Buying on the Marketplace

Welcome to Classic Cars Auction — a leading online destination for buying and selling classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, race cars, antique vehicles, parts, and trailers.

We offer three listing formats to suit every buyer's preference:

• Auction Listings

• Fixed Price Listings

• Classified Listings

Auction & Fixed Price Listings

Found a vehicle or item you’re interested in that is an auction or fixed price listing? Here’s how to confidently bid or "Buy Now" on the marketplace:
 

1. Create a Free Marketplace Account

You must have a marketplace account to bid, buy, sell, ask a listing question, and send messages on the marketplace. Registration is 100% free, requires some basic information, and requires verifying your e-mail address. To place a bid or use the "Buy Now" option, a valid credit card is required to be on file with your account.

💰 A 4% Buyer’s Fee (up to a maximum of $4,000) is charged to the winning bidder or buyer as a marketplace fee.

2. Do Your Due Diligence

While we aim to make your experience as safe and transparent as possible, it’s your responsibility to verify the vehicle or item before making a purchase.

Be sure to:

• Carefully review the full description, images, inspection reports (if available), and service history.

• Ask questions using the “Questions and Answers” or “Contact Seller” features on the listing.

• For vehicle listings, we recommend getting an inspection before purchasing.
   

3. Secure Financing and Plan Logistics

Before placing a bid or "Buy Now", make sure your finances and logistics are in order.

• Confirm what payment methods the seller accepts.

• If you're financing, get pre-approved (see our Buyer Resources for financing options).

• Understand shipping requirements for vehicle or item purchases before your bid or "Buy Now".

• If shipping is needed, request a quote from our trusted shipping partners.
   

4. Place a Bid or Buy Now

Our marketplace is intuitive and secure:

• A temporary hold for the Buyer’s Fee is placed on your credit card when you bid. If you win, your card is charged the fee, and you'll pay the seller directly for the item. If not, the hold is released.

• All bids are binding. Only bid if you’re committed to the purchase and have completed your due diligence.

• To keep bidding fair, any bids placed within the final 60 seconds will extend the auction by 2 minutes.

• Fixed priced listings use the “Buy Now” option—purchase instantly at the listed price to skip the auction entirely.

• When you click "Buy Now", your card will be charged the Buyer’s Fee. You’ll then pay the seller directly according to the terms listed.

• Some Fixed Price sellers may offer a “Make Offer” option. Submitting an offer is also binding—only make an offer if you're ready to follow through if it's accepted.

• All purchases are binding, so only buy if you’re fully committed and have completed your due diligence.

5. Win the Auction

The highest bidder wins—simple as that.

• If the auction has a Reserve Price, your bid must meet or exceed the hidden minimum set by the seller.

• If the auction is No Reserve, the highest bid wins regardless of the amount.

Once the auction ends, you'll be connected directly with the seller to finalize the transaction.  Fixed Price listings that are purchased are immediately connected to the seller to finalize the transaction.  Both parties will receive contact information to complete payment and arrange pickup or shipping.

🕒 Buyers are expected to complete payment within 7 days of purchase.
👉 Learn more about Finalizing the Sale.
 

Classified Listings

Interested in a vehicle, item, or service listed as a Classified? These listings are handled directly between you and the seller, outside of the Classic Cars Auction marketplace. Here’s how to move forward confidently:
 

1. Register to Connect

To contact the seller or ask a question (public or private), you’ll first need to register for a free account.
This unlocks access to messaging tools like "Submit Public Question", "Send Message", and "Contact Seller."
 

2. Do Your Due Diligence

Since all Classifieds transactions take place outside the platform, it’s your responsibility to verify the vehicle, item, or service before moving forward.

Before purchasing:

• Review the full listing details, including photos, maintenance history, and any available inspection reports.
• Use available messaging tools to ask the seller any questions you may have.
• For vehicle listings, we recommend getting an inspection before purchasing.
• Schedule an in-person viewing, when possible.
   

3. Plan Financing & Logistics

A smooth transaction starts with preparation:

• Check what payment methods the seller accepts.
• Secure financing in advance if needed. Be aware that lenders may have requirements based on vehicle age, mileage, or condition.
• Coordinate transportation or storage arrangements with the seller.
• If shipping is needed, request a quote from our trusted shipping partners.
   

4. Complete Your Purchase

All negotiations and purchases for Classifieds listings are handled directly with the seller and occur outside the Classic Cars Auction marketplace.  There is no Buyer's Fee for classified listings.

⚠️ Please note: Classic Cars Auction is not involved in the transaction process for classifieds listings. You and the seller are solely responsible for all terms, payments, and logistics.