How To Buy Impounded Vehicles For Cheap At Impound Auctions!
Here’s a little secret most people don’t know: you don’t have to pay full price to drive something decent. In fact, savvy buyers across the country are picking up reliable vehicles—some even luxury models—for a fraction of what they’d cost at a dealership. The trick? Impound auctions.
What Are Impound Auctions, Exactly?
When cars are towed, abandoned, repossessed, or seized by police, they don’t just vanish. After sitting in storage for a certain amount of time, these vehicles are legally put up for auction—often by city governments, towing companies, or law enforcement agencies.
It’s a way for them to recoup storage fees and free up lot space. For you? It’s a golden opportunity.
Why Cars Go for So Cheap
Unlike used car lots, impound auctions aren’t focused on profit. Their goal is clearance. Many vehicles start with low opening bids—some as little as $100—and the final sale price depends entirely on how much interest there is.
No fancy showrooms, no salespeople, no markup. Just raw deals.
Some vehicles might need minor repairs. Others? Nearly new. We've seen 2018 Camrys with clean titles go for under $4,000. That’s not a typo.
Who Can Bid?
Here’s the beauty of it: almost anyone.
You don’t need a car dealer’s license or insider connections. If you’re over 18 and have valid ID, you're good to go. Most auctions accept cash, credit, or cashier’s checks, and many are now hosted online. That means you can score deals without ever leaving your couch.
Sites like GovDeals, AutoBidMaster, and local towing service pages often post upcoming events. Set alerts, and you’re in the game.
What to Watch Out For
Not every car is a hidden gem—and that’s part of the thrill. Some auctions sell “as-is,” which means no test drives or warranties. But with a little preparation, you can avoid the duds.
Here’s how:
Read listings carefully (some include repair notes)
Check VIN numbers with tools like Carfax or NICB
Look closely at photos for signs of damage
Stick to your budget—don’t get caught in bidding wars
Pro tip: If you’re attending an in-person auction, bring a mechanic friend. A second set of eyes could save you thousands.
Real Stories, Real Savings
One man in Florida snagged a 2016 Ford F-150 with just 60k miles for $5,800. Another in California grabbed a Mazda3 for $1,400 and drove it home the same day. These aren’t outliers. They're everyday wins—for people who know where to look.
Real People, Real Wins
We’ve seen folks score incredible deals. One man in Arizona landed a 2019 Toyota Camry with under 30,000 miles for $5,500. A single mom in Georgia got a reliable Honda Civic for just $1,900.
Real People, Real Wins
We found dozens of riders who scored big. One man in Texas picked up a Suzuki GSX-R with only 4,000 miles for $1,200. A woman in Ohio grabbed a gently used Vespa for just $375.
These aren’t rare outliers—they’re the new normal for people who know where (and how) to look.
