Sell My Classic Car on Autotrader

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Classic Car

Seller FAQs

• What are the steps to Auction my Classic Vehicle?

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  • To register, you must create a public-facing Username and become ID Verified.
  
  
  • Once you receive your Auction Membership, you can create and submit your classic vehicle for auction.
  
  
  • Your vehicle can go live as soon as two business days of submission, although the release date may be delayed due to auction volume. Once your vehicle is live, you may only edit your auction listing via the comments section, and you must not have your vehicle listed elsewhere for sale--failure to abide by this rule could result in a ban from the auction.
  
  

• How do Live Online Auctions work at Classics on Autotrader?

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  • Auctions start and end each weekday between 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). Auctions run for seven weekdays, meaning that if your auction is released on a Wednesday, for example, it will run until the following Thursday at 4:00 pm.
  
  
  • The highest bidder wins unless a reserve price isn't met. The Winning Bidder is connected with the seller to complete the transaction.
  
  

• Can I edit my live auction?

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  • While you can't directly edit your auction once it goes live, you can note changes in the comments section of the Vehicle Auction Page for bidders to see.
  
  
  • Additionally, you can leave comments, add more photos, and answer questions to enhance your listing's clarity.
  
  

• How should I engage during the auction?

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  • Being an active participant in the comments section is crucial. Respond to any questions submitted there. Active sellers tend to have more success.
  
  
  • Stay positive and constructive in your answers to boost potential bidders' confidence. Remember, the buyer is a fellow classic car enthusiast genuinely interested in your car. Avoid posting any comments that would violate Autotrader's Visitor Agreement (add link).
  
  

• How much does it cost to auction a car on Classics on Autotrader?

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  • For a limited time, sellers can get a 7-day Auction for FREE!
  
  
  • If the seller wants to set a reserve price it is an additional $59.95.
  
  

• Can I sell a vehicle if I live outside of the United States?

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  Currently, Classics on Autotrader only offers classic vehicles for sale located in the US.

• How do I take the best pictures and videos of my car?

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  Get the most out of your auction. We recommend having at least 30+ photos and a video-recorded test drive.

  Consider this checklist when taking pictures and capturing video:

  
  Exterior Photos

  • Front
  • Driver's side
  • Tires
  • Back
  • Passenger's side
  • Exterior flaws

  
  Interior Photos

  • Front seats
  • Dashboard & odometer
  • Trunk
  • Rear seats
  • Center Console
  • Interior flaws

  
  Other Photos

  • Engine
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Service records
  • Underside
  • VIN, data plates, labels
  • Accessories

• Is getting my car inspected recommended?

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  • Absolutely! Having your car inspected and including the inspection report in the uploaded photos usually gets you more money for your vehicle.
  
  
  • Bidders appreciate knowing the car's current condition, which boosts their confidence and bidding potential. Remember, one extra bid often covers the entire inspection cost.
  
  

• How do I contact customer service about my auction?

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  • If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact customer support at 1-(888) 415-5011.
  
  

• Can I schedule when my car's auction starts?

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  • Although we don't offer the ability to schedule your auction precisely, we allow our sellers to save their auctions as a draft to be submitted at a later date.
  
  
  • Submit the auction at least two business days ahead of the time when you are ready to go live. We may not be able to publish your auction within two days depending on auction volume.
  
  

• Can I set a reserve price for my auction?

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  • Yes, sellers can add a "reserve" for an additional fee. A "reserve" is the minimum price you will accept for your car, undisclosed to buyers during the auction.
  
  
  • Alternatively, you can choose a "no reserve" auction, where the vehicle will sell to the highest bidder.
  
  
  • If you wish to adjust your reserve later, you can lower it at any point during the auction. Just edit your auction listing page and enter the new reserve. Please note that the new reserve must be lower than your current reserve price.
  
  

• Should I reveal my reserve price?

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  • Classics on Autotrader will not disclose your reserve price on the Vehicle Auction Page and we strongly advise against disclosing your reserve, especially in the public comments section.
  
  
  • Based on experience, revealing the reserve price often hinders bidding, especially as the auction approaches or reaches that value. It's best to keep the reserve price private to encourage active bidding.
  
  

• Who is eligible to bid on my car?

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  • Anyone who has registered to bid on Classics on Autotrader. They must have a verified email address, photo ID, and a valid credit card. All bidders are expected to pay in full within one week of the auction close date.
  
  
  • Your buyer may be from outside of the United States. International buyers are expected to pay in full for the vehicle promptly following the auction, just like all other bidders. Additionally, any logistics, import fees, transportation, legal dues, and/or other items needed to export/import the vehicle are entirely the buyer's responsibility.
  
  

• Can I negotiate outside of the auction?

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  • No–vehicles listed on Classics on Autotrader are for sale exclusively through the auction.
  
  
  • Attempting to make a deal outside the auction may result in a permanent ban from the site.
  
  

• How does the buyer contact me and make payment?

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  • Once the auction is over, that stage of the transaction is completed between the buyer and the seller.
  
  
  • Classics on Autotrader will then provide the buyer and seller with each other's contact information, and the two parties can finalize the transaction via email or telephone.
  
  

• How can I ensure safe payment?

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  • Payment details must be worked out between you and the buyer. Wire transfers are often seen as one of the safest payment methods. Other strategies may also work, depending on the unique transaction.
  
  
  • For local buyers, meeting at their bank branch for a cashier's check, electronic transfer, or direct withdrawal is common practice.
  
  
  • Always perform due diligence, verify checks with your bank, and wait for funds to be received before finalizing the title transfer.
  
  

• How should I prepare to sell my car?

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  • Research the title transfer process in advance to know the appropriate selling steps. Engage with potential buyers to discuss post-sale arrangements and set clear expectations.
  
  
  • If there's a loan on the vehicle, plan to pay it off and transfer the title promptly after the auction ends.
  
  
  • Some states may take weeks to reissue a title after loan satisfaction. Check state DMV websites for notarization requirements before sending essential documents.
  
  

• Do I need a Bill of Sale?

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  • It's advisable to have a Bill of Sale that includes vehicle details, purchase price, and transaction terms. Both buyer and seller should sign and keep copies for their records.
  
  
  • Your state's DMV website may offer Bill of Sale templates or there are free services online that can provide templates.
  
  

• What if the winning bidder doesn't follow through with the purchase?

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  • Instances of winning bidders not following through are rare.
  
  
  • If it happens, the winning bidder loses their 5% buyer's fee and is subject to a permanent ban from Classics on Autotrader.
  
  

• Finalizing the Transaction

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  Follow our handy checklist below to ensure a successful post-sale process. We're here to support you every step of the way!

  1. Get in Touch
     1. Reach out to the buyer after the auction ends to introduce yourself and maintain a positive and courteous tone throughout the process. You should provide the buyer with proof of ownership, typically a photocopy or picture of the title and registration.
  2. Payment and Paperwork
     1. Buyers are expected to make full payment within one week of the auction's closure. If there's an outstanding loan on the vehicle, discuss with the buyer how it will be paid off and determine the necessary steps to complete the transaction safely. If you have the funds to pay off the loan, do so promptly and provide proof from the lender that it has been settled.
     2. If you don't have the funds, the buyer can pay the outstanding amount directly to the lender and then pay you the remaining purchase price. Create a precise Bill of Sale that outlines the transaction terms and ensure both parties sign it. Check your state's DMV for available templates and requirements.
     3. Wire transfers or cashier's checks are recommended for payment, although various options are available. Consider meeting at the buyer's or your bank to draft a cashier's check, withdraw funds directly, or complete an electronic money transfer.
  3. Vehicle Pickup and Shipping
     1. The buyer is responsible for any logistics, import fees, transportation, legal dues, and/or other items needed to export/import the vehicle.
     2. Remember, release the vehicle and title only after receiving full payment. If the transaction is conducted remotely, securely mail the signed-over title to the buyer using a courier service with a tracking number once payment is received.

Classic Listings

• How do I sell a classic car?

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  The fastest way to sell a classic car online is to follow these four steps:

  
  

  1. Get your vehicle ready to be sold. Do any repairs, details, clean the car, and organize all the paperwork and records. Then take lots of high-quality photos.
  2. Set your price by assessing the market and demand for your classic vehicle.
  3. Write a detailed description and then list your car on Classics on Autotrader.
  4. Finalize the sale with the buyer and then transfer ownership.

• Where do I sell a classic car?

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  Classics on Autotrader has the largest and most diverse classic car market online. Trusted and reputable classic car dealers and private collectors have been selling their classic vehicles with us since 2008.

• What if I don’t have a title for my classic car?

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  Many states DMV’s can issue a replacement title if the vehicle doesn’t have one. Check with your local DMV for the exact cost and required forms. Depending on the age of the vehicle, it is possible your classic car or truck was never issued a title and if so, a Bill of Sale may be all you need as proof of ownership. Another option is to apply for and receive a bonded title if your state issues them.

• What is my classic car worth?

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  The value of a classic car is determined by the demand of the market, past final sales and current prices, condition, and uniqueness. Kelley Blue Book, a popular valuation tool, only values vehicles dating back to the early 1990’s. This can make it difficult to rely on only one source to accurately value a classic car. There are several free classic car values guides you can use to help you get the value of your classic car.

• What paperwork is recommended when selling a classic car?

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  If your classic car is an antique, a muscle car, hot rod or an exotic, there are several documents you should have to sell it:

  
  

  
  
  • Maintenance and service records
  
  
  • Awards or special recognition (if applicable)
  
  
  • Odometer disclosure (even if the odometer isn’t accurate)
  
  
  • Vehicle title (if available)
  
  
  • Bill of Sale
  
  

• What scams could I encounter when privately selling my classic car?

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  These are popular scams a fraudster may try to use:

  
  

  
  
  • Forged or counterfeit money order, cashier’s check, or wire transfer
  
  
  • Buyers who are overseas on a “business trip”
  
  
  • Buyers who offer to pay via Venmo, gift card or other online money payment services
  
  
  • Buyers who offer to pay above the vehicle’s asking price
  
  
  • Offers which include the cost of shipping the vehicle (auto transport scam)
  
  

• What if my classic car doesn’t have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

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  Even if there is no VIN, check the vehicle’s title. 17-digit VINs became standardized in 1981. You are not required to provide a VIN to sell a vehicle using Classics on Autotrader.