Car Auctions Africa

Not many South Africans know that to purchase used cars at police vehicle auctions can save you a lot of money in second hand car sales. Second hand car dealerships are not the only sources for cheap wheels, and even cheaper deals can often be found when the government auctions off police vehicles and other government cars.

Police vehicles that are deemed out-dated are sold on auction by the government. The police force renews its vehicles once in a while, and instead of storing the old police vehicles (which would cost the government money). The government has a yearly budget to cover the expense of new police cars, meaning that the old vehicles can be sold to the public. These cars are sold on auction for very reasonable prices.

The vehicles sold on auction will often go for below-book value, as the government is more concerned with selling off the car than making any profit on the vehicle. Auctions are a great way of getting rid of these vehicles to make space in the parking lots for the new police cars. This is good news for the consumer, as people who attend used police car auctions can take advantage of these lower prices. In fact, car dealership representatives often attend these auctions to find vehicles to sell to the public for profit. Essentially, buying used cars on auction is a way of cutting out the middle man, as auctioneers take much less commission than do regular dealerships.

Another reason why it’s cheaper to purchase used cars at police vehicle auctions is because the government buys these cars in bulk, meaning that they pay less for the cars than an individual would at a dealership. Because the government gets a good deal on the car, they are able to reciprocate and sell the car as a good deal to the public when it is no longer in use.

The majority of police cars sold on auction are in relatively good condition, with well-maintained engines and other parts. Because police vehicles are renewed every few years, the police cars sold on auction also shouldn’t be more than a few years old. If you are not interested in the model of the police car, you could always take the car apart and sell the parts that are in good condition. In this way, you can make a profit off police cars sold on auction. If you find an extra good deal, you can also sell the entire car privately to make some money off your auction purchase.

How do I find police cars sold on auction?

It is unlikely that the police department will want to spend money on advertising upcoming auctions, so it is best to consult major auction companies to ask when the next auction events will be held. In the Western Cape, ClareMart Auction House has been awarded a contract to deal with the disposal of government vehicles. Another way to find police cars on auction is to consult auction classifieds or to conduct an online search.

Tips for buying on auction

• Before you decide to buy a car on auction, attend at least one auction beforehand so that you have an idea of how the process works and can feel more comfortable in your bidding.
• If you don’t know much about cars yourself, bring along someone who does to help you inspect the car you are interested in to assess its condition.
• Set a budget. Auctions are an exciting way of buying, but don’t get carried away with your bidding. Decide what the car is worth and how much you want to spend on it and don’t go above this amount.
• Before you attend the auction, get a list of the cars that will be on sale. You can then decide which cars you are interested and you can do thorough research on the vehicle before you buy. Compare the asking price to similar models so that you can be sure you are getting a good deal.