How to Buy a Good Car at a Low Price at an Auction

Thousands of people buy American-made, used vehicles from the federal government each year. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sells 40,000 cars, trucks, SUVs and vans at 40 federal government auctions each year. The vehicles were bought new and leased to federal agencies. They are normally used for ordinary, non-military transportation. The automobiles are of good quality; they are well maintained and have low mileage. Though most of the cars are sold to car dealers, the public may purchase the vehicles. These automobiles were not repossessed. Popular colors and styles are included. The selling points include power steering, AM/FM cassette decks, air conditioning and power windows.

Instructions

1

Locate an auction site near you and download a copy of the sales list(see Resources below for link). Register to get free email updates of upcoming car sales. Contact the auction house and ask the date of the next GSA Auction if you do not want to be on the mailing list.

2

Register for the auto sale while at the auction house. Use the inventory list to preview vehicles to be auctioned, for free.

3

Select a few alternatives to bid on to increase your odds of getting a vehicle.

4

Talk to the auction staff and ask them to explain the process if you are new to the bidding process.

5

Pay by debit card, credit card, money order or cashier's check. Ask what type of payment is accepted. Expect to save money because you will not have to pay any buyer's fees or auction registration fees.