Do They Have More Than Just Old Cop Cars
Not all Police auctions are old retired cruisers! These great auctions include various seized or impounded vehicles as well. Some will have damage for obvious reasons, but many are just confiscated and good as new. This can be from your run-of-the-mill minivan to even exotic cars.
For those that do want a retired police car. You won’t be playing policeman with lights and sirens. The car will be stripped police gear with perhaps the exception of the spot lights. In some states you will be required to repaint the vehicle to not risk the public believing you are an officer of the law.
How Can I Tell If An Auction Site Is Unreliable Or A Scam
To save you the time of going through such a hassle, we have personally checked the reliability of a number of auction sites by buying memberships, and the only one that we would recommend to you is GovernmentAuctions.org. Most other sites we found, even those recommended by other supposed authorities, turned out to be either a waste of money or an outright scam. Some charged $40 a month to show eBay listings. Others had actually falsified legally-required contact information for their website domains, and were impossible to contact by phone or email. A few were legitimate, but charged too much and offered too little, and none had a free trial.
So, we strongly recommend you stick with GovernmentAuctions.org, which we have personally verified to be a great site. But if you find another site that seems promising and want to check it out, be sure to:
- Try contacting them before giving them any money. Having a working phone number doesnt guarantee a site is good, but not having one is a sure sign to stay away.
- Check them out on the Better Business Bureau. I would avoid any company with a rating below A-.
How Do Auto Auctions Work
When people are involved in any type of crime white-collar fraud, defaulting on loan payments, etc. their cars may be impounded. In those cases, the cars may well be in excellent condition.
In order to make space in the lot, and to recover some money, the police departments hold auctions. The price doesnt really matter to them its a matter of emptying the lot.
Another of Americas auto auctions is the US Treasury Department holds approximately 300 Treasury auctions every year throughout the US. These auctions are held to sell a property that has been forfeited due to the nonpayment of Internal Revenue Service taxes of violations of federal law.
Recommended Reading: Can I Find Police Reports Online
Recommended Reading: How To Report Hit And Run To Police
These Confiscated And Seized Goods Are Not Found Anywhere Else Not On Ebay Amazon Or Google
There are several resources claiming to publish police auction directories and the like, but in reality this is old, outdated, rehashed misinformation thats been doing the rounds on the internet and eBay for years.
GAUK databases took over TEN years to compile, are constantly updated and take thousands of man-hours to maintain. Weve been copied, plundered and blatantly had our websites hacked and reproduced in a vein attempt to copy what we do.
Despite The Rise Of Online Auction Sites Government Car Auctions Still Have Many Of The Best Used Car Deals Learn How A Government Car Auction Works
It is important to have realistic expectations when attending a government car auction. While you can find some good bargains, you are not going to find a brand new BMW for $100.00. Government auctions sell both fleet cars and vehicles that have been impounded by government agencies. The conditions of these vehicles can range from great to not running. Set your expectations and budget realistically.
To find a government auction in your local area, there are government sites that can help you find an auction for free, and private sites that charge a fee for the information. Depending on your needs both types of sites can provide quality information. The following list contains resources and information for each type of government auction:
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Certified Police Officer
If Youre Looking At An Old Cop Car Check The Hour Meter Instead Of The Odometer
Mileage wont tell you a whole lot about the wear and tear on the car, since the engine is generally running idle every time officers set up camp waiting for some speeder to come along. Police cars have whats called an hour meter, which as the name suggests, tells you exactly how much time the car has spent running.
Recommended Reading: How To Become A Police Officer In Tulsa Oklahoma
How Do Police Auctions Work
Police auctions work in the way most auctions do. For example, an auction will start with a set amount of time for bidding along with a starting bid. As bidders participate the price will increase until there is a high bidder that will win the vehicle.
The high bidder will typically have 24-48 hours after the close of the auction to submit payment for the vehicle or forfeit, along with loosing a deposit if any. If the winner is in another state, that person will need to contact an auto transport company like National Express to get a quote as they would from any auction.
Also Check: Can You Be A Police Officer With A Misdemeanor
When Do Police Cars Go To Auction
Most departments will seek new vehicles when squad cars reach between 100-150,000 miles, which is around three to four years of life. Some vehicles may stay in the fleet for up to six years as many Crown Vics have. Thats not a fixed rule though, and some may let cars go earlier at 60-80k so as to save on ongoing maintenance, or, in some cases hang onto them for longer if there is not a viable replacement.
