A police car auction takes place to sell off vehicles that were previously seized by the police and other agencies such as bailiffs, banks, and insurance companies. You will also see ex-fleet cars coming up for sale, and one advantage of purchasing an ex-police car or vehicle is that they will have been maintained on a rigours schedule which is not something you can guarantee with other second-hand cars at open auctions.
At the auction, you will find a variety of items, not just cars but things like vans, motorbikes, motorhomes et cetera. Before going to the sale, they will obviously be cleared of any involvement in a police case and will be valued appropriately. The auction functions in precisely the same way as any other auction, with each lot, offered and bids placed by interested parties.
If the car was seized, it would only go to auction after receiving a thorough service, and a full mechanical overhaul will be done. There is a limit to the amount of work they will do, so a full description is included, just like when you purchase any second-hand vehicle, and you will be given a fully detailed report including any cosmetic damage etc. to look over before deciding to buy. It is up to you to run an appropriate HPI check you should not rely on this being done for you. If there is any outstanding finance on a vehicle and you purchase it, you immediately become liable for the debt so don’t skip this step.
Why Buy From a Police Car Auction?
As with any auction you stand to make significant savings as well as the vehicle potentially being in a better condition than cars offered on the open market. If the vehicle was subject to a failed higher purchase agreement, and you get the HPI check to confirm it no longer is tied to anything you can make a really good purchase, and there will be a wide range of cars to choose from. The bargains are so good that often dealers will deliberately shop there, knowing that they will be able to add more money when they sell the vehicles on. There tends to be a smaller group of buyers, as many members of the public are unaware that they are able to attend. It is harder to find out when they are happening, but with a bit of digging not impossible to locate the next one in your area.
The easiest way is to email your local force and ask; they will be happy to let you know. The upcoming vehicle list is published about a month before the auction, so that gives you plenty of time to find your potential candidates and make any checks needed before you turn up on the day to purchase. As with all auctions you need to be clear when you are bidding and be careful not to accidentally make a bid as you could find yourself owning something you never intended to purchase.
The easiest way is to email your local force and ask, they will be happy to let you know. The upcoming vehicle list is published about a month before the auction so that gives you plenty of time to find your potential candidates and make any checks needed before you turn up on the day to purchase. As with all auctions you need to be clear when you are bidding and be careful not to accidentally make a bid as you could find yourself owning something you never intended to purchase.
