So you are in the market for a used car and you have been searching all over Tucson. You have checked out car lots, the newspaper’s want ads, and you have even driven around town seeking “For Sale” signs on parked autos. But everything you see is either way out of your price range or way below your standards. You have heard stories about people getting great deals on dependable used cars at auctions, but you have no idea where to find an auto auction in the Tucson area. Here are a few places to help get you started.
The Department of Treasury regularly auctions off vehicles that have been seized due to illegal activity, abandoned at a port of entry, or duties or taxes were not paid. Although you will need to make the short drive down to Nogales, Arizona, the deals available will surely be worth the trip! Since the auction sales are as-is you should take advantage of auction previews. There is no fee to register, and accepted forms of payment generally include cash, cashier’s check, and major credit cards. Be sure to check the terms of sale for the particular auction. Also, some government employees are prohibited from bidding on any merchandise so if you are a government employee be certain to verify your agency’s policy. To find out more about upcoming auctions visit the Department of Treasury’s website at www.treas.gov/auctions/customs/index.html.
Another automobile auction in Tucson that is open to the public is C & K Auto Sales, located at 505 East 29th Street. To register you will need to leave a $200 refundable deposit and vehicles must be paid for in full and picked up by 5:00 pm on the Tuesday following the auction. All cars are sold as-is and all sales are final so don’t neglect attending a preview so that you can inspect any vehicles you might be interested in bidding on. To find out when the next auction will be held and what autos will be available check out their website at www.ckautoauction.com or call 520.792.0100.
In the market for a fixer-upper? Every other Thursday you can bid to your heart’s content at Insurance Auto Auctions. Located at 4650 East Irvington Rd., Insurance Auto Auctions sells cars totaled out by insurance and car rental companies. Auctions begin at 9:00 am sharp and on site previewing is available on the Wednesday preceding each sale from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. To view available cars in Tucson go to www.iaai-bid.com and click on “Find an Auction Near You.” You can also call 520.319.9393 or email the Tucson manager at Mgr-Tucson@iaai.com for any location-specific information.
Manheim’s Tucson Auto Auction is at 7090 South Craycroft Rd. and offers an abundance of auctions – from consignment sales to salvages to RV’s to early bird specials. Some auctions are for licensed dealers only, so be sure to contact the office first. Check out their website at www.tucsonautoauction.net or call 520.574.2222.
