How does a motorcycle auction work?

Understanding how motorcycle auctions work is a way to learn more about this process, checking whether this is really the best option for you to purchase your vehicle.

Basically, a motorcycle auction is a public sale of vehicles. In other words, in this type of auction, vehicles are sold that, for different reasons, are under the custody of traffic authorities.

Anyone who thinks that auctions take place without complying with certain rules and requirements is mistaken. In fact, the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) itself addresses this topic in its articles, standardizing certain parameters for vehicle auctions.

In your art. 328, for example, the CTB defines that seized or removed vehicles will be taken to auction if, within sixty days (counting from the date of collection), they are not claimed by the legal owners.

According to this same article, vehicles sold at auction fall into two categories, namely:

– fit to travel;

– scrap: not fit for traffic.

In the case of “scrap”, the vehicles can no longer be used for transportation and are generally purchased to remove parts or similar activities.

The main reasons why motorcycles are seized are: traffic violations (such as, for example, driving without a license or under the influence of alcohol) or non-payment of loans.

And how do auctions work? Motorcycle auctions must be carried out by official auctioneers (a profession regulated in our country since 1932). It is these professionals who must conduct the sale. Those interested in purchasing must inform how much they are willing to pay to purchase (purchase) the item – in this case, the motorcycle –, and whoever offers the highest value will be the final buyer.

An important fact: at auctions, the amount to be paid for the motorcycle cannot be divided into installments. Making a final bid (winning a product) is assuming a verbal contract.

What precautions should I take when buying a motorcycle at a motorcycle auction?

You'll probably feel more at ease knowing that auctions take place in a standardized manner and are conducted by professionals specialized in this, right?

Still, you, the potential buyer, need to take some precautions before closing the deal, including:

– Remember that it will not be possible to pay in installments: In other words, unlike what would happen with other types of sales, you must have the total amount in hand. One advantage is that motorcycles at auctions usually have a price well below what would be charged under other circumstances.

– Make sure the motorcycle is in good working order: Have you ever heard the expression “it's cheap and it's expensive”? This can happen when purchasing a motorcycle through a motorcycle auction. When? If the buyer does not pay attention to the condition of the motorcycle, checking, for example, the mileage driven and what repairs will be needed.

Auctions must comply with current laws in Brazil. The good news is that they are increasingly accessible, often happening completely online on some websites, such as Sodré Santoro and SuperBid.

Remember that, to participate, you must be of legal age, have your documents (RG and CPF) in hand and also have a “clean” name on the market, as an analysis is carried out at the SPC and the Serasa to check whether or not a buyer participates in a motorcycle auction, even online auctions.