Mrs Paterson bought a Toyota Ipsum seven-seater, with only 93,000km on the clock, for $3700, at the auction.
She needed the larger vehicle to transport her grandchildren on outings, and because her ‘‘little'' Ford Fiesta faced a $700 repair bill.
That was tough for Mrs Paterson, who was without work while planning to launch a mobile therapeutic massage business, she said.
She had up to $8000 to spend on a new vehicle, and had her heart set on a Toyota Ipsum, but was hunting as far afield as Auckland in the search for an affordable one.
That was until her son suggested attending Saturday's auction, where she was surprised to find a Toyota Ipsum up for sale.
A few minutes later, she was jumping for joy after outbidding others to secure the vehicle.‘‘I don't have an income, so changing the car was going to be a big deal.
‘‘It's just brilliant - it's a gift,'' a beaming Mrs Paterson told the Otago Daily Times.
The car was among nearly 500 items to go under the hammer at the Maran-atha Rest Home in Mosgiel, which closed earlier this year when faced with ‘‘huge'' compliance costs and dwindling demand.
About 50 people were at the auction when the ODT visited, bidding for items ranging from flatscreen televisions to books, walking sticks and furniture.
Maran-atha board member Richard Horne said up to 98% of lots had sold, with Mrs Paterson's new Toyota fetching the highest price.
He could not yet say how much money had been raised, but proceeds would be put to a charitable use by the board.
