Government auction cars for sale in South Africa offer you the opportunity to buy ex government cars. You can usually pick up a decent vehicle in good running order for a wholesale price at an upcoming auction. Because government cars often sell for lower than regular market prices. Get the right model and the mileage can also be low meaning less wear and tear on the vehicle.
When it comes to buying cheap used cars pre-owned dealerships are not the only options out there.
In fact one of the best ways to get your hands on value for money vehicles is to look for cars selling on auction. Even some car dealers visit government car auctions to buy models to sell at their own dealerships for a profit.
What Vehicles are For Sale at Government Auctions?
Because there are so many government departments tasked with different responsibilities they use a number of different vehicles.
Government cars for sale:
- Sedans
- Hatchbacks
- 14 seaters
- 16 seaters
- Bakkies
- Double cabs
- Specialist vehicles such as ambulances
- Minivans
- Utility vehicles
Every now and then there is a SAPS vehicle auction in South Africa. This is where the SA police service auction off excess stock of their used vehicles.
Ex Government Auction Cars in South Africa
The government’s budget allows for the replacement of outdated vehicles at regular intervals.
Therefore the older vehicles sell on auction so that the government can reclaim some of the cars’ value.
The government can also come into possession of vehicles that have been seized by people who have defaulted on traffic fine payments.
Rather than storing and maintaining these acquired vehicles (which costs the government money) it makes more sense for the government to sell these cars on auction. And because they would like to get rid of them as soon as possible they often sell for prices lower than at a dealership. And significantly less than their trade-in values.
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If you get lucky you can find cars that are almost brand new at a government car auction in South Africa. Otherwise cars are not usually more than 2 or 3 years old.
On the other hand it’s important to do your research to check out the car you are interested in beforehand. So you have an idea of what kind of condition it’s in.
Tips on Buying Government Auction Cars For Sale
If you don’t know much about cars yourself bring along a mechanic or someone who will be able to tell you about any flaws in the vehicle.
You should also compare the asking price to similar vehicles sold through regular dealerships. Because this will help you decide whether or not you are getting a good price for it.
Redundant vehicles no longer used by the government are auctioned off by companies such as the SA Auction Group. You can find out about upcoming ex government auction cars online via their website here: https://www.sagrouponline.co.za/
Auctions take place online and at offline events at centres across the country. As part of the auction process you normally need to pay a deposit to register as a bidder.
Government Car Auctions in your Area
To locate government auctions taking place in your area you can check the classifieds section of your local newspaper. Or conduct an online search.
You can also contact auction houses directly and ask when they will be hosting vehicle auctions. Once you know when an auction will be held it’s important to find out about the cars that are up for bidding on.
In addition you can contact your local police station to get information about any upcoming SAPS vehicle auction happening near you.
Get a full list of police stations with contact details here: https://www.saps.gov.za/contacts/provdetails.php?pid=1
Once you have this list you can see if you are interested in any of the vehicles and conduct the relevant research. When it comes to any car auctions information and experience is key. Because you can know that you are getting a good deal and not wasting your money.
To Summarize
In summary we have learnt that the SA government auction cars off online and at events throughout the country.
It is advisable to visit at least one auction as a spectator before you intend on bidding. So that you can feel comfortable in the auction environment.
When it comes to buying a used car don’t limit your options to those at car dealerships. Rather explore the upcoming government auctions in South Africa as a way of finding car deals.