Tag Archives: repo trucks

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! 

mechanic checking a vehicle

How to Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection for an Out-of-State Repo

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

Unlike new and used vehicle purchases from a dealership, repos are sold “as-is.” This means that you buy the car in its current condition with no option for a refund. In return for an “as-is” sale, you get a vehicle at a highly discounted price. Inspecting the repo ensures you bring home a safe and reliable car that may only require cosmetic improvements or minor repairs.

But, what happens if you find a car that you love but in a different state? This is common with repos as inventory can be limited. Below are some tips on how to get a pre-purchase inspection for an out-of-state repo. 

Gather information on the vehicle 

When you use a repo finder tool like RepoFinder.com, you can shop for repos by state. So, let’s say that you broaden your search and find a repo a couple of states over. The first thing to do is let the seller know that you are interested. There’s usually a Contact button that allows you to contact the seller. They may even be able to give you more information about the car’s condition. 

Inspect the online photos 

Take a close look at the photos available online. You can learn a lot from online auction photos, such as the condition of the interior and exterior, frame damage and wheel misalingment. Having lots of pictures is a good indication that the car is in fair shape. If you’re having trouble getting photos, it may mean that the seller is trying to hide damage. 

Send out a local mechanic 

If everything looks good so far, send out a mechanic who can assess the vehicle for you. Here is a great resource from the IAA that lists qualified companies that provide vehicle inspection services. Find an inspection company in the state the vehicle is in and ask about their availability. 

Notify the seller

Let the seller know that you plan to have the vehicle inspected. Coordinate with the seller and the vehicle inspection service to place an appointment. It’s possible that the two parties can talk to each other to figure out a good time, but this rarely happens. Instead, expect to schedule this appointment on your own after speaking to both parties.

Get the results

Because this is a repo sale, the seller may not bring it to a mechanic. You’ll most likely count on the mechanic to travel to the site on their own time. So, expect to pay around $250 or more for this. Once the mechanic has checked everything, they will give you an update over the phone. Mechanics don’t always catch everything, but at least you’ll have a pretty good idea if the car is worth buying or not.

Out-of-state repos are definitely more of a hassle than in-state ones, but sometimes people can’t find what they’re looking for unless they expand their reach. For a complete list of repo cars, trucks and recreational vehicles in or around your area, visit RepoFinder.com. 

cheap repo truck

The Best Way to Get Cheap Trucks for Sale

There is no such thing as an affordable pickup anymore. Truck prices are skyrocketing, and it has forced some people to leave their favorite vehicles behind. Pickups are steadily getting bigger and more expensive, pushing them out of reach for average consumers. Some trucks sell for over $100,000! 

If you love trucks but have a limited budget, you don’t have to give up your passion. Repossessed trucks offer the best of both worlds – a great selection of pickups at affordable prices. 

Benefits of Repo Trucks 

Repossessions happen all the time, especially when it comes to trucks. Many truck owners pay $40K or more for their vehicle, and it ends up being too much to afford. Their payments might be too high or their loan too long. Once they stop making payments, it takes just a couple months for the truck to be repossessed. When the vehicle is in the hands of its bank or lender, it’s sold at a discounted rate. In other words, their loss is your gain. 

Some people assume that repo trucks are in poor condition and need a lot of work. Sometimes, this is true. But many times, it is not. Consider that someone who has almost paid off their loan wants to make the truck theirs. On the other hand, a person who has just purchased a truck but can’t afford it will cut their losses and stop paying. After all, they’d still owe on their loan. 

Do be aware that many repossessions require light maintenance, such as cleaning, oil changes, new tires, etc. If the person wasn’t paying their loan, they probably weren’t keeping up with the maintenance. To ensure you are buying a reliable repo truck, always inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. 

How to Find Repossessed Trucks 

The best way to find repossessed trucks is through a lender, bank or credit union. You always want to go straight to the source, otherwise other people get involved and put their markup on the vehicle. 

If you do a Google search, you’ll probably find car dealerships and auction sites selling trucks, so visit lender sites directly. By using RepoFinder.com, you can get a breakdown of the banks and credit unions in your area that are selling repo trucks. Be sure to check back often, as inventory changes regularly. 

Bottom line: Repossessed trucks are a great option when you’re looking for a cheap truck. Be patient, as it can take time to find the right fit, and always inspect the vehicle before buying. Other than that, have fun!

