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repo vehicle for sale

Where Can I Buy Repossessed Cars for Sale?

Auto repossessions are more common than people think. If you’ve fallen behind on your payments, the lender can repossess your vehicle to recoup some of their losses. However, your car may also be repossessed for other reasons such as not carrying adequate insurance. 

Repossessions are certainly not fun, especially when you depend on your car to get to and from work. But there’s a light on the other end of the tunnel – repossessed cars can be sold to the public at steep discounts. If you’re not in a position to pay full price for a new vehicle, a repo car is an excellent alternative. 

So where can you pick up a repo car, truck or SUV? Below are your options. 

Lenders and Credit Unions

Some lenders and credit unions make their repossessed inventory directly available to the public. They’ve waited to receive payment from the owner and were unable to work something out, so they’re eager to recoup their losses in a quick sale. And, lenders and credit unions are not in a position to store or care for vehicles, so they are especially motivated to sell them. Their loss is your gain!

Vehicle Auctions 

Vehicle auctions, both online and in-person, provide another opportunity to shop for repo inventory. The nice thing about auctions is that you’ll have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from as opposed to a lender that only has a few cars on their lot. That said, there is a lot more competition with auctions, so you must be prepared to make effective bids, as well as have pre-approved financing or cash lined up. 

Repo Company 

Repo companies are the middlemen between the lender and the buying public. This route is actually very convenient because you can browse a wide inventory of vehicles, perform quick searches and place a bid all in one sitting. While you might think that this route will cost you more, it probably won’t. The cars are still being sold by lenders and credit unions, so they want to sell them quickly. You can expect the prices to still be on the low side. 

Used Car Lots 

Your last option for purchasing a repo vehicle is a used car lot. This is a straightforward way to purchase a repo, and you don’t have to worry about bidding against others. Even better is that the cars are often cleaned up and light repairs are made. However, in exchange for all of this, used car lots charge more for their repos. In fact, some are the same price as a used car!

Shop with RepoFinder Today 

There is no right or wrong way to shop for repo vehicles. It all comes down to the selection and the price you’re willing to pay. RepoFinder offers a huge selection of repossessed SUVs, compact cars, hatchbacks, minivans, crossovers and more. Browse our selection of repos today and see how easy and affordable it is to shop with us!

SUV car

How Do I Buy a Car from RepoFinder?

If you’ve landed on our website, you’re probably shopping around for a car and looking for a great deal. We’re the place to make this happen! Our website offers a full list of banks and credit unions that are selling repossessed vehicles. (You can learn more about repossessions here). Even though the banks take these vehicles back, they don’t care to keep them. This is why they sell them to dealers or the general public. 

Many banks and credit unions choose to sell their repo inventory to dealers because they can get rid of many vehicles at once. Unfortunately, everyday people who are looking for a discounted vehicle aren’t able to access this inventory. But, you’re in luck! RepoFinder only sells to the public. This allows you to purchase repos directly from the source.

What are the Steps to Buying a Vehicle from RepoFinder? 

Whether you’re shopping for a car, truck, SUV or recreational vehicle, RepoFinder has it all. We even get small aircraft and boats! We’ll walk you through the process of buying a repossession so that you know what to expect. Please note that each bank and credit union has their own process for selling repos, so there may be some slight differences. 

View our list of repossessions

Start with our USA map and click on your state. This will pull up all of the banks and lenders that sell repo inventory. Because banks are always getting new vehicles, check back often if you don’t see something you like right away. Repo sales require patience! 

Make an offer 

When you find a vehicle that fits your needs and price range, you can make an offer. Most repos are priced by the bank based on the vehicle’s book value or recent appraisal. However, don’t be afraid to offer less. 

Sometimes you can see what other people are offering (open bid) and sometimes you can’t (closed bid). Open bids are more common because you can compete with others. You can give your offer verbally over the phone or by filling out an online form. 

