US Government Car Auction FAQs

I'm pretty sure that by now you've heard at least one story about getting a dirt cheap car at a U.S. government car auction. Or maybe you just happen to be learning about them now. Whatever the case may be, these FAQs will give you a clearer picture when it comes to U.S. government car auctions.

1. What is a U.S. government car auction?

These auctions are just like any other car auction you would go to, except they are conducted by the U.S. government. When the government seizes cars because of unpaid taxes, illegal activities, etc. those cars are put up for auction to the public. So you can get a good, well maintained car for dirt cheap because at this point the government just wants to get rid of them.

2. What type of cars do they have there?

You can find all types of cars there. From classic cars to one that are only 1-2 years old. You'll also find a lot of luxury vehicles there from people who owed back taxes, in addition to cars from Honda, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Chevy, etc.

3. How much do they cost?

This all depends on what type of car you are looking at, how many people are there, the day, the weather, etc. All things aside, you will still save hundreds and even thousands less than what you would pay anywhere else. Just recently a 2004 BMW 745i sold for around $3,500 at a car auction near me. So, you can go there with a few thousand and still be ahead of the game.

4. Are the cars there pieces of junk?

The majority of the cars there are well maintained and only a couple of years old. For the most part, the previous owner's take good care of the car and didn't expect to have it seized. It's still a good idea to give it a good inspection before buying because they are sold in as-is condition.

5. Are the auctions free to attend?

Yes! The only auctions that require you to pay are dealer's auctions, which are another subject all together. Plus, you have to be a dealer to even attend one. Government auctions are open to the public and 100% free for all to go to.

Now that we have gotten that out of th way, you should have a better understanding on U.S. government car auctions. They're 100% free to attend, have great cars from all types of makes and models and don't cost an arm and a leg. Now, your next step is to find one near you.

Did you know that some U.S. government car auctions have cars for under $1,000? Yep, it's pretty cool. Visit MyCarAuctionReview.com for details on the best car auction sites you can go to in order to take advantage of these great deals!

About the Author

Monique Tarver is a California native and USC alumni. In addition to writing, she also enjoys travel, eating out and spending time with family and friends.