(MONEY Magazine) – THIS MONTH:

--Don't be a chump at the pump. We have six smart ways to save on gasoline. --Travel insurance: What you need and what you can skip Okay, so you can't get a Jeep for a buck. In 1971, military Jeeps were declared unsafe for public use, and today, you can buy only their scrap metal or parts. On the other hand, if you want a marble coffee table and two end tables for $325, a mink coat for $475 or 54,000 chopsticks for $8,600, you've come to the right place: government auctions.

This year federal agencies will seize millions of dollars' worth of property from drug dealers, bankrupt businesses and the occasional deported spy. Rather than keep that booty all to themselves, the feds will put it--along with tons of their own surplus gear--up for sale at public auction. Total value of the goods likely to go under the government's gavel: more than $300 million.

Once you learn your way around the federal auction block, you can snare some real deals on everything from mansions to masking tape. For the best bargains, get a list of sale items as early as possible, then call around to see what similar merchandise goes for in stores. Keep in mind that the government tries to get fair market value for the things it sells, and if the best bid at an auction is too low, the item will be withdrawn and brought out again at a later date.

Here's a bargain hunter's guide to some of the major auctions:

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

--What it auctions. Through its Federal Supply Service, the GSA sells both surplus property and items seized by other agencies. At a GSA auction, you'll usually find cars and trucks; office equipment, such as fax machines and computers; industrial gear, such as drill presses and table saws; even some art and antiques. "You can buy anything from an avocado grove in Florida to a truck or bus," says Johanna Roark, GSA public affairs liaison.

--How to find out more. In a given year, the GSA may hold more than 1,000 auctions across the U.S. The auctions are advertised at least two to three weeks in advance in newspapers and on radio and television. Your local post office may also display notices of upcoming sales. The nearest regional GSA office can supply more details; if you can't find it in your phone book, call the Federal Information Center at 301-722-9000.

U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE

--What it auctions. The U.S. Marshals Service sells property seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. That includes lavish homes, cars, planes, boats, as well as art, antiques and jewelry. "Obviously, we are not selling any drugs or guns," says spokesman Bill Licatovich. "But after we seize a luxurious home, some fine carpets, art and antiques can turn up at our auctions."

--How to find out more. The Marshals Service advertises sales in local newspaper classifieds. For more details, get in touch with the district U.S. Marshal in your phone book or write to the Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, U.S. Marshals Service, 600 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, Va. 22202.

U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE

--What it auctions. The Customs Service auctions property seized by its inspectors as well as by the Internal Revenue Service, the Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Auctions are held every nine weeks in the five cities where the bulk of seized property winds up (Edison, N.J.; El Paso; Fort Lauderdale; Los Angeles; and Nogales, Ariz.) and irregularly in other places. "Some drug smugglers go all out in terms of their electronic tastes," says Kristina Messner, public relations manager for EG&G Dynatrend, the company that organizes auctions for the Customs Service. "You can find some really special stereo systems, VCRs and televisions." Other items at recent auctions included cars and boats, jewelry, clothing and carpets.

--How to find out more. Customs Service auctions are advertised in newspapers and on the radio. Or you can buy a one-year subscription to the agency's sales fliers ($50 for the whole country or $25 for just the eastern or western U.S.). For more information, call the U.S. Customs Service Support Division at 703-273-7373.

FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION

--What it auctions. The FDIC sells assets from failed banks, ranging from huge apartment complexes to china, crystal and antiques.

--How to find out more. Sales are advertised in the Wall Street Journal and local newspapers, as well as on the radio. For more information, check your phone book or call 202-416-6940 for the address of the nearest regional office.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

--What it auctions. The SBA sells off property used as security for business loans that the borrower has since defaulted on. That can mean everything from commercial and residential real estate to furniture and office equipment.

--How to find out more. SBA auctions are advertised in newspapers. The agency's nearest district office can also tell you when the next one will be held in your area; call 800-827-5722 if you can't find an SBA office in the phone book.

Whichever of these auctions you attend, rest assured your money will go to a worthy cause. Since proceeds end up in the U.S. Treasury, they reduce the national debt. And every little bit helps.