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. 

how to get a repossessed truck

3 Steps to Buying a Repo Truck

Are you interested in buying a repossessed truck? 

It’s easier than you might think! 

Plus, buying a repo truck is a great way to get the vehicle you want at a price you can afford. Banks and credit unions often have lists of repossessions on their websites that include new trucks, old trucks, compact trucks, mid-to full-size trucks and more. Some of these repossessions are in great shape and ready for a new owner.

Here are three simple steps to buying a repossessed truck – or any vehicle for that matter!

Step 1: Browse the Listings.

The first step is to find a truck that meets your needs. Because it can be tiresome to search through all the local banks and credit unions in your area, use a tool like RepoFinder.com. This free tool allows you to search for banks that are selling repossessions. Choose your state and click on the bank names to start your search. 

Step 2: Make an Offer. 

Once you’ve found a repo truck, you can make an offer. Usually, the banks already have a price in mind that is based on the truck’s book value or recent appraisal. Don’t be afraid to offer less. Banks just want to get rid of repossessions and recoup their losses. 

Typically, offers are made in the form of bids. Some bids are open, where you can see what other people are offering, and other bids are closed. Open bidding is most common because this allows people to compete against each other and win the highest bid. If your offer isn’t accepted, don’t get discouraged. There are plenty of repossessed trucks that need owners! 

Step 3: Complete the Inspection.

Most lenders allow bidders to do an inspection of the vehicle. If you’re not sure what to look for, bring along someone who does. Once you buy the truck, it’s your responsibility, so you want to know what you’re getting into. 

Below you’ll find some of the things we recommend inspecting or testing. You can find more detailed information on what to look for when buying a used vehicle in this article. 

  • Heating/cooling
  • Brakes 
  • Power steering 
  • Windows and locks
  • Tires, battery and air filter 
  • Signals, brake lights, reverse lights, headlights 

Also, pay attention to signs of water damage or rust. Severe water damage can leave the truck totaled. Repairing or fixing rust is expensive and generally not a cost you’ll want to incur. 

In the end, buying a repossession is a lot like buying a truck from a dealership and a private seller. You get assistance with the financing and paperwork while have the power to negotiate. For a full list of repossessions in your area, visit RepoFinder.com today. 

repossessed vehicle great value

5 Ways to Tell You’re Getting a Good Repo

Buying a repossession is a lot like buying a used car, except it is an “as-is” purchase. There is no warranty from the dealer, so you absorb whatever problems the car has. This is why repos are hundreds to thousands of dollars less than other vehicles. 

Even though there are significant cost savings upfront, you don’t want to end up wasting your money. So, how can you determine that the repossession you’re looking at is actually a good deal? Below are five signs to look for.

  1. You’re buying a repo from a bank or credit union.

Where you buy your repo from makes a big difference. We recommend working with lenders because they have the best prices with no added fees or commissions. Plus, you can often get attractive financing offers directly from the bank. Lenders are also transparent with pricing and bidding. 

  1. You can do an inspection. 

You should always ask to see the repo before you make an offer. Again, when you work with a reputable seller, an inspection shouldn’t be a problem. If you don’t know a lot about cars, bring along someone who does. They can look over the repo and make sure it’s a good value. 

  1. The repo has a title. 

You should never buy a vehicle without the title. If a repo doesn’t have a title, there’s no telling who really owns the car. You could pay for it, and the owner could claim ownership later on. What you don’t get with a repossession is a warranty from the dealer. But, a repossession does not change the title or manufacturer warranty. 

  1. You know where it came from.

It’s not always possible to know where a repossession came from. However, if the bank can tell you some information about the vehicle, it’s in your favor. Depending on the circumstances, the lender may know the condition of the repo, a little bit about the history and the area it came from. This information, coupled with an inspection, can give you greater peace of mind. 

  1. You feel good about the purchase. 

If you feel that you’ve found the right repo car, make an offer! Don’t be afraid to negotiate or offer a lower price, especially if you want financing from the bank. On the other hand, if you don’t feel confident, you should wait. There are tons of repossessions, with new ones being listed daily. There is no reason to buy something you’re unsure of. 

It is possible to find a clean repossession in good working condition at a great value. For a convenient list of banks and credit unions with repo lists in your area, visit RepoFinder.com today.