Inspect the vehicle 

If your bid is accepted, it’s important to do your due diligence. Only work with sellers who are willing to let you inspect the vehicle. You may not be able to take it for a test drive, but you should be able to look at its condition. Remember, you don’t get protection with a repo, so it’s yours to keep once you drive it off the lot. 

Purchase the vehicle 

Once you’re comfortable with the purchase, you can proceed with the sale. The benefit to working with the banks is that you can get financing directly from them. In fact, banks are often willing to negotiate better pricing, terms and interest rates when you buy direct. And, you don’t have to deal with pushy salespeople working for commission. 

Hopefully you can see how easy it is to buy a car from RepoFinder. Remember these three things: be patient, do your homework and check back often. If you keep these things in mind, you should have no trouble finding a great vehicle at a fantastic price! 

dollar bill

What is the Best Way to Finance a Used Car?

If you’re planning on buying a used vehicle and want to know how to finance it, you’ll be surprised by the options you have. Planning ahead is a smart decision because it allows you to get the best rates. And, by running through a few different scenarios, you can determine exactly what fees to expect when making an auto purchase. 

Below are the best options for financing a used vehicle and the benefits to expect with each one. 

Used Car Loans 

The most popular option for financing a used vehicle is a used car loan. Many car loans come from big banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One and Chase, but there are plenty of others out there, too. Large banks tend to have higher interest rates and fees, while smaller, brick-and-mortar branches are often more affordable. 

To ensure you get the best car loan, it helps to do some research. Know your credit score, determine what you’re willing to spend each month and review different companies. By getting prequalified, you’ll be in a better position when it comes time to bid on a vehicle.  

Credit Unions 

Credit unions can also finance your repo car purchase, just as the banks do. You will end up getting an auto loan with monthly payments, but you can expect a slightly different process. For instance, credit unions are not-for-profit and typically offer lower fees but higher interest rates. Their customer service tends to be above average as well. 

Home Equity Loans 

Used car loans aren’t the only way to pay for a car. If you have equity in your home and you can access it, you may use this money to purchase a vehicle. Home equity loans usually offer lower interest rates than standard auto loans, and you may even be able to write off a portion of the interest on your taxes. 

Personal Loans 

Another option for financing your vehicle is a personal loan. Most personal loans have no restrictions on what you can use them for, giving you the freedom to buy any vehicle you want, including a repossessed luxury vehicle. However, there are things to watch for as well. For example, some personal loans have higher interest rates and additional loan fees compared to auto loans. 

Peer-to-Peer Loans 

Peer-to-peer loan platforms allow you to borrow money from an investor. If you don’t qualify for traditional financing, or you don’t like the offers you are getting, this is an option worth checking out. The requirements are usually less strict compared to banks and credit unions, and the financing typically comes quickly. The loan amounts are usually low, but this won’t be a problem if you’re planning on buying an affordable repossession. 

As you can see, there are many options for financing your repo car purchase. Repossessions are lower in price to begin with, so when you choose the right financing option, you can expect reasonable monthly payments that won’t break the bank.

red pickup truck

Is it Safe to Buy a Repo Car or Truck?

A repossessed car or truck is a great way to save money on your vehicle purchase. Not only can you get a great car at an affordable price, but you can also lower your monthly insurance costs and registration fees.

But, some people worry about the safety and reliability of these vehicles. If the previous owner failed to make their payments, they probably didn’t take the car in for routine maintenance. So, how safe can these cars and trucks be? 

When it comes to repo vehicles, each situation is unique. Some repos were maintained relatively well, but the owner fell on hard times. Others need basic maintenance like an oil change and new set of tires. And, there are vehicles that require too much work to be reliable. 

Bottom line: It is possible to find safe, dependable repo cars and trucks. Here are some tips to help you find one of your own. 

Know the Laws in Your State 

It helps to know the repossession laws in your state. Some states allow banks to take back a vehicle if the payment is late by just a few days. That said, most states enforce a grace period before allowing lenders to repo the vehicle. Also, because banks make money off interest, most try to work with the customer before taking away the vehicle. 

