Abandoned vehicle auction in New Orleans

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New Orleans will auction 133 abandoned vehicles Tuesday (Dec. 29), the city's sixth such sale this year. The automobiles being sold have been abandoned on city streets or unclaimed from the city impound lot after their owners failed to pay parking fines and fees. Participating bidders at the auction must pay a $50 administrative fee, which covers the cost of a notarized title at the time of payment. This means the buyers no longer have to take documentation to the Office of Motor Vehicles to apply for a new title. Bidders can also participate online but must first register at www.brownsauction.com before the auction starts. The $50 fee is required to view or bid on any vehicle during the auction, and it will be applied to any purchase made or refunded if no purchase is made. The auction will take place at Almonaster Auto Pound, 10200 Almonaster Ave. Interested bidders can preview the vehicles being auctioned on site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. No one will be admitted after 3:30 p.m. for security reasons. Online bidders can also preview and pre-bid on any vehicle prior to the live auction. Individuals interested in purchasing a vehicle are encouraged to register as soon as possible and arrive early Tueday, as the city says many cars are sold within the first few minutes of the auction. Buyers at the auction must pay with cash or a cashier's check. Payment must be received on the day of the auction, or the purchased vehicle will be placed on the list for the next scheduled auction. The buyer's $50 deposit is forfeited, and the bidder is barred from participation in future auctions. A $50 administrative fee will be added for each vehicle purchased that gives the buyer a notarized title to that vehicle. Before a vehicle is auctioned, the city attempts to contact the vehicle's owner or lien holder. Those who pay the fines and fees due are able to retrieve their vehicles prior to the auction. City employees and their relatives are forbidden from purchasing any vehicles at the auction. Since May 2010, the city of New Orleans has held 25 vehicle auctions, selling 2,600 abandoned cars and contributing nearly $1.7 million to the city's general fund. Brown's Auction Co. of Lafayette conducts auctions on all city of New Orleans equipment.

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