I've heard of a car/truck auction that they do near Denver every other wednesday. Friends have told me it's easy to find a good truck for just a few hundred bucks because it's a government auction just wanting to get rid of impounded cars. Does anybody have any experience with these auctions or can give me some advice?

kris

 

Been there, a few times... I did not buy anything because I didn't find what I was looking for at the time. They are every other Wednesday and are run by Denver Police at their impound yard, about 40th and Brighton Blvd. Pretty cool deal and fun to just experience. The details can be found in the "public notice" section of the newspaper, usually at the end of the ads. You need to remove the auto from the yard by days end if I remember right. Most cars do not have keys or titles, but they give you a bill of sale and there is a locksmith on hand for hire if you wish. Prices seemed to run in the mid-hundreds for decent stuff. Of course the inventory changes weekly so it's hard to say what will be there. I do not think there is a charge and they have a list at the booth of items for aution. Stop in and take a look, I think there is usually only about 50 cars a week, you can scan the inventory in about 10 minutes and be on your way if you don't see anything.

--Mike

 

cool. that's what i've heard from most people. but i thought it would be good to get a second opinion. thanks

 

I've also heard of others in the area (in around Denver) Are there other one's besides the Denver one?

Also-where is a good place to find parts (understanding that when I helped restore old Land Rovers you'd NEVER give up your source) but Fords are more prolific that Rovers.....

 

without a title how can anyone register what they buy? Or are they just buyin it to strip out and replace/rebuild a car they have a title for?

That use to be de reguir for Land Rovers. Buy a new frame and VIN tag off an old scrap truck and your in business. There are a lot of "parts built" Harley's with new frames on the street too.

 

They give you a bill of sale and you have to get a new title fron the state

 

I been there quire a few times. I've seen prices on both ends but don't count on getting a supposedly decent truck for less than a $1000. Usually the lot is loaded with crap and wrecks, rarely is there anything really nice. Also have to give a $100 cash deposit to get a bidders number now, but it's still free to get in and look around. Great entertainment value though, if you have the time to stay and watch!

 

Oh, and they do give you all the info needed to apply for title. However the state may or may not issue a title, thats part of the suspense. Most everything I've bought has been for parts because of that.

 

M&M has an auction about once a month. They are the impound yard for Aurora PD, and generally have several hundred vehicles for auction. They list the inventory on the website, M&M/Aurora Impound Auction. They are having an auction this Saturday, as a matter of fact.

 

Titles will be issued by the state and they will almost always be a salvage title.

I am amazed what people will pay for a car that they have never heard run. That said - there are some decent deals to be had also. I do know some who found large holes in engine blocks. Transmissions that don't. Brakes that won't.
just plan on the worst and you'll do fine.