where can i buy abandoned cars

[MacDaniella]

You can primarily buy abandoned cars through government and municipal auctions, which are the most legitimate and common sources. These vehicles are typically seized, impounded, or recovered after being abandoned. While online platforms like Copart and IAAI also list them, they often come with significant challenges. The most reliable starting point is your local or state government auction website. Police departments and city impound lots regularly auction off vehicles that have been unclaimed after a set period. These auctions are open to the public. Websites like GovDeals and PublicSurplus aggregate listings from various municipal agencies across the country. The key advantage here is transparency; the vehicle's condition is usually disclosed, though "as-is" sales are the standard. National online salvage auctions like Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) are another major source. Many abandoned cars end up here after being declared a total loss or unclaimed by insurance companies. You'll need to understand the specific title brands associated with these cars, such as "Salvage" or "Non-Repairable." Bidding often requires a broker's license or using a broker service, which adds to the cost. Before you bid, a pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable. These cars may have hidden mechanical issues, flood damage, or be missing titles, which can lead to a lengthy and expensive paperwork process to get them legally back on the road. | Auction Source | Typical Vehicle Types | Title Status | Key Considerations | Average Starting Bid Range (Examples) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Municipal/Police Auctions | Impounded, seized, abandoned | Often clean, but may have liens | Transparent history, sold "as-is" | $500 - $3,000 | | Online Salvage Auctions (Copart/IAAI) | Insurance total losses, abandoned | Salvage, Non-Repairable | Requires broker; potential for major damage | $200 - $5,000+ | | Towing Company Lots | Abandoned private property vehicles | Varies, often complicated | Direct negotiation; title recovery can be difficult | $300 - $2,000 | | DMV Auctions | Vehicles abandoned on state property | Clean title possible | Infrequent; requires checking DMV websites | $1,000 - $4,000 |

[DelCassidy]

Check your city's government website for public surplus auctions. That's where impounded cars that no one claims end up. I snagged an old pickup truck from one last year. It needed some work, but the price was right. Just be ready to buy it "as-is" – there are no guarantees. It's a bit of a gamble, but way more straightforward than dealing with sketchy private sellers.

[DeAustin]

As a mechanic, I see these projects come in. The biggest hurdle isn't the mechanical fix; it's the paperwork. If the car is truly abandoned, getting a valid title can be a nightmare. Look for auctions that explicitly promise a "clean title" or help with the title transfer process. Otherwise, you might buy a cheap car that you can never legally drive. Prioritize auctions that have a system for handling the legal side of abandoned vehicles.

[SanNora]

Many people confuse "abandoned" with "cheap and easy to fix." The reality is different. These cars often have serious unknown issues—think engine problems from sitting for years or even flood damage. The low purchase price can be misleading. Budget for immediate repairs and a potentially lengthy process to make the car road-legal. It's a project for someone with mechanical skills and patience, not a quick path to a reliable daily driver.

[ONevaeh]

For me, it's about the hunt for a rare model. I scour specialized sections of salvage auction sites for specific cars that are no longer common. I'm not looking for a daily driver; I'm looking for a restoration candidate. The abandoned car market is a treasure trove for rare parts or a solid base for a full rebuild. You have to know exactly what you're looking at and what it will take to bring it back to life. The value is in the potential, not the current condition.