Tag Archives: bank-owned vehicles

paying cash for car

What are the Benefits of Paying Cash for a Car?

Few people have the ability to pay cash for a car. But if you are one of the lucky ones who has saved up enough cash, you can enjoy a wide range of benefits by paying in full. To keep your costs in line, consider shopping for a repossessed or bank-owned vehicle that will cost far less than what you’ll pay at the dealership. 

Let’s cover the reasons why paying for a repo car in cash is worth considering. 

No Money Loss to Interest 

Interest is a fee charged to you when borrowing money from someone else. Currently, interest rates on 60-month auto loans are around 5.27 percent. Rates depend on your credit score, age of the vehicle, term length of the loan and other factors. By paying cash, you’re using your own money and don’t have to pay interest. 

No Monthly Payments 

Once the “new car feeling” wears off, people are stuck paying a high monthly payment for the next five years or so. However, when you pay cash for a vehicle, you’re paying for everything upfront. While you might have to take from your savings, you can put money back every month because you won’t be spending it on a car payment. 

Better Negotiations 

Banks and credit unions selling repossessed cars are motivated sellers. They are often willing to negotiate and come down on price, unless a car has a lot of bids. If you have the cash to buy the vehicle outright, the seller will likely accept a lower offer. They’re about to receive payment in full and they’re not taking the risk that you’ll default on your payments. 

Avoid Being Underwater 

Cars depreciate extraordinarily fast. Even after making payments for several years, you’ll probably still owe more than what your car is worth. This is a hard cycle to be in, especially if you want to sell and upgrade to something else. When you pay cash, the car is entirely yours. You don’t have to worry about being underwater, and you can trade in your car at a later date and get something for it. 

Shop for Affordable Cars Today 

Paying for a car in cash isn’t for everyone, but it is definitely something you may want to consider if you want to avoid interest and high monthly payments. When you shop for used cars at RepoFinder.com, you’ll have access to hundreds of vehicles in all makes, models, conditions and price ranges. 

These cars are sold by banks and credit unions, so you can often negotiate an even better deal, especially when paying in cash. And, if you prefer to finance your purchase, you’re in the right spot! Banks and credit unions will work with you to get your monthly payments affordable. 

Start your search for cheap, used cars in good condition at RepoFinder.com.

pickup truck

Seized vs Repossessed vs Government Owned: What’s the Difference?

When shopping around for a used vehicle, you have more options than just the dealership. You can shop easy and get a great deal when you consider seized, repossessed or government owned vehicles. But first, it helps to know the difference between these types of vehicles, where they come from and how to get the best prices. 

What are Seized Cars? 

Each year, thousands of cars are seized by the banks, the government and law enforcement agencies. Many of these vehicles are put up for auction and sold to the public. Some are purchased by dealerships, cleaned up and then sold for a higher price. If you’re looking for a bargain, you’ll want to stick to vehicles that are being sold directly from the banks or lenders. 

Cars seized by the banks or government don’t always have a lot of information on them. Therefore, it’s up to you to do your research, look at the images and ask questions. You can also learn more about the vehicle by understanding what type of car it is and where it came from. 

Types of Repossessed Vehicles 

Cars are sold at auction for different reasons. Oftentimes, they were taken from their previous owner who defaulted on their payments. In some states, it takes just two or three missed payments to start the repossession process. Banks and lenders work quickly because they need to recoup their losses. Other times, the cars come from law enforcement or government agencies. More details are often known about these vehicles. 

Let’s look closer at the different types of repo vehicles: 

  • Seized cars. These cars are taken by law enforcement for having too many traffic violations. Or, they can be confiscated during a raid. These vehicles are usually well-maintained by the owner. In fact, the IRS and courts tend to seize luxury vehicles in good condition because they’re worth more.
  • Repossessed car. Repo cars are seized by lenders who haven’t been receiving payments. These cars are sometimes in poor quality because the owners couldn’t afford their loan, and therefore, probably couldn’t afford maintenance and repairs either. But a lot of great repos are out there! 
  • Previously-owned government cars. Government-owned cars were owned by government agencies that no longer need them. Most agencies update their cars often so these cars tend to be newer and in better quality. 

Where Can I Find Seized Vehicles? 

There are a number of places where you can find repossessed, seized or previously-owned government vehicles. You can start your search on government auction sites. Many offer free trials, but you generally have to pay to become a member and place a bid. 

For the best bargains and widest inventory, check out RepoFinder.com. We have a huge database of repossessed cars, trucks, minivans, RVs, ATVs, motorcycles, boats, small aircraft and more. We provide information on all of our vehicles, as well as plenty of images. Our site is free to use, and to unlock all of the features, you can upgrade to RepoFinder Pro for just $4.95 a month – cancel anytime. 

