Thinking of making 1st purchace from G.L. - Got tips?

[Commander5993]

Hey everyone, this is my first real post here on SS. Just joined a week ago or so, and I have to say, there is a lot of great information on this site! So a big to owner and modz who have put this site together, to bring knowledge together on a subject that few understand.

I have done some searching, and there may be a post somewhere that is similar, but most seem to be just pieces of the puzzle, so to speak.

I am looking for an older 4x4 military Truck, and I found Government Liquidation's website a couple weeks ago. I found the SS site about the same time, and I have read many posts about G.L. Some good experiences, and some bad ones. Basically, I understand with any older vehicle, its going to need some maintenance work, and thats OK. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and if I can't figure it out, I you guys to help me

Anyway, I have been looking on GL, and am thinking about making a bid on a truck. But I wanted to ask, if I win an auction, what should I expect in the way of paperwork and the such? I know of the EUC, which this truck doesn't have one, so that's not a problem. But what other paperwork will I have to go through, such as getting the title, making the payment, etc.

Any other tips about G.L.?

***Just added a poll, Please Cast Your Vote!

 

[glcaines]

You will hear a lot of bad comments about GL because people that are mad tend to complain more. People with good experiences tend to keep quiet. I personally have had only good to very good experiences with GL. That being said, there are some that have had bad experiences. A lot of it depends on the site and the personnel. Buying a vehicle from GL is basically the same as buying any other vehicle from a dealer. Similar paperwork. You will get a bill of sale and if you pay for it, an SF-97. The SF-97 is basically the same as a title. You register the vehicle the same way as if you bought a used Ford from someone.

The best advice is to check out the vehicle as best as you can before bidding, or have someone do it for you. You can get lucky or you can be unlucky. If you don't need a EUC, you must be talking about a civilian vehicle since tactical vehicles require an EUC, which takes time, sometimes a lot of time. Also think about the location and how you will get the vehicle home. Transportation can be expensive if you can't drive the vehicle home and GL will not let you start the vehicle.

 

[Chief_919]

If there is no EUC on the auction, you will bid and here is how it goes.

If you win, GL will charge your credit card. Maybe. They may never charge it then claim that they tried and failed (a lie) and then charge you a 25% default fee. I highly suggest as soon as you register going on live chat and telling them to put a note on your account to not charge you until you contact them. Then after you win an event you log into live chat, authorize the transaction, and email a copy of that chat to yourself so you have a record of it to avoid this common scam/screw up.

Then you have 10 days to pick it up. But that is really only 10 days if it is at a manned site. If the truck is at a "remote" site where no Government Liquidation employees work, they may only be scheldueld to go there one day in those 10 for the morning, so that 10 days to pick up actually becomes a 3 hour window on one day. If you don't get it in time they can declare it abanondoned, keep your money and keep the truck.

You have no clue of the operating condition or if it is safe to drive, so you will be smart to have it towed/hauled home. If you are lucky no damage is done or parts were stolen between when the pictures were made and when you pick it up.

When you get it home, you will have to go to the GL website and fill out a form to request an SF-97 and then pay them more money for the paperwork to get atitle (that used to be free before GL took over). Wait 30-60 days, and hope they don't screw that paperwork up.

When you get that paperwork back, go to you DMV and hope they take it with no issues.

Enjoy your truck!

 

[Commander5993]

Thanks for the info and tips Glcaines & Chief_919. You both have some good points, and I'll keep these things in mind.

Yes I think it could just considered a civilian vehicle... It's an M1009. I'm going to schedule a preview in a couple of days before I bid. Does anyone know if you can tow a M1009, or will it take a flatbed? I assume flatbed since it is a 4x4, but thought I would just ask, as I am more used to "newer" AWD and other electronic junk vehicles. It states that the running condition is unknown, so we'll see.

And they won't let you even start them up on the lot?? That is if you could get it started? Hummm.... wonder how big of a trailer it would take. I may know someone who I might be able to talk them into hauling it for me.

 

[Commander5993]

I highly suggest as soon as you register going on live chat and telling them to put a note on your account to not charge you until you contact them. Then after you win an event you log into live chat, authorize the transaction, and email a copy of that chat to yourself so you have a record of it to avoid this common scam/screw up.

The chat is not open today, but I'll get this done in the morning.

Also can I have it changed that the payment would be in the form of a cashiers check instead of them doing it by the credit card? Or do they only charge a % to the card as a "down payment" or to hold it...??

 

[Chief_919]

Thanks for the info and tips Glcaines & Chief_919. You both have some good points, and I'll keep these things in mind.

Yes I think it could just considered a civilian vehicle... It's an M1009. I'm going to schedule a preview in a couple of days before I bid. Does anyone know if you can tow a M1009, or will it take a flatbed? I assume flatbed since it is a 4x4, but thought I would just ask, as I am more used to "newer" AWD and other electronic junk vehicles. It states that the running condition is unknown, so we'll see.