Nevertheless, if you live in a state that works quickly on repossessions, you may have a bigger selection of vehicles in decent condition to choose from. The longer your state takes to collect vehicles, the more time they have to sit there. 

Buy Directly from the Lender 

You can find very good deals by shopping through a lender. Dealerships sell repossessed vehicles, but they end up buying them from auctions and fixing them up. At least you know you’re getting a car that has been inspected by a mechanic, but it also means you’ll be paying just as much as you would for a used car. So, buy directly from the lender to save money. 

Most lenders are very good about supplying prospective buyers with information and photos of the vehicle. If you use a repo listing site like RepoFinder.com, you can look through all of the banks and credit unions in your state that are selling top-quality vehicles, as well as items like boats, RVs and ATVs. 

Ask to View the Repo Vehicle 

Many sellers will allow you to view the repo before signing anything. Typically, you’ll place your bid first, and if you win, you’ll have the chance to look at the car or truck. We always recommend bringing along someone who knows about cars so that you can identify potential red flags. 

We also recommend only buying repos that have proper documentation. If you purchase a car that has no title, you could face serious issues down the road proving ownership. Technically, the original owner could come back and claim the vehicle, even if you have been paying on it. 

Find a Safe, Reliable Repo with RepoFinder.com 

RepoFinder.com lists the banks, lenders and credit unions in your state that are selling repo cars, trucks, boats, ATVs, RVs and more. It’s free to use, and you’ll find plenty of pictures and descriptions about the repos for sale. When you find something you like, do your research on the vehicle to identify safety issues or other common problems. This will help you place a strong and effective bid. 

money coins

Why are Repos Priced So Cheap?

This entry was posted in Repo Cars and tagged , , , , on by .

When shopping for a repossessed car or truck, you’ll notice that the prices are much lower than what you would pay for a used vehicle from a dealership. This can make some buyers skeptical, but you don’t need to be. As long as you do your research, ask the right questions and perform an inspection before buying, you should have no problem finding a repo vehicle that is priced 25% to 40% lower than the cost of a similar used car. 

Here are some reasons why repos cost less than similar used vehicles. 

Unknown Condition 

The main reason why repos cost less is because their condition is unknown. When a vehicle comes to a dealership, a mechanic inspects it. Major problems are addressed, and the vehicle is cleaned and ready for a new owner. While helpful, all of this work adds to the price tag of the vehicle.

In the case of a repo car, there is no mechanic to check it out. It’s repossessed from the original owner, and if they can’t catch up on payments, the vehicle is sold through the lender or an auction. The highest bidder then gets the chance to inspect the vehicle before taking it home. 

It’s true that some repos are lemons, but many others are in good condition. They may need an oil change or new tires, but they’ll make a great vehicle. However, it’s up to you to make sure you’re buying a good car, which is why the savings go to you. 

Recoup Losses 

When banks and lenders take back vehicles from owners in default, they just want to recoup some of their losses. Their business comes from lending money to people – not selling cars. Therefore, they want the vehicle off their lot as soon as possible while also getting something out of it. 

There are several websites that specialize in selling repossessed cars, but not all are free. If you want to browse repossessions in your state at no cost, check out RepoFinder.com. Click on your state and view the repos up for bid. Most have descriptions that allow you to see what features the cars and trucks come with, as well as if the seller is accepting bids. 

Maintenance and Repairs

Generally speaking, people who let their car payments go into default are not scheduling regular maintenance. This means that many repos require maintenance and repairs to get them up to speed. With this in mind, banks and lenders price the vehicles at a competitive price so that they are still a bargain even with the added work.

The newer the car is, the less likely it is to need maintenance and repairs. So, if you don’t want to put a lot of work into a repo, we recommend sticking to vehicles that are less than 18 months old. Additionally, there is a large supply of lease returns around 3-4 years old that you can buy cheap. 

