Law enforcement officers and government agencies often seize cars involved in criminal activities like trafficking and smuggling. These vehicles are stored safely while the inquiry is underway and used as proof in court. When the legal process ends, the seized cars are usually auctioned to the general public or authorized dealerships. These auctions provide an excellent opportunity for people to buy cars for less than they would pay at a conventional dealership.

When are cars seized by the police?
The police can seize cars in the following situations:

• If the police think the vehicle was used to commit a crime.
• If the car is found during an arrest.
• If the court has ordered a seizure.

In some cases, the police may be able to seize a car only after receiving its owner’s consent. After the seizure, the vehicles are cataloged and kept securely at the police compound. They remain in good condition and are later listed in seized car auctions. The cars can be posh luxury vehicles or low-priced models.

Why buy seized cars?
Some people think that the cars seized by the police are in poor condition or that buying them can lead to legal trouble. But this is not true. Buying seized cars at auctions is safe and has various advantages:

The bids are low
The bids for seized vehicles are unbelievably low, giving you a fair chance to bring home your favorite car for a reasonable price.

The cars are in good condition
Most seized cars are found in good condition, and the chances of getting a damaged vehicle are low. If you do find a damaged vehicle, its price would be the lowest.

The car’s history is listed
A top advantage of buying seized cars at auctions is that you will know their features and usage history because police departments always keep records. This makes it easy to decide whether the car fits your needs.

You can get a rare model
If you have been eyeing rare car models, you might find one in these auctions. Look for the sales online and browse the car lists thoroughly.

Easy paperwork
Another significant advantage of buying seized cars from police auctions is that you do not have to handle the paperwork. Once you win the bid, the concerned department usually arranges all the necessary paperwork for you.

Tips for buying a seized car at auctions
While finding seized cars for sale might be easy, you might not enjoy the best deal if you are not alert. Here are a few tips for finding genuine seized car auctions and getting the most out of them:

Look for government auction sites
Government websites that hold car auctions are usually more reliable than private arrangements. You can also look for offline seized car auctions nearby, which allow you to inspect the car in person.

Browse print publications
If you are passionate about seized cars, browse print publications. Some magazines list auctions scheduled in different locations, which might help you find the best deal. But remember that car images published in magazines might not be the same as in reality. You can also look for seized car auctions in the local newspaper.

Call up the authorities
Once satisfied with an impounded car, you may call the auction organizer to confirm availability. After that, you can request them to let you see the cars physically and give you a tour of the features.

Inspect the car
Once you select the car you want to buy, inspect it physically. If necessary, employ a skilled and experienced car technician for a quick inspection to ensure the vehicle is in good condition.

Ask for a car report
Always ask the authority for a car report as it will help you understand the seized vehicle’s condition, whether it met with an accident earlier or requires immediate repairs. Having the car’s VIN can help you access the report quickly.

Place a high bid
Once you select a car, immediately put the maximum price on the table. This way, you may have a better chance of bagging the deal.

Register in advance
If the auctions are held online, do not delay registering yourself. Note that some auctions are limited to dealers only, so find out whether you can attend the sale.

Keep the payment handy
Always keep the payment ready for the purchase, whether in cash, a loan from the lending partner, or a credit card. But always read the terms and conditions thoroughly and verify the transaction details before paying.

If you want cheap cars, sign up for a seized vehicle auction. Cars impounded by the police are auctioned occasionally to make space for new vehicles. Once you buy the car, you can also tear it apart to sell its different parts for good money or revamp the vehicle with appropriate materials.