New York State has been getting rid of surplus goods and now vehicles are up for grabs. There are opportunities to catch a good bargain as the cars are being auctioned off at attractive prices. However, there’s a catch that offsets the potential savings. It may not be a dealbreaker, but potential buyers will perhaps be less keen to bid when they find out what it is.
New York is auctioning off surplus vehicles at low prices
Periodically, US states auction off surplus items that are taking up unnecessary space and make them available to the public. These opportunities are not that common, but some people make a living off bidding, buying, and reselling goods from state auctions. Other people follow purely as enthusiasts and collectors.
It’s now the State of New York’s turn to run auctions, and it’s time for vehicles to go up. The car auction is generating a lot of interest due to the prices, with a large number of autos priced under $3,000. This sounds super attractive to anyone in the market for a used vehicle on a limited budget.
Auctions are conducted entirely online
New York State’s vehicle auction opened on May 1, 2024, via the GovDeals online marketplace. The public can bid on vehicles that have been retired from government service, which include state fleet and law enforcement vehicles as well as highway equipment.
NY State vehicle auction: What’s in it for buyers?
What makes this state surplus vehicle auction so attractive?
- The online system cuts out the middleman, seeing as the cars don’t need to be sold through used car dealerships where a markup would be applied.
- The price range of $3,000 puts these automobiles within range of most vehicle buyers’ budgets.
- The State can afford to offer lower prices because it has avoided the storage and maintenance costs associated with holding on to decommissioned vehicles.
Buyers are not limited to choice either. The vehicle options on auction range from sedans, SUVs, pickups, and trucks to specialized transportation and highway maintenance equipment.
Imagine driving a retired police interceptor… Well, you can.
Concerning age and mileage, many of the vehicles are from the late 2010s. Some as as new as 2018 or even later. You can find the details and photos of each listing on the GovDeals website.
What’s the drawback?
There’s a drawback to buying vehicles on auction, and it’s not complicated: vehicles sold via the NY State’s auction do not come with warranties or guarantees. Each item is sold “as-is,” which means you take it as you find it with no call-backs allowed.
If buyers are astute in assessing purchases before placing bids and factor in potential costs like repairs, upgrades, or parts replacements, it can be a win-win situation all round.
What models can you expect to find on auction?
There are numerous reliable vehicles manufactured by top dependable brands available for consideration by potential buyers, and new listings are added periodically. Expect to find models such as:
- 2018 Ford Explorer: This is an SUV popular among state agencies and it offers ample space and modern features suitable for families, utilities, sports, or businesses. Some recent models produced by the brand were assessed for ADAS safety features and the findings are insightful.
- 2019 Chevrolet Impala: Drivers know they’ll get a comfortable ride in a spacious interior.
- 2018 Dodge Charger: This model is for performance, power, and handling.
What vehicle types are available?
- Sedans
- SUVs
- Pickups
- Vans
- Buses
- Maintenance trucks
- Specialized industry vehicles
If any of these options sound like a good deal to you, your next step is visiting the GovDeals website. Keep in mind that buyers are responsible for the collection of any vehicles purchased.
In other New York road news, drivers in the state need to prepare for changes in their licenses in 2025. The Department of Motor Vehicles is reminding New Yorkers that they are required to upgrade their license or identification cards to REAL IDs before the deadline, which is not optional.