If you’re looking for an affordable vehicle for yourself or someone else in the family, a repo is a great option. Don’t be scared away by the low prices. You’ll have to assume more responsibility, but as long as you don’t mind taking this on, you can be successful in finding a great car at a great price. 

parking lot

What Do Banks Do with Repossessed Vehicles?

Most people who buy cars and trucks borrow money from the bank to do so. This means that they don’t own the vehicle free and clear, even though it’s theirs to drive around and maintain. If they stop making their monthly payments, the lender can take the vehicle away from them. This is often done without warning. Lenders might send a driver to get the car or take it away with a tow truck. 

Even though lenders don’t tell people when they’re coming to pick up the car, it’s not a surprise. When borrowing money from a lender, you have to agree to specific terms. This includes making your payments on time and maintaining insurance. If you don’t meet these requirements, the bank has the right to take the vehicle away. 

So, where do these vehicles go once they are taken by the bank? Surely they don’t sit in the parking lot! Let’s learn more about where repossessions go and how people like you can benefit from them. 

Where Repo Cars and Trucks Go 

When the bank comes to collect a car, truck, boat, etc. that is behind on payments, they often bring them to third-party storage facilities. These facilities specialize in managing the repossession and storage of repos. In some cases, however, the banks provide their own storage. 

Regardless of where the repo is being stored, the banks will hold it there until they list it for sale. In the meantime, they hope that the original owner makes payments and takes back the vehicle. If the owner cannot do that, the car is listed for sale. Lenders might sell the car to a dealership, while others organize auctions or list the vehicles on their website where private sellers can place a bid. 

How Repos Benefit the General Public 

The goal for the lender is to recoup some of their losses. This isn’t always possible, though, because repos are sold for a heavily reduced price. If the lender wants to recoup more of their losses, they will try to collect payment from the original owner – this “loss” does not get passed onto the new buyer. That said, the lender is responsible for selling the car at a reasonable market price. 

Here are some of the ways that repossessed vehicles help out the general public:

  • Affordable prices. Cars are expensive and not everyone can afford a new car payment. Repos are sold at low prices, allowing people to get a good vehicle at an affordable price. The affordability of these vehicles also makes them great for teens and college students and older adults who don’t drive much. 
  • Safe, reliable cars. There is a stigma that repo cars aren’t good cars, but this isn’t the case. Older vehicles are often paid off. It’s the newer vehicles that people have trouble affording and end up defaulting on their loan (average car loans are between 2 and 6 years). In reality, repos are often newer cars that are in good condition. 
  • Less waste. Rather than abandoning repossessed vehicles, they are sold through auction sites and dealerships to people who need them. Furthermore, it may be more environmentally friendly to drive a used car because it has less carbon dioxide emissions. 

Ready to check out the repossessions in your area? Visit RepoFinder.com, click on your state and find the banks, lenders and credit unions that are selling repossessed vehicles at great prices! 

BMO Harris car repo

Purchasing a Repo Car from BMO Harris

BMO Harris has more than 12 million customers that count on them for personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment services. They are the 8th largest bank in North America, based on assets. The bank takes great pride in helping customers make the most of their money. 

With millions of customers, there will always be some who default on their loans. This sometimes happens with auto loans. 

BMO Harris Auto Loans 

When purchasing a car, a buyer may have to put some money down to cover the down payment and title fees, but they can finance the rest of their purchase. What some people don’t realize is how expensive car payments can be, especially once the interest rates are added on. 

Here is some basic information on BMO Harris auto loans. 

  • BMO Harris will finance cars, motorcycles, boats and RVs. 
  • Auto loan amounts start at $5,000 and go up to $30,000.
  • All loan products have fixed APRs that range from 4.8% to 7.11%.
  • Maximum loan terms are 72 months.
  • Loan origination fees are up to 1% of the loan amount.
  • Borrowers are charged late fees. 