If they are involved in an accident they are usually repaired or if totaled, sent to a salvage auction.
Police Lost & Found What Happens To Items Handed Into The Police And What Are The Criteria For Them To End Up In Uk Police Auctions
Usually the finder can keep the goods if they are not claimed within two months.
Occasionally the police may want to hold onto the goods if they suspect them to be stolen or suspect that the owner can be traced. The legal owner can claim their goods back up to one year after they have been handed over. If the police have handed the items to the finder they must retain them for a year. If the goods are found by the Police they can be disposed of at the discretion of the Chief Constable.
GAUK AUCTIONS, NATIONAL AUCTION SEARCH
Search everything available at auction across the UK TRADERS: If youre a Trader and already in the know regarding all the great deals to be found at auctions and simply want the facility to search all the events and lots available on a weekly basis then simply Register HERE to search auctions EVERYBODY ELSE: If youre in the market for just about anything and dont want to pay FULL RETAIL PRICE Register HERE
Fast Nav
Don’t Miss: How To Report Police Corruption
Is It Actually Possible To Get A Brand New Bmw For $5
Sure its possible, but its about as possible as that brand new BMW being a robot in disguise and taking you on an epic 3D adventure to fight aliens. Finding vehicles and other items at a fraction of their market price, however, is not just possible its very likely. Since these items are acquired at no cost, like seized items, or at a considerable discount, like surplus items, the agencies selling them just want to get whatever money they can for them. The prices vary from auction to auction, but every one of them will have cars priced way below market value.
How Do Police Car Auctions Work
The process is much the same as it is for any other kind of car auction. When a vehicle is seized by the authorities, its subject to a full inspection by an independent expert. Its bodywork, mechanical components and electrical systems will all by assessed in detail, with any and all damage noted so that the car can be accurately valued. The mechanic will also take the cars make, model and age into consideration when totting up the value. Before the vehicle is put up for auction, a guide price will be drawn up, and a detailed description written which lists what the buyers can expect when they buy the car. With this process complete, each car is then listed and sold at an auction.
Recommended Reading: How To Ask Police A Question
Police Car Auctions Near Me
Are you ready to attend a police car auction? Well, to make your life a little easier, weve decided to list the top police car auctions. Our team scoured the internet for many hours to find you the best, easiest auctions, and to save you precious time.
Here they are! Simply click on the link to the left, and find out more about the police car auctions in your state or city.
Do Not Let The Superficial Scare You
When you go to a government auction, weathered paint can cover up a mechanically sound vehicle. A small dent in the tailgate may not be a sign of misuse and just the result of a parking lot bump. However, when you are at a police auction, these signs can mean that the car is so bad that they do not think it is worthwhile trying to fool you.
Dont Miss: How Do I Find My Police Report Online
Don’t Miss: Who Can Request A Police Report
Our Next Live Auction Is Thursday January 13th
Auctions are Thursdays at 1:00PM. Vehicles may be viewed beginning at 11:30AM on the day of the auction.
- All cars are sold as is. There are no warranties or guarantees.
- Bidders must be 18 years of age, have a valid drivers license or State photo ID.
- Bid cards are required and may be obtained for $5.00 with a valid drivers license or state issued ID.
- All sales are final with cash or a certified check by 4pm the day of the auction.
- Many vehicles are available with keys and ready to drive.
- Hiller Auction Services website.
Ways To Buy A Car From Police Auctions
Before taking any steps towards purchasing a vehicle you need to research all of the police car auctions and their locations. Keep in mind that theres is a lot of different car auctions and you could always get a better deal at the next auction. Dont be afraid to go take a look at a car auction first and learn how it works before making your final purchase. Like with pretty much any other situation in life, the experience will make you better with time. Regularly going to car auctions will definitely help learn the ins and outs of car bidding effectively and youll get the hang of it in no time.
There are generally two options for police car auctions: live auction or online auction. Both options are similar and open to the public. The auction starts with a starting bid price and the car will go to whoever wins the bidding. The main difference is that you dont have to be physically present for online auctions.
You May Like: Can I Find Out Who Reported Me To The Police
Police Car Auctions: How To Buy Seized Cars The Correct Way
Police car auctions grow day by day at an alarming rate mostly because police officers seize large numbers of vehicles from drivers all around the country on a daily basis. Seized cars may be taken back by the owner only if he pays the penalty fine within a certain period of time. It often happens that the cars remain in the police garages, as the vehicle owners dont always have the cash to buy back their cars, meaning that the vehicles will stay in the ownership of the police.
