How to Buy Cheap Used Cars at Government Auctions and Police Auctions

If you are looking to buy cheap used cars or trucks at Government auctions or police auctions, then you're reading the right article. Specifically in this article I will give you some of the best tips for beginners when it comes to using Government auctions to get vehicles at a real bargain. After reading this article, you will have all the basics you need to know in order to approach government auctions intelligently.

The first thing you need know is that all cars sold a government auctions are "as is". What might seem like a deal could end up costing you money if it has a mechanical failure or major flaw. In order to avoid this, you must learn how to recognize if a car is good or not through careful inspection. It's not like going to a car lot, where you can take the car for a test drive. You cannot test drive cars at Government auctions. The closest you can get is to listen to the engine. That's why you need to learn how to appraise a car by inspecting it, or getting an expert to go along with you to inspect it for you.

Also, it's foolish to bid on cars that you think you know the value of. It's not wise to guess when it comes to spending your money. If you don't know the value range of the car, do not bid on it. I can't tell you how money people are shocked to find what they thought was a deal actually wasn't. You can use the Kelly Blue Book as a basis, however it pays to have an expert appraise the car before bidding on it.

Next, inspect the contract before you enter into it. Some contracts have a specific number of days you have to wait before you can get the title. Keep this in mind if you're thinking about turning around and selling the car right away. Sometimes it is the waiting period that negates the great deal you're getting on price.

Finally, remember it's an auction. At any auction, you must know how to bid strategically. If you've never attended an auction, it might be wise to go to attend a few auctions to watch and learn the etiquette of bidding, and also to get a feel for it. There's nothing worse than letting your emotions get in the way and making an illogical bid on a vehicle. Remember also that there are likely to be dealers at the auction bidding as well. They will have a good idea of the value of the cars being sold. One of the best things you can do is to look at some of the online auctions. While there are many membership sites offering access to Government and Police auctions, you should use caution as some of them will simply take your membership fee and not provide complete or timely auction information.

In conclusion, if you carefully inspect the vehicle and know its market value and make wise bidding maneuvers, you can walk away with a great deal on your next vehicle purchase.

Michael Ullman maintains Government Auction Site Reviews, a website providing honest, unbiased reviews of government auction membership websites.

A recommended resource is Government Auction Site Reviews which provides unbiased reviews of these membership sites

By Michael Ullman