What is a QFleet Auction?

If you’re researching used cars in Queensland, you may come across references to QFleet auctions. For buyers unfamiliar with government fleet vehicles or auctions, it’s not always clear what QFleet is, how these auctions work, or how they differ from buying through a dealer or private seller.

This article explains who QFleet are, what QFleet vehicles are, and how QFleet auctions operate, in plain English, without assuming they are the right option for every buyer.

QFleet is the Queensland Government’s vehicle fleet management program. It is responsible for sourcing, maintaining, and managing vehicles used across government departments and agencies throughout the state.

Rather than keeping vehicles indefinitely, QFleet operates on a planned replacement cycle. Once vehicles reach the end of their government service life (usually based on age, kilometres, or operational requirements) they are prepared for disposal and offered for sale to the public.

QFleet vehicles are ex-Queensland Government fleet vehicles. Because they have been operated within a structured government fleet environment, they tend to share a number of common characteristics:

• Typically 2 to 4 years old
• Generally lower kilometres than many privately sold vehicles
• Serviced according to scheduled maintenance programs
• Maintained in line with manufacturer requirements
• Supplied with documented service histories

These vehicles are not privately owned or modified cars. They are managed assets that have been used for day-to-day government operations and maintained under accountable fleet policies.

[Internal link: Queensland government fleet vehicles explained]

QFleet auctions are not limited to electric vehicles.

Depending on the mix of government fleet replacements at any given time, QFleet auctions can include:

• Petrol and diesel passenger cars
• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Electric vehicles
• SUVs and light commercial vehicles

Electric vehicles are a growing portion of QFleet stock as government fleets transition over time, but they sit alongside traditional internal combustion and hybrid vehicles rather than replacing them.

When QFleet vehicles are retired from service, they are sold through public auctions conducted by Manheim Australia at its Brisbane facility.

Key points buyers should understand:

• Auctions are open to the public, not restricted to dealers
• Vehicles are sold via weekly auctions (Every Tuesday from 9am local time)
• Buyers can inspect vehicles during scheduled inspection periods
• Vehicles are sold through the auction process, not via fixed pricing

As with all auctions, buyers are responsible for understanding the auction terms, fees, and conditions before bidding.

While auctions are often associated with higher risk, QFleet auctions operate under a more structured framework than many general vehicle auctions.

Depending on the vehicle, QFleet auction listings typically include:

• A Road Worthy Certificate (RWC)
• A 3-month statutory warranty (where applicable under Queensland law)
• Confirmation of clear title with no encumbrances
• A guarantee the vehicle is not listed on the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR)
• Registration arranged for the buyer after the sale

These inclusions do not remove all auction risk, but they can reduce some of the uncertainty commonly associated with used vehicle auctions.

For buyers researching used electric vehicles, QFleet auctions are often mentioned because EVs within government fleets are generally maintained on consistent schedules and supplied with documented histories.

That said, EV suitability still depends on factors such as:

• Battery health and usage patterns
• Warranty transferability (which can vary by manufacturer)
• Charging requirements and ownership expectations

QFleet auctions may provide useful reference points for EV pricing and condition, but they should be assessed in the same way as any other used vehicle purchase.

While QFleet auctions offer more documentation than many auction environments, they are still auctions and may not suit every buyer.

Buyers should be aware that:

• Prices can vary significantly from week to week
• There are no test drives
• Inspection is limited to set times
• Auction fees apply on top of the hammer price (fixed fee of $698.50 inc GST at the time of writing)
• Not every vehicle will represent better value than dealer or private options

As with any used vehicle purchase, inspections, research, and due diligence remain essential.

At DriveWise, QFleet auctions are viewed as one part of the broader used car market, rather than a guaranteed solution or shortcut to value.

Because QFleet vehicles are sold publicly and consistently, auction results can provide useful insight into real-world vehicle pricing, particularly when compared with advertised dealer and private sale listings.

Understanding how QFleet auctions work helps buyers make more informed comparisons, whether they ultimately choose to buy at auction, through a dealer, or privately.

What is QFleet?

QFleet is the Queensland Government’s vehicle fleet management program, responsible for managing and maintaining vehicles used across government departments before selling them at the end of their service life.

Are QFleet auctions open to the public?

Yes. QFleet vehicles are sold through public auctions run by Manheim Australia in Brisbane, and private buyers can participate.

Are QFleet vehicles only electric cars?

No. QFleet auctions include petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles, depending on the government fleet replacement cycle at the time.

Do QFleet vehicles come with a warranty?

Many QFleet vehicles are sold with a 3 month statutory warranty and a Road Worthy Certificate, subject to Queensland regulations and vehicle eligibility. Some may also come with a balance of their new car warranty which should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

Are QFleet vehicles written off?

QFleet auction vehicles are guaranteed not to be listed on the Written-Off Vehicle Register (WOVR).