Facts You Need To Know About The Online Vehicle Auction Platform Cars & Bids

In recent years, online vehicle auctions have become a popular way to buy and sell cars. One platform that stands out is Cars & Bids. This auction website focuses on modern enthusiast vehicles, meaning you’ll find everything from sporty hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, all from the 1980s and later. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an experienced collector, it’s helpful to understand how the process works and what makes this platform unique. Below, we dive into some important facts about Cars & Bids, along with how much is it to ship a car after purchasing one online.

What Makes Cars & Bids Unique?

Cars & Bids was launched in 2020 by Doug DeMuro, a well-known car YouTuber and automotive reviewer. His goal was to create an easy-to-use auction platform that specializes in modern cars with character. Unlike traditional used car websites, Cars & Bids attracts buyers and sellers who are interested in unique, interesting, or fun vehicles—often cars that have a strong enthusiast following.

The platform only allows listings for cars produced after 1981. If you're looking for a 1990s Japanese sports car or a recent high-performance SUV, this site might have exactly what you need. The auction process is straightforward, and Cars & Bids takes care of key aspects like collecting payments and managing communication between buyers and sellers.

How Cars & Bids Auctions Work

Participating in an auction is simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to how the platform operates:

1. Register an account: You need to create an account to place bids or list a vehicle. Registration is free.
2. List your car: Sellers provide detailed photos, videos, and a description of the vehicle. Cars & Bids reviews and approves the listing before it goes live.
3. Bidding process: Auctions last for seven days, and buyers place bids during that time. If you're interested in a car, you can follow the auction closely and bid at any time before it ends.
4. Winning the auction: If your bid is the highest when the auction ends, you’ve won! Cars & Bids charges a 4.5% buyer’s fee, with a minimum of $225 and a maximum of $4,500, depending on the final price of the car.
5. Payment and delivery: The platform facilitates payment, and buyers must arrange transportation to receive the vehicle.

How Much Is It to Ship a Car Purchased Online?

Once you’ve won a car through an auction, the next step is figuring out how to get it home. If the vehicle is located far from your home, you’ll likely need to have it shipped. So, how much is it to ship a car? Several factors affect shipping costs, including distance, vehicle size, and the type of transport used.

• Average cost: On average, it costs between $1,000 and $1,500 to ship a vehicle across the U.S. coast-to-coast. For shorter distances, such as within the same state, shipping may cost between $300 and $600.
• Size of the vehicle: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks tend to cost more to ship than smaller cars, adding $100 to $300 to the total price.
• Open vs. enclosed transport: Open transport is the most common and affordable option, but if you want added protection for your car, enclosed transport is available. However, it costs 30% to 50% more than open transport.
• Delivery time: Faster delivery services can raise the shipping cost by another $200 to $500. If you’re in no hurry, choosing standard delivery can help you save some money.

It’s important to get a few quotes from different car shipping companies to find the best deal. Keep in mind that prices can vary based on the season and how much demand there is for shipping services.

Pros and Cons of Buying Cars on Cars & Bids

If you're wondering whether to buy a vehicle through Cars & Bids, here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• Unique selection: You’ll find cars with character, often ones you won’t easily spot at a local dealership.
• Transparent listings: Sellers provide detailed information, photos, and videos, making it easier to assess the car’s condition.
• Competitive prices: Auctions can result in great deals, especially if you time your bid well.

Cons

• Limited time: Each auction only lasts seven days, so you need to act quickly if you find a car you like.
• Buyer’s fee: The platform charges a 4.5% fee, which can add up if the car is expensive.
• Shipping costs: If the car is located far away, you may face additional costs to ship it.

Some Interesting Numbers About Cars & Bids

Here are a few stats and facts that highlight the platform’s impact since its launch:

• As of 2024, Cars & Bids has sold over 13,000 vehicles, with total sales exceeding $400 million.
• The most expensive car ever sold on the platform was a 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, which went for $375,000.
• 70% of the cars listed are sold successfully through auctions, which is a relatively high success rate compared to other online auction sites.
• Each auction attracts an average of 15 to 20 bids, making the process exciting for both buyers and sellers.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

If you’re new to online car auctions, it’s helpful to follow a few tips:

1. Set a budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, so decide on your maximum bid ahead of time.
2. Research shipping costs: Know how much it will cost to ship the car before placing a bid.
3. Read the listing carefully: Pay close attention to any issues mentioned by the seller and review photos and videos thoroughly.
4. Engage with the community: Cars & Bids encourages buyers to ask sellers questions in the comments section of each listing. This can help you make a more informed decision.

Cars & Bids offers an exciting way to buy and sell unique vehicles online. Its focus on modern enthusiast cars makes it a go-to platform for people who want more than just a standard used vehicle. However, it’s essential to consider all costs, including shipping, when making a purchase. Knowing how much is it to ship a car and understanding the auction process can help you make smarter decisions. With the right preparation, you can find a great deal and enjoy the thrill of winning your next car auction!