County vehicle and heavy equipment auction Feb. 28

Are you looking for a second vehicle?

Do you need a big truck to haul big loads?

If so, you may find what you want at the upcoming Pinal County vehicle and heavy equipment auction on Saturday, Feb. 28. The auction takes place at the county’s Fleet Services Yard at 900 South Pinal Parkway in Florence. The gates open at 6 a.m. and bidding begins at 7 a.m.

“This is always a big event for us,” said Fleet Services Director Rey Flores. “We usually get a lot of people for this auction, and I think there will be even more this year.”

Flores says potential buyers can inspect the vehicles up for auction on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m., or on the day of the auction.

“We will have a wide variety of cars and trucks,” Flores said, “from vehicles confiscated by the Sheriff’s Office to our heavy equipment that we have replaced with newer models.”

Flores did warn that all vehicles are sold as is.

“Our county vehicles are high milers, but they are usually in good condition. But when it comes to cars that were confiscated by the Sheriff’s Office, we don’t know if there are any problems with them. Sometimes you will find a diamond in the rough at these auctions. That’s why it’s important to inspect the vehicles before you bid on them,” Flores explained.

To participate in the auction, bring $100 cash deposit to obtain a bidder’s number. The winning bidder must pay the balance within one hour of the last item sold and before the vehicle is removed from the premises. Payments are taken in cash or certified funds. The fleet services staff will even take a debit card with a PIN number. Checks will be accepted only with a letter of credit from a financial institution. If the winning bidder is unable to pay for the vehicle, it will be resold, and the cash deposit will be forfeited.

Flores said that there are usually good buys to be found at the auction, but a person will be bidding against auto dealers from outside the county.

“We have some pros come in from the Valley to bid on vehicles. Hopefully we’ll have some good buys for everyone. But just remember,” Flores stressed, “the bidding is fast and furious.”

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