Published: October 16, 2009 04:59 pm      

County to auction seized vehicles

Shoppers in the market for a good deal on a new vehicle should head over to the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds Saturday for the Elkhart County Seized Vehicle Auction.

Now in its fifth year, the auction will begin at 9 a.m. in the Sheep/Swine Arena and feature 15 seized vehicles.

“These are vehicles that have been seized by the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit during drug investigations,” said Bill Wargo, chief investigator with the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office. “Essentially we have petitioned the court for these vehicles to be forfeited, and then the proceeds will be distributed based on a formula we use to all law enforcement agencies on a percentage basis.”

Vehicles featured at the auction will include: a 1993 Dodge Ram; a Baotian mo-ped; a 1992 Ford Explorer; a 1997 Dodge Caravan; a 1997 Chevy 1500; a 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue; a 1999 Ford Contour; an Eagle MotorSports 49cc; a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee; a 1993 Ford dually; a blue Vino mo-ped; a 1997 Ford 150; and a 1987 Cadillac DeVille.

While exactly how much money the auction pulls in for the county varies from year to year, Wargo said it is not uncommon to see earnings totaling $30,000 to $40,000.

“It really depends. Some years we’ve had some real outstanding vehicles, and some years are not so good. Some years are part vehicles, and this year we’ve got kind of a mix,” Wargo said. “It’s certainly worth the effort though. And it’s a way for us to impact drug traffickers in yet another way — seizing assets — whether it’s vehicles or other assets.”

As for who typically attends such auctions, Wargo said anyone from the first-time car buyer to mechanics and garage tinkerers can be found perusing the offerings.

“A lot of times it’s car dealers. But then I’ve seen people show up looking for a vehicle to purchase, maybe their kid’s first vehicle,” Wargo said. “People who have mechanical aptitudes who can take a vehicle and work it themselves can usually get significant savings as well. And then of course there’s just the person who’s looking for a good deal.”

Those interested in attending the event should make a point of being on time, however, as auctioneer Amos Bontrager indicated that such events typically conclude rather quickly.

“It’ll start right at 9 a.m., and I’ll probably be all done within half an hour to 45 minutes,” Bontrager said. “It goes pretty quick.”

Bontrager noted that all purchases made at the auction must be paid in full immediately following the sale.

Only cash, certified checks or cashier’s checks will be accepted as is, while company or personal checks must be accompanied by a bank letter of verification.

A 10 percent buyer’s premium will also be added to the final bid on each vehicle and included in the total purchase price.