| Police auctions are practical places to look for a | | | | information. If you have a wireless laptop or a PDA, |
| good-condition car for a fraction of its value. Lots are | | | | run the car's vehicle identification number (VIN) through |
| usually a mix of some middle-aged cars and some | | | | Carfax to check its history. Remember, this is a police |
| newer models, most of which were impounded due to | | | | impound car auction. You'll want to know what exactly |
| some violations committed by their drivers. | | | | it is you're getting. |
| A lot of people who go to police auctions prefer | | | | Advantages of Police Impound Car Auctions |
| impounded cars because they are somewhat assured | | | | No, impounded cars are not violent criminal's cars. |
| that these vehicles were running right before they | | | | They're usually cars seized because of a DWLS |
| were seized by the police. Cars are usually taken off | | | | (driving with license suspended) or a loan payment |
| the road by police due to driver infractions. If you want | | | | default. Or, they could be the property of individuals or |
| to buy a decent car at a cheap price, police car | | | | companies engaged in fraud, which means they are |
| auctions that include impounded cars are a great place | | | | either newer models or in very good condition. |
| to start. | | | | Impound car auctions are also a great place to find |
| How to participate: | | | | some really good branded cars, which would |
| First, call your local police department and find out | | | | otherwise cost more at regular auctions. |
| when the auction will be held. Some of these | | | | Disadvantages |
| impounded car auctions are advertised in newspapers | | | | You can't know for sure how long the impounded cars |
| or posted on the internet and most police auctions are | | | | have been sitting in storage or in a garage without |
| done every month. If you're buying from a registered | | | | maintenance. They could be there for a year without |
| auction houses, these hold auctions almost every | | | | getting checked. They also do not come with any |
| week. | | | | warranties. |
| You'll need to register to get your bidder number. Only | | | | The 'as is, where is' clause means that what you see |
| bids coming from registered bidders are recognized. | | | | is what you buy and what you buy, is exactly what |
| While some auctions offer free registration, most | | | | you get. Since you can't bring the car to a mechanic or |
| require a nominal fee. | | | | test drive it, you basically accept it in its present |
| Give yourself time to check the impounded vehicles, | | | | condition and cannot hold the auction house |
| so better arrive early. Bring a mechanic or a friend with | | | | responsible for any defect you might find later on. If |
| you to help you inspect the vehicles if you're not | | | | you find out later that you bought a piece of junk, then |
| confident enough. Bidding usually starts at around 10 | | | | you have no one to blame but yourself. |
| a.m., so you'll have time to go around and inspect the | | | | Impound car auctions attract a lot of people, not only |
| lot before making your choices. | | | | because of the good price, but also because of the |
| Bring your driver's license and insurance proof, just in | | | | possibility of buying a good-condition, road-worthy |
| case you intend to drive the car home after winning a | | | | vehicle. In fact, you could be competing with some |
| bid. You will also need a temporary permit. Check with | | | | experienced and professional bidders. The best way |
| your locality since regulations regarding temporary | | | | to survive a police impound car auction is to do your |
| permits vary. | | | | homework and come prepared. Who knows? You |
| Bring a price guide for used-cars. This can guide you in | | | | could be driving with the car of your dreams when it's |
| figuring out your bidding numbers through trade-in value | | | | over. |