To find bank-owned vehicles at great prices, RepoFinder.com has what you need!

girl driving old car

8 Signs it’s Time to Buy a New Car

From technology to car repairs, how do you know when it’s time to buy a new vehicle? You may not be ready to make the investment, but you also don’t want to wait until your car is no longer functional. By starting your search early, you can take your time looking for vehicles that fit your needs and budget. 

Below are eight signs that it’s time to buy a new or used car from the banks or your local dealer. 

1. Major repairs are wearing you thin. 

The cost of repairs depends on the damage that has been done to the vehicle. Sometimes, the repairs are worth more than what the car costs. If you’re constantly having to put money into your vehicle and it’s not worth anything, it’s time to cut your losses and invest in something reliable. 

2. Your car is becoming a money pit. 

When your car constantly requires repairs and maintenance, it becomes a money pit. Imagine the time and money you’ll save by not having to bring your car back and forth to the auto shop. Unfortunately, once a car experiences frequent repairs, they generally don’t stop. 

3. It’s lacking the latest technology. 

Your car may be outdated compared to the new cars of the generation, but is this really a reason to upgrade? It could be. While your car doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to be safe and functional, it should have certain technology to keep you and others safe. Nowadays, many cars are equipped with backup cameras, lane assist, collision detection and more. 

4. Your car is far behind on safety. 

You should always feel safe in your car. While having the latest technology is helpful, your car should also have good safety ratings. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database for your vehicle’s safety rating as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also stay on top of recalls and check your car’s lights, wipers and brakes. 

5. Duct tape is your vehicle’s fashion accessory. 

Some people drive around with their cars taped up because they can’t afford their deductibles. Not only is this an eyesore but also it can compromise your vehicle’s safety. Rather than driving around a near broken vehicle, swap it for something that’s safe, reliable and affordable – RepoFinder can fill all three! 

6. You’re embarrassed by your car. 

If you park in the back so that people don’t see what you drive, it’s probably time for something new. Here at RepoFinder, we don’t believe you need to drive around brand new cars to get noticed but you should have something that you’re not embarrassed of. Why pay for something you hate? 

7. Your car no longer fits your needs. 

As your life changes, your car needs do, too. A growing family requires a spacious SUV or minivan while a pair of empty nesters can get by on a fuel-efficient sedan. If your car no longer accommodates your lifestyle, it’s time to go shopping for something more practical. 

8. Your car has trouble starting.

If you do the happy dance when your car starts, it’s only a matter of time before it doesn’t. Who wants to be stranded or late for work because of an undependable car? Being proactive prevents this from happening and also ensures you’re not pressured to buy something the day your vehicle dies. 

Overall, these are some of the most important factors that influence when you should buy a new car. Although these signs might appear to be nuisances, they can actually put you and other drivers at risk. To shop for affordable bank-owned vehicles, browse the inventory from RepoFinder.com today. 

driving in the summer

Why Summer is the Most Expensive Time to Buy a Car (and Ways to Save)

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Summer is great for many things, but buying a car isn’t one of them. Cars tend to be most expensive during this time, usually after the Memorial Day sales. One of the reasons why car prices tick up in the summer is because the weather is nice and people are out looking at cars. People also tend to be on the road more in the summer, motivating them to buy something new. 

Of course, there are other factors at play as well, such as the time and day of the week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the best days to go car shopping because there’s less consumer traffic. Car dealers are often more willing to negotiate in order to sell a vehicle. On the other hand, weekends are busy, making it harder to get personalized attention.

If you don’t have time to wait and you need to buy a car this summer, there are a few ways you can save. 

Shop When Next Year’s Models Arrive

Dealerships have limited space, so when they get in their newer models, they need to sell off their older stock. These models often come in the late summer/early fall, so you can use this to your advantage.

While the newer models may have a few more design features and progressive styling, there’s usually not much difference between the current model and next year’s model. This means that you can get a new car for a lot less than a few months ago. 

Watch for Summer Holiday Sales 

The summer has some great holidays for car shoppers – Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Most dealerships run some type of sale during these times to drive traffic in and move out some older models of cars. 

Vehicles that tend to have the best deals during the summer are trucks and SUVs. The appeal to these vehicles is that they offer four-wheel or all-wheel drive, making them most attractive during the winter. Gas prices also go up in the summer, making these vehicles less desirable. 

Purchase a Banked-Owned Vehicle 

If the dealerships are still too expensive, consider alternative routes for purchasing a vehicle. For example, you can buy a bank-owned car for a fraction of the price of used vehicles at the dealership. 

Bank-owned vehicles have been taken from their owners because they missed too many payments. The banks don’t care to keep them, so they end up selling them at highly discounted prices. Be patient, as it can take time to find the perfect repo. RepoFinder.com has a full list of repos listed out by state – find one today! 

