Getting a car can be quite an expense, but it doesn't have to be. And we don't mean to say you should compromise the quality or reliability of your vehicle to save a few bucks. Sometimes all you need is to know where to look.
Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are a good idea, as are dealership sales, but those are places you already know about, and we are here to expand your horizons beyond that. We're talking police impounds, baby! Keep reading to understand how they work and how you can find your next car in one of them.
So what are impound car sales anyway? We’re happy you asked. When the police impound a car for whatever reason, in many cases, it does not get claimed, becoming a burden to maintain and store. What they do with those cars is auction them off to the public. They clear it out from their lots and make some money, and common folk like us can score a sweet deal. The downside of these auctions is that there's no warranty or guarantee that the car will be in perfect shape and that the purchase is non-refundable.
The way to find a police car auction would be to look into your local police station's website and local auction houses. A good extra step you can take would be looking for a relevant online or local community.
When budgeting for an auction, remember to factor in the cost of maintaining the car you will potentially buy. Researching the various models' maintenance costs is very important, but it's also important to inspect a car thoroughly before signing anything definitive. Ask for whatever history or track record the police might have on the vehicle. Once satisfied with everything, you can start handling the paperwork and bring that new member into your family.
Online resources for finding impounded car auctions:
