for buyers.
To place a bid you need to create an account.
In order to place a bid you need to create an account that includes your full name, email address, phone number and credit card.
You also need to create a bidding name that will appear alongside your bids on the platform (we keep your actual name private).
We do not share any of your personal information with any dealerships, unless you win an auction.
If you win an auction, we share your contact information with the selling dealership, so that they can connect with you to arrange purchase and pickup of your vehicle.
We work hard to make online car buying smooth, transparent, and secure — but it’s important for you to review each listing carefully.
Before bidding, make sure to:
- Review known vehicle details or imperfections
- Check the vehicle history report
- Examine photos and inspection reports (when available)
- Use Seller Q&A, comments, or Contact Seller to ask questions
Your bid is binding, so confirm that the vehicle meets your expectations.
Bidding on DealerAuction is clear and secure.
When bidding, you can choose to place a single bid or set a max bid.
When you set a max bid our platform will place bids for you and keep you in the lead up until your max bid amount – learn more.
When you place a bid we put a temporary hold on your credit card in the amount of $100.00 USD.
This is not a charge — it simply verifies funds and confirms your commitment to complete the purchase if you win.
We do this to ensure a fair and serious bidding environment for all participants and to prevent fraud.
All bids are binding. You are expected to complete your purchase if you win an auction.
Any bid placed during the final 60 seconds extends the auction by one minute, ensuring everyone has a fair chance to respond.
If you win, the fee is charged and the hold converts to payment. If you don’t win, it is released automatically.
Be the highest bidder and meet or exceed the reserve price set by the dealer.
To win an auction and purchase a vehicle, you must:
- Be the highest bidder.
- Meet or exceed the seller’s reserve price.
If the reserve isn’t met the highest bidder and seller have 24 hours after the auction ends to negotiate through our secure platform.
When you win an auction auction both parties receive each other’s contact information to finalize:
- Payment
- Paperwork
- Pickup or delivery
Winning bidders must contact the selling dealership that posted the auction within 48 hours of the auction close time to confirm their purchase and make arrangements to pick up the vehicle.
When you win an auction a refundable holding fee in the amount of $100 will be charged to your credit card. This is required for the dealership to hold the vehicle for you. It will be refunded when you complete your purchase with the dealership.
Once you complete your purchase with the dealership, the holding fee will be refunded to your credit card.
If you do not complete your purchase with the dealership, the holding fee will not be refunded to you.
Because all vehicles come from licensed retail dealerships, you have options.
- Trade-in your current car
- Traditional dealership financing
- Extended warranty options
- Nationwide transportation (when available)
Once you complete your purchase with the dealership, the holding fee of $100 will be refunded to your credit card.
If you do not complete your purchase with the dealership, the holding fee will not be refunded to you.
