Van at auction???

[SHELK]

Been on my van search a few months. Waiting for something affordable. 

Just a question... not sure if you guys would know. 

Every time I see a van at a dealer and they show me a car fax it shows they bought the van at auction. 

My question is how do us regular people get in on these auctions so we can cut out the middle man?

Or are vans bought this way really something we should avoid?

 

[ArtW]

ome auctions are open to the public, some aren't, used car dealers get a lot of their cars at auction

 

[29chico]

Been on my van search a few months. Waiting for something affordable. 

Just a question... not sure if you guys would know. 

Every time I see a van at a dealer and they show me a car fax it shows they bought the van at auction. 

My question is how do us regular people get in on these auctions so we can cut out the middle man?

Or are vans bought this way really something we should avoid?

I'd suggest that you avoid dealers.   I either buy from a private party seller or direct from a fleet seller. 

Below is a cut and paste from a recent post of mine.  I hope that you find it helpful:

Check out the GMC Savana vans at Penske.   Same as an Express with a better looking grill.  Penske is known as having the best maintenance program of all the fleets.  Only buy a Penske vehicle direct from Penske. They sell the solid units in house, any vehicle that is at all questionable is sent to auction.

If a Penske vehicle is white that means that it was leased out and maintained by Penske.  If it is the Penske yellow it was a rental.

I bought a white 2012 Savana G3500 one ton extended cargo van with the 4.8 engine and the six speed 6L90E trans with manual mode shifting available from Penske last year.  Got a very good deal, talked then down $2k.  52k original miles and excellent mechanical condition.  Amazing fuel economy. Something like mine would be in your price range.

Be aware that if you buy a van like mine it will not have a spare tire or the spare tire holding device or the jack & tools or the bracket that holds the jack and tools.  Not a huge issue, but it is a bit of a hassle getting the above stuff on the van.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Shelk, what state are you in?

See this thread:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-vehicle-auctions?highlight=auction

 

[SHELK]

I am in Seattle. A market that is extremely overpriced for many used cars And vans.
Granted that means I can get more for my little Dodge Caliber (commuter car) once I buy my van and sell my car.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

http://www.seattle.gov/fleet-management/vehicle-auction

http://www.seattlepublicautoauction.com/

https://www.iaai.com/auctions/branchlistingview.aspx?branchcode=327

http://www.governmentauctions.org/aNoFeeAuctionSearch.asp?sState=WA#.WBONwcm6cm8

 

[Vagabound]

http://www.seattle.gov/fleet-management/vehicle-auction

http://www.seattlepublicautoauction.com/

https://www.iaai.com/auctions/branchlistingview.aspx?branchcode=327

http://www.governmentauctions.org/aNoFeeAuctionSearch.asp?sState=WA#.WBONwcm6cm8

Although I'll get around to this Google search myself at some point, if anyone knows of links like those for Phoenix AZ,  please post them.

Thanks,

Vagabound

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Although I'll get around to this Google search myself at some point, if anyone knows of links like those for Phoenix AZ,  please post them.

Thanks,

Vagabound

https://doa.az.gov/public-auctions

http://www.sierraauction.com/

 

[grimmal]

check this link it is for all states.
publicsurplus.com