When Auto Loan Borrowers Default 

When taking out a loan, the borrower agrees to pay it back according to the loan agreement. If, at any time, they can’t make the loan payments, the loan will go into default and the car can be repossessed. Usually, it only takes a few months for this to happen, as the bank isn’t going to continue losing money every month. 

Once the vehicle is repossessed, it is usually sold at an auction. Everyday people can bid on the vehicle, though dealerships are good at picking up decent cars and reselling them at a higher price. This is why it’s best to buy repossessions directly from the bank, as you don’t want to buy a repo with a price markup. 

Where to Find BMO Harris Repo Cars 

The best way to find repossessions from BMO Harris is by visiting their site directly. Being a large bank, their inventory changes often. Visit RepoFinder.com and click on the state you live in. You can then search for BMO Harris’ inventory of repo vehicles. Also, because BMO Harris provides financing for motorcycles, boats and RVs, you can also find these vehicles for auction. 

Currently, BMO Harris is only in ten states: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Washington and Wisconsin, so do keep this in mind. You always want to be able to see the car before buying, so shop only as far as you’re willing to drive. 

repo car bought direct from a lender

Buying a Repo? Make Sure it’s Direct from a Lender

Photo Credit: Mike Birdy

There are different ways to buy a repossession, such as through a physical auction house, an online auction service or a lender. At RepoFinder.com, we always recommend buying repos direct from lenders, banks and credit unions. You can find a better deal this way because lenders are motivated to sell. Also, they rarely put money into repos, so you’re not paying for things you can do yourself, like cleaning the vehicle or making minor repairs. 

It’s not always clear cut who you are buying from when purchasing a repossession. For example, some dealerships advertise repo cars and trucks. They aren’t lying – the vehicles really were repossessed. However, the dealership most likely put money into cleaning up and restoring the vehicle, which means the vehicle has a markup to it. 

So, how can you make sure that you’re buying a repo directly from the lender? Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind.

Go Straight to the Source – Lender Websites 

If you do a general search for repossessions, advertisements and sponsored content will pop up first. This content is dominated by dealerships and auction sites that are trying to sell repos for a profit. They’ve likely taken the repos off the hands of lenders and credit unions, then prepped, repaired and added their markup to it. 

The better option is to look for repossessions directly on the websites of lenders, banks and credit unions. This means that you have to visit each site independently, which will take more time. But at least you know that you’re looking at true repos.  

Not sure which lenders and banks to start with? No worries! RepoFinder.com has taken care of the sorting for you. Visit our site, choose the state you live in and that’s it! You’ll be given a list of the banks and credit unions in your area that sell repos. Their inventory changes often, so be sure to check back frequently for newly added repossessions. 

Be Patient in Your Research 

While some people have landed a great repo car right away, this isn’t the norm. It usually takes time and patience to find a decent car at the right price. This is why we recommend starting early and taking your time finding a repossession. 

In some cases, you might find that a car you really like is going for more than its NADA or Kelley Blue Book value. This usually happens because more is owed to the bank than what the vehicle is worth. You should have some negotiating power in these instances, but it’s also possible that the bank will be firm. So, give yourself time to find the right vehicle. 

RepoFinder.com makes it easy to find repossessions directly from banks and credit unions. Browse our site today to find a repo car or truck that fits your needs and budget. 

buying a repossession from a bank

Buying a Repossession from Bank of America

This entry was posted in Repo Cars, Used Cars and tagged , , , on by .

Are you interested in buying a repossession from a bank or lender? This is a great option because you can buy directly from the source, saving money and possibly qualifying for a more attractive loan. While there are many banks that sell repos, Bank of America is one of the best options. 

Bank of America Repossessions 

Bank of America is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina and has roughly $2.8 trillion in assets. In 2016, Bank of America was named No. 1 in online banking and mobile banking functionality. It also has the No. 1 U.S. retail deposit market share, with over $635.6 billion in consumer banking deposits in 2017. Bank of America is also one of the top mortgage lenders in the U.S.

