KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--Some dirt cheap deals on cars Monday morning at the Knoxville Impound Lot. One of the biggest auctions ever. It brought in thousands of dollars for the city.

Thaddaeus Smith just turned 16. For his birthday, he won the bid on a 1991 Acura Integra for $850. Thaddaeus Smith says, "I'm really excited. I can't wait to drive off in it. Plus, it's an automatic. I won't have to use a clutch anymore."

A lot of parents find their teen's first ride here. Thaddaeus's Mom Alisha Sullivan says, "It was a learning experience. I have never been to an auction. You see it on TV. It was so surreal."

Smith's car came from a drug raid. Others are the result of wrecks, DUIs, arrests, and code violations. The auction brings in $50,000 to $80,000 every other month. That's nearly $400,000 a year. Cars for parts go for about 200 bucks, nicer ones range from one to three thousand. And not everyone's planning to drive what they buy. For Harry Singh - its business. Harry Singh says, "Trying to buy some cheap cars. I'm trying to make a living. Can't find a job up there so gotta find something. I'm looking for anything that has good deal, Hondas and Acuras"

When you buy a car, you never know what you're going to get. You don't get the keys until you buy the car. The car might run, or you might have to get it towed. Thaddaeus's car didn't start right away, but after a new battery, he's hoping the new ride will get him home.

The next auction is on August 6. You can preview the cars the Saturday before.

For more information, go to www.cityofknoxville.org