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There is a lot to be said for saving a buck, and when it comes to the purchase of a vehicle, the more you can save the better you will feel. There are some great ways to get a good deal on used vehicles. One of the best tips is to visit police and government auctions. In fact, standard savings on the purchase of a vehicle through these auctions is often 30-70 percent.

Always remember, that if you are on a tight budget, then the best way to purchase a vehicle is by paying cash, and this is the primary form of payment utilized at most of the auctions. If you are short on cash, though, there are many ways of getting your hands on cash quickly. For example, more and more consumers are considering the benefits of short-term loans such as auto title loans, which can provide you with the funds you need to bid on a car in a matter of hours.

Before you attend an auction, though, you should purchase a car buyer’s guide at caranddriver.com, which will show you the retail value of various makes and models to ensure that you get a good deal.

To find police department auctions near you, call your local police department and ask them for the dates and times of the auctions. Also, ask them for all other information regarding the auctions, such as a website where they may be displaying the vehicles or a catalogue of what will be for sale.

When you find a vehicle that you are interested in, run a VIN check at carfax.com on the vehicle which will tell you pertinent information such as whether the vehicle has ever been salvaged, the number of accidents it has been in, the number of owners, its odometer reading, its service reports and so on. This is one of the most valuable pieces of documentation regarding used vehicles for prospective buyers and one that just might save you from purchasing a vehicle that is a lemon.

Sarah Waters lives in Los Angeles and blogs about financial news, consumer tips, and car buyer advice. Her major areas of expertise are car title loans and auto title loans.