Where the vehicles come from
Lots come mainly from German public auctions. Zoll-Auktion sells decommissioned official vehicles from customs, the Länder and municipalities: police cars, fire service vehicles, municipal vans. Justiz-Auktion offers vehicles seized by bailiffs and courts. VEBEG, a federal company, sells government and military equipment, often by sealed tender. Add to that insolvency and liquidation platforms, which disperse the fleets of failed companies, and hundreds of private auction houses. Each seller sets their own terms, buyer's fees and VAT regime. Read the lot listing before bidding.
Checks before bidding
The German wording in the listing is decisive. "nicht fahrbereit" means not roadworthy, "Motorschaden" engine damage, "Unfallfahrzeug" accident-damaged vehicle. Also check "ohne TÜV" or "HU abgelaufen" (roadworthiness test expired), "Zulassung erloschen" (registration cancelled) and the "EZ" date, first registration. Documents matter: Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II, the old Fahrzeugbrief, and the HU/TÜV test. For machinery, look for the UVV mention, the mandatory safety inspection. A viewing (Besichtigung) is often possible before the sale: ask for photos of sensitive points. Remember that an auction generally offers neither warranty nor right of withdrawal.
Collection, transport and registration
Many lots are to be collected on site ("nur Abholung"); some sellers ship within Germany or the EU. To drive a vehicle out of Germany, the usual route is the export plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, with temporary insurance). Short-term plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are in principle intended for driving in Germany and their use abroad is often refused. Transport on a trailer avoids the plate question. In France, a temporary WW registration is possible; to register, you need a certificate of conformity, a tax clearance and an ANTS application. An EU professional with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport (Gelangensbestätigung), depending on the seller.