A 2025 Review of Cars & Bids: The Top Choice for Online Car Auctions?

Cars & Bids Review 2025: The Best Online Car Auction Site

Scoring a great deal online is all about timing. But when it comes to car auctions like Cars & Bids, it’s as much about knowing how the system works as it is about clicking at the right second. Whether chasing your first Porsche or looking to sell your well-kept weekend ride, understanding this auction platform could mean the difference between a smart deal and a frustrating mistake.

Cars & Bids isn’t your average online car auction site. It’s built around cars people want to drive: think sporty coupes, well-loved Mercedes-Benz models, clean-title Subarus, or lifted Toyota Tacomas with complete maintenance records. But is the hype real?

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this full Car & Bids review, we’ll show you:

• What makes the platform different from eBay or IAA

• How the buying and selling process works, step-by-step

• Whether it’s worth using this platform, or if you're better off somewhere else

So if you're considering placing a bid or listing your car, this review will help you avoid common mistakes, protect your money, and possibly get top dollar—or your dream car.

Overview

This guide reviews Cars & Bids, an online car auction platform specifically focusing on modern classic and enthusiast vehicles; the platform's suitability depends on whether you're looking to buy or sell a particular type of vehicle and what kind of auction experience you prefer. Here's a more detailed breakdown: What Cars & Bids Is and How It Works Cars & Bids is an online auction platform designed for modern enthusiast cars from the 1980s onwards, offering a curated selection, transparent listings, and a community-focused experience. The Selling Process Sellers create detailed listings with photos and information, undergo a review process, and can set a reserve price; after the auction, they connect directly with the winning bidder to arrange payment and delivery. The Buying Process Buyers create an account, browse listings, ask questions, and place bids during a seven-day auction; winning bidders contact the seller directly to arrange payment and vehicle pickup or shipping. Key Features The platform offers a user-friendly interface, detailed listing requirements for transparency, "sniping protection" to prevent last-second bid advantages, and a strong focus on community engagement. Advantages of Using Cars & Bids The platform provides curated listings, an active community of car enthusiasts, and supportive seller tools for first-time and experienced sellers. Disadvantages of Using Cars & Bids It has a limited audience for non-enthusiast vehicles, a buyer's fee is applied, and a lower listing volume than general marketplaces. Other Notable Considerations Shipping: Buyers need to arrange vehicle shipping after purchase, and services like AmeriFreight Car Shipping can assist with this process. Fees: Understand the 5 percent buyer's fee (capped at $7,500) and the fact that sellers don't pay upfront fees.

What Is Cars & Bids?

Cars & Bids isn’t just another auction site with rows of dusty listings. It’s a carefully curated online auction platform focused on one specific thing: modern enthusiast cars. This encompasses vehicles from the 1980s to the present that provide not only performance and style but also a distinctive character, elevating them beyond mere transportation from one location to another.

Cars & Bids is a legitimate online auction site with a strong reputation in the automotive community, because of factors like secure payment systems, and clear policies that protect buyers and sellers. Many users have left positive reviews about their successful transactions, though it's always wise to conduct your research and proceed with caution when making online purchases.

The Creation of Cars & Bids: A Targeted Approach to Automotive Auctions

YouTuber Doug DeMuro launched Cars & Bids in June 2020 to build a more sustainable business model beyond YouTube's shifting algorithms. With a fast-growing audience and a deep understanding of automotive culture, Doug saw the opportunity to create a platform that would give him greater control over his revenue streams.

Rather than positioning Cars & Bids as a general-purpose auction site, Doug focused on a specific niche: special-interest vehicles from the 1980s to early 2010s, many of which resonated with his generation of car enthusiasts. This focus set Cars & Bids apart from more broad-based competitors, offering a curated selection that reflected the tastes and sensibilities of Doug’s followers.

What Makes It Different

Cars & Bids stands out among car auction sites because it effortlessly balances control. It’s structured, but not complicated. It’s professional, but not intimidating. Here’s what the platform offers:

• Buyer Tools: Every listing has a comments section where potential buyers can ask questions and get real answers before placing a bid.

• Niche Focus: Only clean-title vehicles with substantial enthusiast appeal cut. You’re not digging through salvage listings or commuter beaters.

• Seller Support: The approval process helps sellers create performing listings. There’s a built-in incentive to be clear, honest, and thorough.

• Simple Fees: Sellers pay no listing fee. Buyers know what to expect. It’s all upfront.

The Vibe

Unlike eBay Motors or IAA auctions, this site feels more like a car community than a transaction hub. The listing pages read more like car forums than online shops. People will discuss mods, ask for cold start videos, and share service tips. That level of back-and-forth builds confidence—and usually leads to better deals for everyone involved.

Is Cars & Bids the Best Option for Buying and Selling?

Cars & Bids isn’t made for everyone. It’s an excellent fit for some buyers and sellers, but not all. Understanding who the platform serves best can save you time and help you make smarter choices.

Buyers Who:

• Comfortable With Auctions: If you enjoy bidding and know how to set your limits, this platform can help you get a better deal than at a dealership.

• Enjoy the Community: Many buyers join not just to purchase a vehicle, but to follow auctions, comment on listings, and be part of a car-loving audience.

• Love Driving, Not Just Commuting: This site focuses on cars that are fun to own. Think a sporty VW GTI, a clean BMW 3 Series, or a unique spec Toyota 4Runner.

• Want More Than a VIN Check: Buyers here want complete transparency—high-res photos, service records, and details from real people, not just dealers flipping inventory.