And they won't let you even start them up on the lot?? That is if you could get it started? Hummm.... wonder how big of a trailer it would take. I may know someone who I might be able to talk them into hauling it for me.

1009's used to require an EUC, but lately some have been sold without it.

Almost always the batteries are dead, and they rarely will jump them for you on a preview unless the GL person there is one of the good ones. I think I see the one you are looking at,. If it is an unmannde site, unless you can get them when they would already be there odds are they won't make a trip there for you to preview.

 

[midcounty]

Preview, preview, preview and be aware of that particular sites pick up requirements. It is a pain in the butt, and there is a certain amount of luck involved. The m1009 can be carried on a car trailer, if it is wide enough. Good luck, and don't forget to preview.

 

[Tlauden]

if you have a friend that has a trailer and is willing to help ya, let him. It would be safer and more reliable to get it home on a trailer. then once ya get it there you can go over it for any problems. Not saying it wouldnt make the trip but ya never know...

that's just my
Good luck Bidding!!!!!

Tyler

 

[Commander5993]

1009's used to require an EUC, but lately some have been sold without it.

Almost always the batteries are dead, and they rarely will jump them for you on a preview unless the GL person there is one of the good ones. I think I see the one you are looking at,. If it is an unmannde site, unless you can get them when they would already be there odds are they won't make a trip there for you to preview.

Yeah that just what I was thinking a few min ago. I think I wanted to late this time. I'll try anyway, if not oh well. Who knows, maybe next time, or maybe I'll find a private owner who is selling.

I'd rather go with a private seller anyway, but there just doesn't seem to be anything in my state (Indiana) since I began looking a few months ago. I might go out of state if it was a really good vehicle for a good deal.

 

[Commander5993]

if you have a friend that has a trailer and is willing to help ya, let him. It would be safer and more reliable to get it home on a trailer. then once ya get it there you can go over it for any problems. Not saying it wouldnt make the trip but ya never know...

that's just my
Good luck Bidding!!!!!

Tyler

Hey, since the time that the phrase "" was coined (pun intended), with the US currency at almost hyper-inflation levels now, that should be worth a lot of $$$$$ now days

Seriously though, you're right. Its safer to haul it without knowing the system conditions... especially the brakes

 

[wsucougarx]

I have bought from GL several times and will continue to buy from GL. One thing you need to understand is this is all government surplus. Some good some bad with really no fault of GL (in most cases). They are the acting middleman to get rid of gov't surplus as I said before some good and some bad. It is up to you as the potential bidder to review your potential item. Buying site unseen is a total crapshoot and I suppose for the most part buying an inspected is as well. This becomes very apparent with a used vehicle that you have absolutely no history on at all. I have been very fortunate with all my GL purchases. Any issues that arose were all tracked down to being my fault. The best thing you can do is educate yourself the best you can and inspect the item you're interested in. Then just hope everything works out.
GL is ran by humans (last I checked anyways ) so there will be some ounce of mistake in some of their listings. They may list the wrong pic, may not describe any bad issues correctly etc etc. That is why you need to inspect. More time than not the mad complaining types have too high of an expectation when they buy from GL. With that said, GL is not for everyone...haha

 

[Commander5993]

I have bought from GL several times and will continue to buy from GL. One thing you need to understand is this is all government surplus. Some good some bad with really no fault of GL (in most cases). They are the acting middleman to get rid of gov't surplus as I said before some good and some bad. It is up to you as the potential bidder to review your potential item. Buying site unseen is a total crapshoot and I suppose for the most part buying an inspected is as well. This becomes very apparent with a used vehicle that you have absolutely no history on at all. I have been very fortunate with all my GL purchases. Any issues that arose were all tracked down to being my fault. The best thing you can do is educate yourself the best you can and inspect the item you're interested in. Then just hope everything works out.
GL is ran by humans (last I checked anyways ) so there will be some ounce of mistake in some of their listings. They may list the wrong pic, may not describe any bad issues correctly etc etc. That is why you need to inspect. More time than not the mad complaining types have too high of an expectation when they buy from GL. With that said, GL is not for everyone...haha

Thanks wsucougarx, I'll keep that in mind, and always preview and thoroughly inspect (as much as possible) anything that I am thinking of bidding on. And yes, I'm sure there can be problems with most surplus vehicles, as most are 30+ years old. ~ Peace

 

[leroygreen]

Welcome Hoosier.
I bought from GL and everyone I dealt with was great. Its not just a purchase its an adventure the first time.

 

[saquishmike]

Check with you local DMV about title laws and search here asking about your state rules .

 

[acesneights1]

What do they mean when they say you must have insurance ? Insurance on what ? The vehichle you won or the one you are using to pick up your winning ?? That part confuses me.