| Government car auctions are one of the best places | | | | signals, but there should be some indication of the |
| to find any kind of vehicle without worrying about | | | | title status. If not, then don't be afraid to ask about |
| financing or overspending on a car. You will find that | | | | it. |
| there are many different kinds of cars available, | | | | What Should I Pay? |
| including SUV's, sports cars, utility vehicles and trucks. | | | | When attending government car auctions, the price |
| The amount that you pay is totally in your control, | | | | that you will want to pay will depend on the condition |
| allowing you to have what you want at a price that | | | | of the car, the car's mileage, and the make and |
| fits your budget. | | | | model of the car. Newer cars traditionally sell for |
| What Should I Know? | | | | more, largely because these cars are more in demand |
| First, not all cars that you find at government car | | | | than older models. It is perfectly OK to buy a car |
| auctions are going to be in perfect condition. In fact, | | | | that is three to five years old if that is what is in |
| there are some cars that are in major need of repair, | | | | your budget. With older cars, such as those that are |
| but in most cases you will be able to spot these cars | | | | seven to ten years old make sure you check the car |
| quickly and easily. If you are in doubt of a car's | | | | thoroughly for problems before bidding. |
| engine, transmission, or think the car has had tons of | | | | In the end, however, the amount that you are willing |
| bodywork done, then move on. Since you can't | | | | to pay is totally your choice. There are some antique |
| actually test drive the car, it is better to be safe | | | | cars that are worth far more than their blue book |
| than to buy a car that you aren't going to be happy | | | | value, and will sell according to what people are willing |
| with later. | | | | to pay rather than retail value. Other cars, especially |
| Second, always look for the green signal when buying | | | | common models, will go for far less than the amount |
| from government car auctions. In many auctions, | | | | that is listed in the blue book. |
| someone will give a red, yellow or green signal as the | | | | If you are on a budget, then it will be much simpler |
| car is being bid on. These signs have to do with the | | | | to choose a car at government car auctions. You |
| car's title. If the sign is red, then you don't want the | | | | may find that you can get a new car for just a few |
| hassle of dealing with a car that doesn't have a title, | | | | hundred dollars if there are no other bidders, although |
| but if the sign is green then you are assured the title | | | | a price tag of several thousand is more common for |
| is ready and waiting. Not all auctions have these | | | | newer model cars. |