government auto auctions, federal auto auction, government auctions, GSA auction
Auctions - Cheap, Good Used Cars
Buying Used Vehicles at US Government Auctions
Also called a GSA Auction
It's easy and cheap to purchase a pre-owned vehicle from the U.S. government. The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is a federal agency that buys fleet vehicles new and leases them to other federal agencies. When these vehicles complete their lease term they sell them at government auctions so they can renew the government fleet.
Vehicles offered for sale at government auctions are mostly clean, detailed and ready to drive away. The vehicles will typically be no more than three model-years old, will have been used for ordinary transportation by government agencies, and will not be specialized military or repossessed vehicles.
These cars are usually:
-Low mileage
-Will have had excellent maintenance
-Are in popular styles and colors
-Have power steering, A/C, power windows, AM/FM etc.
The vehicles are sold as is, so inspect the vehicle before making a bid. Complete Terms and Conditions (www.autoauctions.gsa.gov/terms.cfm) are available on the GSA Website or at the sale.
Most vehicles sell at wholesale prices and there are no buyer's fees.
Finding Cars and Auctions
A current list of vehicles for sale, locations and times of auctions, and complete description of the bidding and buying process can be found on the GSA's Website at: http://www.autoauctions.gsa.gov/
You could also call any of the 50+ auction houses listed on their website and ask for more details.
While sales representatives at the GSA local auction houses cater mainly to auto dealers, they are happy to help the general public in buying government fleet vehicles at GSA auctions.
Bidding and Buying
Register and preview the vehicles: As soon as you arrive at the auction house, register for the sale, and use the inventory list to inspect vehicles on the lot. You may turn on the engine, but test-driving is not permitted.
Making a successful bid: If you are new to the auction process, ask the auction staff how it works. Prior to the sale, you may practice bidding in a mock auction.
No "buyer's premium": Buyers typically pay by credit card, debit card, cashier's check or money order. Ask the sales representatives what is accepted. Go prepared.
2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Truck 2WD Quad 35,683 miles, SOLD FOR: $2,800 (at a California non-government auction. click image to get free auction listings by zip)
Government Auctions Website
A Few More Government Auction Resources
The Federal Consumer Information Center (1-888-8-PUEBLO) has several publications about government property sales:
* U.S. Real Property Sales List. 5 pp. (Bimonthly. GSA) Item #517G. Free
* Guide to Federal Government Sales. 19 pp. (1998. GSA) Item #111G. $2.00
* National Sellers List. 8 pp. (1999. DOJ) Item #321G. $0.50
* How You Can Buy Used Federal Personal Property. 5 pp. (1998. GSA) Item #319G. $0.50
Some government sales programs also advertise on local radio and television. Or you may see notices posted at post offices, town halls and other government buildings. You also might want to contact individual government agencies and affiliates about their sales programs. Look for listings in your phone book under "U.S. Government," or check out these websites:
