As implied, government car auctions are handled by the government, whether federal or state/local, as well as other service departments, including non-profit organizations. This is a wide scope for car selection, and also includes cars repossessed by banks and other loan institutions for customer loan defaults. As diverse the sources are, so are the cars themselves. Coupes, sedans, vans, trucks, you name it, and there is a government car auction that has it. And not just beaters, either. Most auction lots have near-new vehicles in excellent condition, especially the repossessed vehicles. But even government service vehicles are in excellent condition because of their systematic service schemes.

Government auctions are done in much the same way as other auction events. There is normally an inspection day two to three days prior to the actual event. During this time you can inspect the vehicles of your choice, looking them over as you would any other prospective car purchase. Vehicles aren't usually allowed to be driven for testing, but you can probably crank the engine if the auction site management permits.

During the auction event itself, you will be bidding for the car or cars of your choice against others, as you would in any other auction. It would be a good idea to bid on a number of cars, because you have to expect to lose on the bidding, and to win as well. After you have gotten the winning bid on your ride, you will be required to leave a small deposit for the vehicle to reserve it for you while you handle all transfer of ownership processes.

Paying for your new ride involves actually paying the bid amount less the deposit you already gave to the auction body. Probably the only other things you have to pay for are the registration and title to the car, just like buying from any other source. There's no need to worry about the luxury or gas-guzzler tax since these have already been paid for during the initial purchase.

Buying a car through government auctions not only will get you a recent model car in very good condition, you will also save thousands of dollars compared to what you would have spent buying through used-car dealerships. So act fast and get behind the wheel of your new ride!