Due to a large number of seized vehicles, police departments occasionally put thecars at auction so they can free up some space. Then is a really good opportunity for the public to buy a used vehicle at a much lower price than it would normally be sold at dealers and independent car sellers.
Bid To Buy A Police Auction Car
Weve all seen a bidding war or two on television, the tactics are downright entertaining the stare-downs, the aggressive opening bids, the awkward tension in the air theres nothing like it. And after all of that, theres no sweeter taste than the taste of victory.
Once the winning bid is secured, once the car is purchased, buyers get a euphoric feeling, like they just won the Super Bowl and theyre headed to Disney. Winning a bidding war on an antique is one thing winning a bidding war for a car, truck, or SUV is something altogether different.
How to Buy Impounded Cars
The details of the auction are often subject to change so you need accurate information. Police Auctions USA strives to offer the latest information on police auctions with details and information specifically on police car auctions. When you decide on an auction location to visit, be sure to contact them first for additional information on eligibility for bidding.
Some auctions require registration simply show identification for a bidding card and number. There are some auctions so large that dealerships attend and you will be bidding against them but remember: they need the price to be lower than you because they need to turn a profit. Also, if you are willing to perform mechanical and body damage repairs on the cars and trucks you buy, you will be at an advantage when you buy impounded cars.
Payment
Police Cruisers for Sale
You May Like: Are Police Reports Public Knowledge
Police Cruisers For Sale
Some of the vehicles sold at police auto auctions are retired and obsoleted police vehicles. When police departments elect to upgrade the fleet, they send the cars to auction and the winning bids are usually far below the value of the car. When thinking about the purchase of a police car, some of us will naturally reflect on the memory of Jake & Elwood the Bluesmobile. It was old, dirty, beaten, and worn but todays police cars are very different. Many police vehicles have upgraded features such as safety features, performance upgrades, and suspension modifications. They have all been well maintained and most of them are in perfect working order when sent to the auction.
Read Also: How To Become A Police Dog Trainer
Electric Cars Are On The Way
Departments will likely be heading towards all-electric vehicles as is the motor industry itself, here are some early adopters.
In late 2017, the Hyattsville City Police Department began operating an all-electric vehicle being a Chevy Bolt. the also operate an all-electric bike and Ford Fusion Hybrid Unmarked Police Vehicle.
In 2020, Tacoma, Washington has purchased 34 Ford Police Interceptor hybrids while the city in total has 13 fully electric vehicles and 92 hybrids in its fleet.
After a few years with hybrids including the Ford Fusion Hybrid Pursuit, in 2019, Fremont PD put a used Tesla into service for its first all-electric powered police patrol vehicle.
Also Check: How To Get A Police Scanner
Find The Police Auctions Near You
When the police seize property from criminals, they eventually will auction it off to recoup their expenses. The good news for you is that you can often buy cars, jewelry, electronics, and other valuable items for a good price. Use our site to find out where your local police auctions are being held.
Buying An Ex Police Car At Auction May Seem Like A Good Deal Heres What You Need To Know
Each year some ten million cars are sold in the UK. One and a half million of these are sold through car auctions.
People are often wary of cars sold at auctions because they worry that they may not be straight or legit. BUT theres one kind of auction where you can always guarantee that the cars on display are exactly what they say they are: Police Cars.
Are ex police cars worth buying?
Figures suggest that some 5,000 Police Cars are sold online and at Police Car Auctions each year and if you know where to look, you can nick yourself a bargain. Police vehicles are sold through traditional auction houses.
Police Car Sales usually take place every couple of weeks, and they are held right across the country.
Once a police car has served its time, its stripped of all its Police markings, and equipment. The siren, radio, gun box etc are ripped out and its serviced, before going under the hammer. These vehicles are used daily and may have covered more miles than your average family runabout but, Police Cars are kept in tip-top condition. No expense is spared in keeping these motors immaculate and they receive the best service and replacement parts.
GAUK Auctions database lists every auctioneer where you can find expolice cars at auction.
The term police car auction is used widely and generally refers to auctions that feature vehicles seized by the various authorities, insurance companies, bailiffs, banks and the police themselves.
Don’t Miss: How To Check Police Record Online