Even though summer is a more expensive time to purchase a vehicle, your car may not be waiting for you. For low prices and a huge selection of repossessed cars, trucks and SUVs, shop on RepoFinder.com.

two people in vehicle

People are Attached to their Cars. Banks Aren’t. Negotiate a Great Deal on a Bank-owned Car.

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

Some people have an emotional attachment to their cars. They give them a name, gender and even a personality. Even though it may sound silly to have a personal relationship with a vehicle, it’s not uncommon. According to one study, 70 percent of respondents admitted to feeling “very attached” or “somewhat attached” to their cars. 

There are a number of reasons why people get attached to their vehicles. For example, people often go through major milestones with them – weddings, road trips, new babies. Some view their vehicle as a financial investment, while others have had them passed down. Because of this emotional attachment, 36 percent of people say they want their car to go to a good home. 

Don’t Want to Deal with a Sentimental Owner? Buy a Repo! 

While there’s nothing wrong with having an emotional attachment to your vehicle, things are harder if you’re on the other side. If you’re looking to buy a vehicle that someone is attached to, they may want to charge more because of this emotional investment. They may also be insulted if you try to negotiate. 

The good news is that you can purchase a used vehicle at a great price without having to deal with a sentimental owner. Bank-owned vehicles are in possession of banks and lenders – they were taken from owners who could no longer afford them. 

And trust us, the banks have no emotional attachment to these vehicles. They make money off lending money, not keeping cars. This gives you the upper hand – you can negotiate a better deal and get a more fair, unbiased breakdown of the vehicle’s condition. 

Tips for Negotiating with the Banks 

Buying a bank-owned vehicle is a great option if you’re looking for a fast and easy car sale. Here are some tips for negotiating a great deal on a repo. 

  • Knowledge is power. Know everything you can about the vehicle so that you can negotiate fairly. 
  • Think about financing early. Having pre-approved financing makes you a stronger candidate. The bank will be more willing to close the deal.
  • Read the paperwork. Make sure that the seller isn’t slipping in any additional fees or add-ons.
  • Be patient. If you need to walk away from the deal, that’s ok. Even though there are a lot of bank-owned vehicles, buying one of these cars is a process that requires patience. 

RepoFinder.com has a full list of bank-owned vehicles like cars, trucks, boats, ATVs, motorcycles and more. When you visit our site, click on your state and find the repos available in your area. It’s free, so find an affordable bank-owned car today! 

line of cars

Pros and Cons to Buying Bank Owned Vehicles

A bank-owned car can be a great deal – or a total nightmare. As with other purchases, it’s important to do your research and be a smart shopper. When you’re careful about your purchase, you can take home a safe, reliable car for a fraction of the cost. And, banks have more than just cars. Many people turn to bank-owned inventory when buying pickup trucks, boats, ATVs, RVs and small aircraft. 

Below you’ll find the pros and cons to buying bank-owned vehicles, and then you can decide if this route is right for you. 

Pros of Buying Repossessed Vehicles 

When the owner of a vehicle doesn’t make their loan payments, their vehicle can be taken away by the bank. Usually this happens after a few months of defaulted payments, but it can happen even sooner than that. Some people assume that repos are always old, beat up cars that no one wants, but it’s often the new cars that people can’t afford. 

Here are the pros to buying bank-owned vehicles: 

  • Get a great deal on a decent vehicle. Banks and lenders want a quick sale to reduce their loan loss, which is why they price their inventory low and are willing to negotiate. 
  • Shop a wide selection. Cars and trucks are taken away all the time from their owners. Banks end up selling them to dealerships, the general public or auction sites, leaving you to shop an impressive selection of cars, trucks, SUVs and more. 
  • Fast turnaround. While you do need to be patient when shopping for repos, the process usually moves quickly when you find something you like. Banks and lenders want these vehicles off their lots as soon as possible. 

Cons of Buying Bank-Owned Cars 

There are some disadvantages to buying repossessed vehicles, which is why they aren’t for everyone. Here are some cons to be aware of. 

  • Lack of test drives. It’s possible that you won’t be able to test drive the car before you buy it. This can be a problem if there are hidden issues. To offset this risk, be sure to look at the vehicle’s pictures, get a condition report and schedule an inspection. 
  • As-is purchase. If you buy a repo and decide you don’t like it, you can’t bring it back. You’re stuck with it because all repos are “as-is” purchases. That said, some vehicles still carry their original warranty, which is passed down to the new owner. 
  • Unclear background. Banks usually send out a third-party to repo vehicles, so you probably won’t know a lot about its background. The good news is that you can find most of this information online, as auction centers must disclose this information to the buyers. 

As you can see, there are clear pros and cons to buying bank-owned cars, trucks and RVs. RepoFinder.com has a vast selection of vehicles that are in good condition and have low mileage. Take a look and see what types of vehicles you can find in your price range – it’s free!