| Government auto auctions are quite a global | | | | profit; the vehicles are sent into auction because |
| practice even though in some countries it is not | | | | the government see no use of them and opt to |
| familiar among the citizens. In Japan, for example, | | | | generate income instead. That is why good deals |
| people fully take advantage of this kind of auction | | | | can generally be found at this kind of auction. |
| while in the US, it is not yet a practice utilized by | | | | According to most government auto auction |
| the public. | | | | sites,, bidding starts at $100 and winning bidder |
| Government auto auction is a practice where | | | | may save up to $15,000, even though the |
| vehicles are auctioned to private parties, both | | | | average saving a buyer can get is around $6,500. |
| individual or organization. This is done in order to | | | | Keep in mind though that government auction |
| redistribute vehicles coming in from different | | | | does not necessarily translate to cheap dirt price. |
| government agencies. The investigative agencies | | | | Bidders are not exactly few in numbers and |
| may acquire the automotive items by seizing | | | | considering their good condition, the cars may |
| them from criminals or lawbreakers. The IRS may | | | | keep bidders interested and committed for quite |
| seize cars from those failing to pay taxes and sell | | | | a while. |
| said cars in order to generate cash flow. | | | | Depending on the source, condition of cars |
| Other organizations like rental companies or the | | | | auctioned at government auto auction may vary. |
| insurance companies may also auction cars they | | | | Ones coming from agencies fleet are generally |
| take possession of although not necessarily via | | | | better while bidders need to prepare for some |
| government auto auction. Rental companies | | | | minor scratches or bumps in the case of seized |
| usually auction cars in their fleet considered too | | | | cars. Touch up paint jobs or dent removals are |
| old for rental service while insurance companies | | | | relatively cheap but worn tires or scraped wheels |
| auction totaled cars to salvaging industry. These | | | | may cost quite a bit of cash. |
| are pretty much not the kind of cars buyers on a | | | | There is no pre-auction inspection allowed so it is |
| budget are looking for, even if they do come with | | | | advisable that bidders study the auction catalog |
| relatively low price. | | | | and ask for help from auction spotters. Any kind |
| Other than seized vehicles, the government auto | | | | of pre- or post-auction inspection can be |
| auctions may also be auctioning vehicles from | | | | negotiated at a price, which on its own defeat the |
| agencies' own fleet, typically vehicles used by | | | | economical motive of government auto auction |
| agents and staff. These cars are usually no more | | | | bidders. |
| than three years old and they don't normally | | | | To be eligible for government auto auction, an |
| sustain any damage as they have only been used | | | | interested buyer needs to be 18 years old or |
| as regular transportation means. Other highlights | | | | older, in possession of Social Security or |
| concerning these vehicles are the fact that they | | | | Taxpayers ID number and prepared to declare no |
| are well-maintained and they have low mileage, as | | | | pending payment on other properties previously |
| well as features like power steering, power | | | | purchased from the government. There is no |
| windows and air conditioning. | | | | registration fee. |
| Government auto auction is no means to reap | | | | |