Car Auctions Brisbane: Government, Fleet, Police & Repossessed Cars

Car auctions Brisbane: QFleet, police, fleet & repo cars. Discover pros, cons & expert tips to buy smarter and reduce risk.

Buying a car at auction in Brisbane can give you access to near-new vehicles with low kilometres at well below retail prices. From ex-government QFleet cars to ex-police vehicles and repossessed cars, the savings can be significant if you know what you’re doing.

This guide explains how car auctions work, the pros and cons, and insider tips to reduce risk and bid with confidence.

How Does Buying a Car at an Auction Work?

A car auction is a public sale where vehicles are sold to the highest bidder. Buyers include:

• Dealers – looking for stock to resell
• Private buyers – wanting a bargain or a specific vehicle
• Government agencies – selling ex-fleet or seized vehicles

There are two main formats:

• Live auctions (in-person) – you can inspect vehicles before bidding
• Online auctions – convenient but riskier since you can’t see or test the car

💡 Bonus Tip: When bidding online, reduce risk by using an independent pre-purchase car inspection and always checking the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to ensure the car isn’t under finance.

Pros of Buying a Car at Auction

• Wide range of vehicles – from family sedans and SUVs to prestige cars and commercial vehicles.
• Potential for big savings – cars often sell well below retail.
• Manufacturer’s warranty balance – many late-model vehicles still have a new-car warranty remaining.
• Quick turnaround – successful bidders can register their car and drive away the same day (especially QFleet cars, which come with a current Roadworthy Certificate).

Cons of Buying a Car at Auction

• No test drives – you can usually only start the engine and inspect.
• Sold “as is, where is” – once the hammer falls, it’s yours, faults and all.
• Not all auctions are public – some Brisbane auctions are dealer-only.

Government Car Auctions Brisbane (QFleet)

Government auctions are often the safest bet for buying at auction. In Brisbane, QFleet auctions are held weekly and offer late-model ex-government cars.

Why QFleet auctions are lower risk:

• Vehicles are usually one-owner with full service history.
• Many come with a Queensland Roadworthy Certificate (Safety Certificate) – meaning you can drive straight to Queensland Transport and register it.
• Often sold with a statutory warranty (depending on age and kilometres).
• Cars are typically well-maintained and lightly used compared to repossessions.

Types of vehicles you’ll find:

• Small and medium sedans
• SUVs and 4WDs
• Commercial vans, utes, and dual cabs
• People movers

👉 See also: Ex-Mining Vehicles for Sale in Australia

Fleet Car Auctions

Fleet cars (often ex-company or ex-rental vehicles) can be another great value option.

• Pros:
  • Usually comes with a full dealer service history
  • Interiors are often in good condition (back seats barely used in rep cars)
  • Lower price than market value
• Cons:
  • Higher kilometres than government cars
  • More wear and tear from business use

Still, they can be an excellent option if budget matters.

💡 Before bidding, book a mobile vehicle inspection in Brisbane to avoid costly surprises.

Police Car Auctions Brisbane: Find Your Squad Car Bargain!

Police vehicles regularly go under the hammer when they’re cycled out of service.

• Why they’re good value:
  • Well-maintained with documented servicing
  • Reliable makes/models (Toyota, Holden, Ford, Kia, Hyundai)
  • Usually sold well below retail
• Things to watch for:
  • “As-is” sale (no warranty)
  • Past modifications (holes in dashboards, wiring changes)
  • Some may have been driven harder than average

Where to buy:

• Pickles Auctions (Geebung) – weekly sales
• City Motor Auction Group (Eagle Farm) – regular events
• Queensland Police Service (online) – periodic auctions

Repossessed Car Auctions Brisbane

Repos (finance repossessions) often sell fast and cheap.

• Why are repos cheap?
  • Owners defaulted on payments
  • Banks want a quick recovery, not top dollar
• Risks:
  • Some owners damage cars before repossession
  • Limited service history
  • Always sold “as-is”
• Where to find repos in Brisbane:
  • Pickles
  • Manheim
  • Grays Online

⚠️ Repos can be hit or miss – reduce your risk with a full PPSR and car history check before bidding.

If you do your homework and keep your budget under control, repos can be some of the best bargains at auction.

How to Buy a Car from Auction (Step-by-Step)

1. Research first – know the makes, models, and price ranges
2. Get a PPSR check – ensure the car isn’t under finance
3. Inspect the car – check logbooks, condition reports, and history
4. Set your budget – including admin fees, rego, insurance, and repairs
5. Register to bid – online or in-person
6. Stick to your limit – don’t get caught in bidding wars
7. Book a pre-purchase inspection – reduce your risk before final payment (Book here)

FAQ’s