They can come from the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Customs, or the U.S. Marshal Police impound auctions are used by cities to get rid of property that's been abandoned or seized by the police department for illegal activities like drug dealing. Dealer auto auctions are regularly scheduled auctions where auto dealers can buy or sell inventory automobiles, and most of the finance companies are represented at these auctions as well. The lenders sell their off-lease units and repossessed vehicles at local car auctions.