If you’re looking for a used vehicle, you can get a crack at picking up one from the state on Saturday, when 217 cars, trucks and vans will be auctioned off as part of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s plan to sell 709 state vehicles as a cost-cutting move.
The vehicles up for bid on Saturday range from 1988 to 2012 models and include two- and four-door passenger cars, small trucks and vans, as well as heavy trucks. The vehicles are considered underutilized by the state because they were not driven more than 15,000 miles in the previous year.
“Given the amount of vehicles available, and people getting back their tax refunds this time of year, we’re expecting a lot of interest in this auction and a larger than normal crowd,” says Steve Bice, director of the Louisiana Property Assistance Agency, which has been charged with auctioning off the vehicles. “We’re encouraging anyone interested to register early and come out to inspect the vehicles before the auction.”
The Division of Administration has estimated the sales could bring in $700,000 to $1.4 million for a state struggling with repeated budget shortfalls. The state has an estimated 11,000 vehicles in it fleet.
Bidding won’t start until 10 a.m, though the event will open as early as 7 a.m. for vehicle viewing with registration at 8 a.m. Bidders can pre-register before the auction during business hours at the LPAA office, 1059 Brickyard Lane, which is off of South Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge, between St. Philip Street and River Road. Bidders need to bring a valid driver’s license, and any businesses wishing to bid will also need a tax identification number. There are no minimum bids.
The vehicles will be available for inspection from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday at the Brickyard Lane facility, as well as from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. the morning of the auction. A valid driver’s license will be required to get keys to the cars and crank them; test driving is not allowed due to insurance reasons.
Saturday’s auction will also include computers, printers, file cabinets and various pieces of office furniture and decorations. All of the items up for sale can be viewed online.
