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Police Impounds

21 Apr

Finding an inexpensive used automobile can sometimes be difficult, particularly if funds are limited. Private party or dealer sales may be one option but one of the lowest priced methods involves taking advantage of cars for sale through a police impound auction. Cars that were abandoned by the owner or were confiscated due to unpaid fines end up in an impound lot in locations throughout the U.S. Once the police impounds are cleared from all legal obligations where the original owner is unable or unwilling to settle, they become available for sale to the general public. Some police impound cars for sale may not be drivable but only require minimum work such as a new battery or minor repairs while others need the help of an experienced mechanic. The key to finding a good buy is to know how to evaluate the condition of the car and to understand the bidding process.

Is a Police Impound Auto Safe and Reliable?

In many cases, autos that end up being impounded by the police have been towed to the lot and may not be operational or in working order. It is up to the consumer to make all repairs and to remove the police impounded cars for sale from the lot at their own expense. For car buffs who know what they’re doing and can recognize a good buy, purchasing an impounded vehicle provides a golden opportunity to get a low priced deal. Particularly for anyone who has the ability to do repairs and is looking for a specific type of car, a good bargain can be found. For example, a Ford truck that could still be used as a work vehicle and only requires a few hundred dollars in rework expense may be a good buy. A small gas efficient Toyota that would make a suitable first car for a teenager could be an inexpensive investment if the car is in reasonable condition. In some cases, luxury autos such as Lexus and Mercedes have been seized because of criminal activities. Impounded cars for sale in top condition under these circumstances generate excellent buys.

Some of the vehicles could be unsafe to drive if the frames are badly damaged or the engines are blown. Severely damaged impounded cars are typically purchased to be stripped for parts but are still auctioned along with the better vehicles. It is up to the bidder to know what they’re buying. An experienced police impound consumer will use restraint during the auction and carefully examine the car before making a bid.

How to Purchase a Police Impound Auto

With the new online tools available for locating autos through police impound Internet sites, much of the upfront work may be done at home. A good place to start is by becoming familiar with the pricing structure on the used car market through Kelly Blue Book listings or the NADA guides. Joining an Internet site where auction information is continually updated may also be beneficial. The cost of membership typically allows a consumer to browse current listings of autos to be auctioned, provides advice about how to proceed and gives ratings and consumer feedback.

Bidding for a seized car through an online auction site provides another option that may result in a good buy if the buyer feels confident about the true market value and condition of the listed auto. Shipping costs may add to the expense of purchasing a car through an online auction site.

Another source for finding a local police auction is to either check with the district police office or look for posted ads in the local newspaper. Impound cars to be auctioned are typically posted one or two weeks prior to the sale. These auctions give a buyer the opportunity to view a variety of cars and are good ways to become familiar with the police impound sale process.

When attending a police impound auction, the buyer should be prepared to either drive or tow the car off the lot. Before making the bid, the autos may be inspected and carefully reviewed to determine how much work they may need to get them in running condition. Bringing the proper tools along will ensure that the transfer goes smoothly.

Some handy items to bring to a police impound auction include:

Tire Inflator: A 12 Volt tire inflator may be all that’s needed to make the car drivable for a short distance.
Jumper Cables: If the battery is still workable, jumper cables may get the auto home or to a mechanic’s shop.
Tool Kits: Screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches and other small tools in metric sizes are always helpful if the engine requires minor tweaking or if further examination is needed.
Tow Rope: If the car is not drivable it must be towed from the lot. Buyers who anticipate this will be prepared with a truck or SUV that can handle the weight and is equipped with a trailer hitch and a sturdy tow rope.

What to Expect from a Police Impound Auction

A police impound auction whether online or at a physical site, like any other similar bidding event does not guarantee that the bidding price will be accepted. It may be tempting to get carried away with the excitement and overbid on a particular car. This could end in a costly mistake if the car requires more work than anticipated. Pre-registration is usually required for any government issued auction to ensure that the buyer has legitimate identification and the means to pay for the vehicle. With the exception of high-end automobiles seized in excellent condition, most of the sale prices end up approximately 25% – 50% of the market value.

Finding a used car through a police impound auction takes some patience and research to ensure a good buy. The vehicles do not usually carry a warranty and could be in good or bad condition. But for the buyer who knows where and how to look, what to pay and has some experience with auto mechanics, abundant opportunities exist that often result in finding an inexpensive and top notch car.