Find quality seized and repossessed cars and trucks
The El Paso, Texas metropolitan area is home to more than two million people, two-thirds of which live in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico, just across the Rio Grande River from El Paso. A statistical area the size of this has a lot of automobiles and any area with a lot of cars also has a lot of them seized for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the failure to make the payments on the car loan. Seized vehicles may also have been grabbed because of tax liens, criminal activities on the part of the owner or the vehicle was used to transport contraband or involved in other illegal activity.
Most of the seized vehicles are consigned to auction houses where they are disposed of at periodic sales. Many of these vehicles are luxury and performance models of prestigious brands; Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, BMW, Jaguar and others. There are Sports Utility Vehicles, pick-up trucks, sports cars, vans and motor homes, as well as family sedans. Many of the seized car auctions are heavily attended by dealers who make their living buying and reselling vehicles. Seized vehicles are often sold at government auctions at ten percent of the actual value, whereas the repossessed or non-criminally seized cars and trucks are usually sent to a dealer auto auction. Many of these auctions in El Paso are open to the general public.
There are a number of considerations when buying a repossessed or seized vehicle:
- What is the condition of the vehicle? The general appearance of the unit will often be an indicator of the mechanical condition. For those not familiar with vehicles, it is smart to include a reliable, knowledgeable auto technician in your search.
- What is the vehicle history? There are a number of sources of data on nearly every vehicle ever registered in the USA. It is wise to check with several to learn the history of the car or light truck; i.e. has it ever been wrecked, how many registered owners and who was the last one. If you can, check with the last owner to gather information on potential problems.
- How are you going to pay for the vehicle if you are the successful bidder? Most of the auctions only take cash, bank or certified checks or bank drafts, so be prepared to give a cash deposit and then arrange for an acceptable form of payment for the balance.
- Is there factory warranty still remaining on the vehicle of your choice? This could remove a lot of doubt about condition and history.
If you are not familiar with how an auction works, it is suggested that you attend one or two as an observer to learn the ropes. If this isn’t feasible, a connection could be made with a used car dealer to attend with you, for a fee of course, and handle the evaluation and bidding for you.
American Auto Auction
4532 North Mesa St
El Paso
Copart Salvage Auto Auctions
501 Valley Chili Rd
Vinton
Robertson Auto Auctions
11100 Gateway East
El Paso
Texas Southwest Auto Auction
428 Frederick Road
El Paso
