Are Impounded Cars for Sale a Good Deal?

Many people have a love affair with automobiles. And most people want bargains. These two aspects combine for a general love of great deals on cars. Some of the best bargains around can be found when authorities offer impounded cars for sale. They generally do that via auction. For those who know their stuff incredible cars are available at incredible prices.

Where do the auctions find the impounded cars for sale? Cars involved in crimes, or that belong to criminals, are often impounded. For example it’s the law that drug dealers’ possessions are confiscated and sold. The city or state then has lots of cars, sometimes luxury cars, that they want to sell. Scofflaws also generate a lot of cars, such as those who don’t pay their traffic tickets. If the owner doesn’t pay to reclaim the car, it’s offered for sale.

Often the impounded cars for sale are purchased by individuals who sell them for a profit. They might also be purchased and then re-auctioned for a higher amount. It really makes no difference. There are some great deals when cars are auctioned, period. However, don’t go in with your eyes closed. You can as easily end up a dissatisfied customer as a successful bargain hunter.

There’s usually no warranty offered with these impounded cars for sale. All sales are final and it’s up to you to do the homework. In other words, the car is “as is”. Puffery is also common, and legal. Puffery means making unspecific claims about the benefits of the car such as “ideal for the daily commute.” They might even make claims like “it might as well be new.” The law allows quite a bit of latitude on these phrases that imply quality. What they really come down to is “there’s a sucker, let’s make the deal.”

Have some information when you visit an auction. Inspect the autos thoroughly. If you’re not wise with cars, invite an expert to accompany you. Bring a mechanic with you if possible. Don’t hesitate to test drive the car. Impounded cars for sale can be a bargain. However, remember that if great deals were so easy to find everyone would get them.

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