If you’re looking for a reliable, affordable vehicle, you might wonder, “Where are repossessed cars sold?” Repossessed vehicles offer fantastic savings since they’re often sold at lower prices directly by banks or credit unions, without middleman fees or commissions. However, finding these deals can be challenging if you don’t know where to look. In reality, there are only two main ways to buy a genuine repossessed car: directly from a financial institution or through a public auction. This blog will explain both options to help you get the best deal.
Why Banks and Credit Unions Have Repossessed Cars
Banks and credit unions repossess vehicles when borrowers fall behind on loan payments. If someone stops making payments on their car loan, the lender has the right to take back the vehicle to recover the loan amount. Once repossessed, the bank or credit union needs to sell the vehicle to cover the remaining debt.
For buyers, repossessed vehicles offer a great opportunity. These cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and RVs are often in good condition and sold at discounted prices. Since banks and credit unions want to sell them quickly, they often offer lower prices compared to dealerships.
Option 1: Buying Repossessed Cars Directly from Banks or Credit Unions
The best place to buy a repossessed car is directly from a bank or credit union. This is because you avoid dealer fees, middlemen, and extra charges that dealerships often add on.
When you buy from a bank or credit union, you’re essentially purchasing the car at its remaining loan value. This can be significantly less than what you would pay at a dealership. Banks and credit unions aren’t focused on making a profit from the sale. Instead, they’re trying to recover their losses on the original loan. That’s it. Credit Unions are a not-for-profit entity.
Here’s why buying directly from banks or credit unions is preferred:
- No Middleman Fees: Banks don’t charge the extra commissions or fees that dealers do.
- Lower Prices: Since the goal is to recover the loan balance, vehicles are priced below market rates.
- Loan Assistance: Many banks and credit unions offer financing options on repos, so you may get a loan if needed.
- Trustworthy Paperwork: Banks and credit unions handle the paperwork, which can simplify the buying process.
If you’re ready to look for these deals, RepoFinder.com is an excellent starting point. RepoFinder compiles repossessed car listings from banks and credit unions nationwide, making it easy to find quality vehicles at great prices.
How to Buy Directly from Banks or Credit Unions
To buy a repo car from a bank or credit union, follow these steps:
- Check Their Website: Many financial institutions list repossessed cars for sale on their websites under sections like “For Sale” or “Repos.”
- Contact the Institution: Get in touch with the bank or credit union and ask about available repos.
- Inspect the Vehicle: Most banks allow you to inspect the vehicle before buying, so you know its condition.
- Arrange Financing if Needed: Some banks offer financing on their repos, so check if you qualify.
- Complete the Paperwork: Once you decide to buy, the bank will help with the title and registration process.
Option 2: Public Auctions for Repossessed Cars
The second way to buy a repossessed vehicle is through a public auction. While some auctions are dealer-only, many allow the general public to participate. Banks and credit unions sometimes outsource their repossessions to third-party auction companies to make the selling process quicker. However, buying at an auction does have some disadvantages compared to buying directly from a bank.
Public auctions can be fast-paced, and vehicles are sold as-is, meaning you don’t always have time to inspect them thoroughly. Here’s how buying a repo car at an auction works:
- Research Auction Houses: Some auction houses specialize in repossessed vehicles. Look for local auctions that allow public bidding.
- Register for the Auction: You’ll need to register to participate. Be sure to understand any fees associated with bidding.
- Inspect Vehicles Beforehand: Most auctions let you view the cars before the sale. Bring a mechanic if you’re unsure of the vehicle’s condition.
- Place Your Bid: Auctions can be competitive, so have a maximum bid in mind.
- Complete the Sale: If you win the bid, be ready to pay promptly. Some auction houses require immediate payment.
Public auctions can be a good option if you’re looking for a deal, but be cautious. Many auctions like Copart, IAAI, and Manheim primarily cater to licensed dealers, meaning you won’t even get in the door to bid as these repos aren’t available to the public. Additionally, after a dealer buys a repossessed car at auction, they mark up the price for resale to make a profit. This means that by the time a repossessed car reaches a dealership, it’s priced significantly higher than what it originally sold for at auction.
Where Not to Buy Repossessed Cars
It’s essential to note that some websites and search results might direct you to dealer-only auctions or sites that look like direct sources for the public. Dealer-only auctions like Copart, IAAI, and Manheim cater only to licensed dealers, not the general public. Although search engines push dealer-only auctions to the top results, as a public buyer it’s no fun to see a list of bank repos for sale only to find out you aren’t even eligible to bid. There are some work-arounds like paying a 3rd party dealership to white label their license to you, but when you add in the extra costs and complexity it’s questionable if it’s really saving you any money.
Benefits of Buying Repossessed Cars Directly from Banks and Credit Unions
There are many advantages to purchasing a repossessed car directly from a financial institution. Here are some key benefits:
- Significant Savings: Without the middleman markups, you’re paying close to the vehicle’s loan balance.
- No Added Dealer Fees: With direct purchases, you avoid dealer fees, commissions, and markups.
- Simplified Financing Options: Banks and credit unions can often help with loans, saving you from shopping around.
- Faster Transactions: Buying directly can be quicker and simpler than going through a dealership.
- More Control: You can handle the process yourself, with support from the bank, instead of dealing with sales pressure.
Finding Repossessed Cars on RepoFinder.com
One of the best places to start your search for repossessed vehicles is RepoFinder.com. RepoFinder connects buyers with credit unions and banks across the country, offering listings for cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, and more. By browsing RepoFinder, you can compare options from multiple institutions and find genuine repos at discounted prices. It’s an excellent tool for anyone looking to save money on a quality vehicle by buying directly from a financial institution.
FAQs about Repossessed Cars
Q: Do I need a dealer license to buy repossessed cars?
A: No, if you buy directly from a bank or credit union or at a public auction that allows public buyers. You only need a dealer license for dealer-only auctions like Manheim, IAAI, and Copart.
Q: Are repossessed cars in good condition?
A: Most repossessed cars are in good shape, though some may have wear. Banks often inspect repos to provide accurate condition information.
Q: How much can I save by buying a repo car directly from a bank?
A: Savings vary, but most repos are sold below market value since banks aren’t trying to profit—just recoup losses.