With so much business happening on Bank of America’s end, there are also more opportunities for the general public to buy repossessed vehicles. Repossessions typically occur when the owner falls behind on their payments. Bank of America starts the repossession process when the owner hasn’t made payments in 60-90 days. 

Some owners give their vehicle back voluntarily. However, it’s more common for repossession to be involuntary, which means the lender takes the car without the owner’s permission. Once the vehicle is in Bank of America’s possession, they can sell the car to a new owner. 

Why Buy Repossessed Vehicles from Bank of America 

Repossessions are a great buy for people who are willing to put in the time and research to find a reliable car. Here are the benefits of buying a repo car through Bank of America.

  • Good selection. Bank of America is a large bank with repossessions in many states. With a bigger selection, you have more repos to choose from. In fact, many repos are in good condition – you might even be able to retain the warranty! 
  • Fair pricing. Unlike dealerships and private sellers, Bank of America does not take on the expense of cleaning and repairing the vehicle. Repos are sold “as-is,” but the cost savings go to you. 
  • Attractive financing. Bank of America offers financing, which means you can buy a repo and get financing for it through the same lender. Financing works in the same way as other transactions. Whatever you don’t pay out of pocket, you must finance through a lender. 

If you’re ready to browse repossessions, visit RepoFinder.com

We have a comprehensive Bank of America repo list that includes repo cars, trucks, ATVs, RVs, campers, homes and more. Find the perfect match for you!

buying a repossessed boat

5 Tips for Buying a Repossessed Boat

If you love the idea of spending your weekends on the water, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on a boat, you should consider repossessed boats for sale. These boats are cheaper than buying from a dealer, and you can get a great boat out of the deal. 

It’s important to know that repossessions are sold “as-is,” which means you are responsible for all repairs. You’ll want to do your research and ensure you’re getting a dependable repossessed boat at a fair price. 

Below are five tips for buying a repo boat that will allow you to spend your free time on the water. 

1. Check out repossessed boats from bank lenders.

You can find repo boats at auctions or through banks, lenders and credit unions. We recommend working with banks and lenders, as they are motivated to sell. They want to get the boats off their books, allowing you to get a great deal on them. Plus, if you need financing, the banks will put together attractive financing for you. The same rules apply – good credit scores lead to lower rates. 

2. Be prepared to act fast – repo boats go quick.

Repossessed boats don’t stay on the market long. These watercraft are in high demand, especially at decreased prices. Don’t be surprised if a boat you’re interested in has multiple bids, which will drive the price up. 

Knowing how competitive repo boats are, it’s important to act fast when you’ve found a boat that you like. Waiting just a few days can cause you to lose the boat to another bidder. If you do miss out, don’t worry. There are plenty of other repo boats in the sea! 

3. Know what the boat is appraised at.

When a boat is listed as a repossession, it sometimes gets more attention because shoppers know it may be open to negotiation. However, it’s hard to know how low banks are willing to go. Before making a bid, know what the NADA Marine Appraisal and BUC boat appraisal guides say. Lenders usually use these guides as a benchmark when pricing boats. 

4. Be ready to clean and tidy up the boat.

Buying a repossession does not mean that you are compromising quality. A lot of repossessed boats are in decent condition – their owners just couldn’t afford them anymore. However, be prepared to give the boat a good cleaning and some basic maintenance. Most owners don’t tidy up their boats before a repossession. It’s also possible the boat hasn’t received maintenance in a while. 

5. Ask to do a survey and sea trial.

It’s strongly recommended to have the boat inspected before placing a bid. Ideally, you’ll want to do a thorough survey and make sure the boat is sea-worthy, though you’ll have to ask the bank. Also, if the boat has diesel engines, consider bringing along a diesel engine specialist who can take a look. You’re inheriting all of the boat’s problems when you purchase it, so you want to do your research. 

Want to own a boat without spending a fortune? Check out RepoFinder.com for a full list of banks, lenders and credit unions in your area that are selling repossessed boats and other vehicles.