs the banks ability to recoup their loss on these vehicles. So they are let go cheap.
Why Are These Auctions Kept Secret?These auctions are a much protected source of income for the majority of car dealerships; therefore, they are not publicly advertised. You have to find out about them from online auction sites and car magazines. But they are a legitimate form of car purchase.
These Are Good Quality Cars Many of the cars are like brand new cars with low mileage. The government confiscates them because of illegal activity and sells them for pennies on the dollar. Before the auction starts bidders have the chance to thoroughly inspect the vehicles. Many auction sites provide a complimentary “CarFax” VIN report before the bidding begins. That way you can find out a little bit about the cars history before you start bidding on the car. Government fleet vehicles are extremely well maintained, and are kept in top condition. When they are retired, there is usually a lot of life still left in them. Vehicles seized from drug dealers are usually nice vehicles, and are in great condition. Some are only a couple of months old.
ConclusionGovernment and public auctions are a bonafide way to purchase high quality cars for pennies on the dollar. Many people do it everyday. Government seizures and bank repossessions make these cars sell cheap everyday. You can pick up cheap cars at these auctions. So the next time you are in the market for a used car give these auctions a try. You might get lucky!