There has been a lot of talk lately about those used car auctions that one can purchase a car at a “reduced” price because of vehicles being impounded by law enforcement agencies or banks from seizures or repos and the like. Most auto auctions are closed auctions. The government has seizure and surplus laws that make this possible. These auctions are mostly available to the car business (dealers and such), and is a protected source for used car dealers. Other auctions are open to government agencies like the FBI, DEA or the police. More and more savvy Americans have begun to find auctions that are open to the public. I have been warned however that there are certain things that you must be aware of when you attend. I wanted to write briefly about some information that was made available to me through my research.

1. Educate, educate, educate. Information here is key. Do not expect too much. Going to an impounded car auction does not guarantee that you will get the best vehicle available at the cheapest price. It is just like any other auction in that respect. If the car is a good buy, there will be more bids made on it, and the prices will rise. It is important to note that you may have to attend a few auctions to get the hang of what is going on. You can then learn to make what bids and when.

2. Inspect the Vehicles - Get an early start because you have the option of examining them before the actual auction. You will also have history and VIN reports to refer to, so you can make an informed bid. This is very important and can’t be stressed enough. Sit in the cars, start them up etc. Take help of a good auto mechanic in case you yourself are not skilled in checking cars. There will be a wide variety of choices, different models and of different years of manufacture, at impounded car auctions. You will even find rare and luxury cars at great prices. These cars are usually in good shape, sometimes almost new.

3. Don’t rush things and don’t get caught up in bidding fever! Bring your Kelley Blue Book along with you. It’s important to know car prices. All too often people get caught up in the excitement of bidding just for the sake of bidding and pay too much. Learn by observing and reading appropriate guides. When you are ready and comfortable, you have more chances to win at the auction. To buy impounded cars is nothing challenging, but you need to ensure great condition at the lowest price around.

There are online directories available to learn all about this process. They will give you as much information as you need about the impounded car auctions coming up in your area, the schedules, the rules of the auctions and, at times, partial listings. These directories usually charge a low one time fee for membership. They are the best way to the get the information you need.

For a free car buying guide, inspection check off list and free search of American car auctions in your area, visit:

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