The Most Interesting Cars Seized by the Government up for Auction Right Now
Every day, the government seizes cars, trucks, SUVs, and even houses from people who have broken the law in one way or another. The U.S. Attorney’s Office brings charges against people, and property is seized to help recover funds. Thanks to these seizures, anyone can buy non-luxury and luxury cars through an online auction. These are called government auctions, GSA auctions, or just a vehicle auction anyone can participate in. Let’s look at some of the most ridiculous cars up for auction right now, starting with a $100,000 Audi.
Expensive finds at government auctions
There are some expensive cars up for government auction through Apple Towing Co. right now, one of which is a 2020 Audi R8 5.2 Quattro V10 (lot #1700 on the website). This super luxury car actually appears to be in pretty good condition, both inside and out. The two-door R8 gets 602 horsepower and 613 pounds-feet of torque from that V10, enough to go from zero to 60 mph in only 2.3 seconds. It also has a top speed of 205 mph and starts at around $200,000 when it was new.
This auction has only one bid for $100,000 so far, but it has five days left. This Audi R8 only has 671 miles on the odometer, according to the ad, but that could be incorrect. Similar options are going for $180,000 or more with higher mileage.
There is a 2015 Ford Taurus Sho (lot #1203) in acceptable condition for only $5,650. These go for a lot more on the regular used car market, with most models from this year upwards of $18,000. On top of the Taurus and R8, there are many large SUVs like a 2021 Chevy Tahoe, a 2015 Ford Explorer, and even a 2004 Chevy Suburban.
Dodge is well-represented at government auctions.
Dodge was a big seller with one of the folks involved in criminal activity because there are many vehicles from this brand up for government auction. We have a 2019 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, two 2020 Dodge Charger R/T sedans, and a 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T. Can’t forget the other Dodge Chargers, a 2015 and 2020, are up for grabs. The SRT Hellcat (lot #1301) is up to $11,400 already, but with 20,653 on the odometer, it could be a steal. Most models on the used car market exceed $50,000.
Arguably less exciting but still an interesting seized car is a 2013 Volkswagen Golf (lot #1400). At first glance, the Golf looks alright. It gets interesting when you read the description. Up for government auction is a 2013 Golf with four rusted wheels and flat tires that only starts when jumped. It has a leaking windshield and a cracker rear bumper. Not to mention the fact that it has 126,194 miles, but it is the TDI model, which stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection.
There are some similar 2013 Volkswagen Golfs for sale right now with similar mileage for around $10,000 to $20,000. There is a comparable 2013 Golf TDI with 167,000 miles for $8,499. Bidding started at $100 and is already at $825, but that could be a steal if someone has the capability to replace the wheels and fix the windshield.
You can even find a Ferrari Enzo or two at auction
There are several exciting government auctions from the last few years for a 2003 Ferrari Enzo. This was one of only 399 Enzos made that year and had 13,088 miles. For an Enzo, that’s actually kind of high. Back in July of 2016, this Ferrari sold for $2,099,400. RM Sotheby’s sold a similar luxury car with lower mileage earlier this year for $4,075,000.
There is also a 2022 San Marino RV coach with only 9,497 miles. It has some issues inside, but that didn’t stop this RV from selling for $1,650,000. It also required a $25,000 deposit. A 2008 Bugatti Veyron went for $1,225,400, and a 1991 Ferrari F40 sold for a cool $760,000 back in early 2019.
In modern days, it is pretty easy to bid and win a government auction. On the website linked above, you can even place a trial bid before placing a real bid on your dream car. If you get in early and keep an eye on bidding, some of these cars are a great deal. Others might be slightly less of a good idea, but life is too short to pass up a Ferrari Enzo for $2,099,400!