Sellers Who:

• Don’t Want to Deal With Trade-In Offers:  If you’re avoiding low offers from dealerships or the hassle of private sale listings, this site helps you reach serious buyers across the U.S.

• Have Clean, Well-Maintained Cars: Good service records and clean titles are the gold standard. It's a bonus if you’ve owned the car for a while and can speak to its history.

• Want Control Over Pricing: Setting a reserve price protects you. You’re not forced to sell unless your number is met.

• Value Lower Fees and Better Exposure: You pay no upfront fee to list your car, and you’re marketing directly to an audience that wants what you’re selling.

How Does Cars & Bids Work?

Cars & Bids operates like a traditional auction site but focuses on modern vehicles. Here's an outline of the process:

1. Listing Creation: Sellers submit detailed information about their vehicles, including high-resolution photos, a comprehensive description, and videos (if available). Every listing is reviewed by the Cars & Bids team to ensure it meets the platform's standards, which include quality images and clear descriptions.

2. Auction Period: Auctions typically last seven days. During this period, buyers can place bids on vehicles. The auction structure incorporates “sniping protection” to prevent last-second bids from unfairly determining auction outcomes, adding a brief time extension if a bid is placed right before the auction closes.

3. Post-Auction Transaction: Once the auction ends, Cars & Bids connects the highest bidder with the seller to complete the transaction directly. The platform doesn't handle the payment or delivery, but offers optional escrow services to secure funds until both parties are satisfied.

The Selling Process: Step-by-Step

Selling on Cars & Bids isn’t complicated, but knowing each step can help you get more attention and money for your vehicle. This isn’t the place for rushed listings or last-minute details. It rewards clean cars, honest descriptions, and high-quality photos.

Here’s how it works from start to finish:

1. Submit Your Car

Start by filling out a submission form on the site. You’ll need to provide:

• Make, model, year, and mileage

• Photos (interior, exterior, engine bay, wheels)

• A write-up on your car’s condition and any modifications

• Maintenance records (upload files or screenshots)

• VIN and title status

Be honest and detailed. Cars & Bids reviews every submission to make sure it fits their audience.

2. Get Approved

Their team reviews your submission. You'll receive the green light if the car meets the criteria—clean title, service history, and proper documentation. They might pass if it doesn’t meet the platform’s criteria (too high mileage, poor condition, missing records).

3. Add Professional Photography (Optional but Powerful)

This is where many sellers make or break their auction. Listings with crisp, well-lit photos often get more bids. If you’re serious about getting top dollar, consider hiring a pro or following their photo tips.

At a minimum, include:

• Wide shots of the front, rear, and sides

• Close-ups of interior details

• Engine bay and undercarriage (if clean)

• Any flaws, scratches, or damage

4. Set a Reserve Price

You can set a reserve—the lowest price you’ll accept. You're not obligated to sell if bidding doesn’t reach that amount. It’s your safety net.

5. Go Live

Once listed, your auction runs for seven days. During that time:

• Bidders can ask questions in the comments.

• You can respond directly.

• Views and bids usually increase in the final 24–48 hours

This is your chance to stay active and involved. Answer questions. This will help create confidence and keep bidders engaged.

6. Post-Auction Process

If the reserve is met:

• Cars & Bids connects you with the winning bidder

• You work directly with them to arrange payment and pickup or shipping

• You can also opt to use SafePay—powered by KeySavvy—is an entirely online service that securely manages transactions from buyers to sellers and facilitates title transfers.

If the reserve isn’t met, no sale happens, and you’re free to relist or try elsewhere.

7. Fees for Sellers

• No listing fee

• Percentage of the final sale price collected by Cars & Bids

This makes it low-risk to try. If your car doesn’t sell, you don’t pay anything.

The Buying Process: Step-by-Step

Buying a car on Cars & Bids is part research, timing, and strategy. It’s not like walking into a dealership. You’re in control and against other bidders who want that exact vehicle. Here’s how to ensure you’re ready when the correct listing goes live.

1. Create an Account

Before you can place a bid, you’ll need to register. Signing up is free and quick. You’ll enter your contact details and payment method for verification. Once verified, you can start bidding right away.

2. Browse Listings

You can filter listings by:

• Make and model

• Year and mileage

• Price range

• Location

• Transmission or body style

Each listing includes:

• Dozens of high-resolution photos

• VIN, title status, and detailed service history

• Comments from both the seller and the community

3. Ask Questions

Each listing includes a comment section. You can:

• Ask the seller about past repairs, paintwork, or modifications

• Request more photos (cold starts, undercarriage, etc.)

• See what other buyers are asking

Use this space. Sellers who answer quickly build trust and give you the confidence to bid.

4. Watch the Reserve

Each seller can set a reserve price—a hidden minimum they’re willing to accept. If bidding doesn’t meet that number, the car won’t sell.

You’ll know during the auction whether the reserve has been met. If not, don’t assume you’ve won by placing the highest bid.

5. Place Bids

Once you’re confident:

• Start bidding at any time

• Watch how bidding picks up in the last few hours (or minutes)

• Set a budget—and stick to it

Many users wait until the final hour to bid. This is known as "sniping," and it can snag a great deal or push the price higher quickly.

6. Win and Pay

If you win:

• You’ll be connected directly with the seller

• Payment is usually completed by wire transfer or SafePay

• You then arrange pickup or delivery—many buyers use trusted car shipping companies like AmeriFreight Car Shipping.

Key Features of Cars & Bids Auto Auction

Cars & Bids offers a range of features that distinguish it from other online car auction platforms, particularly in user experience, vehicle focus, and community engagement. Below is a detailed look at these features.

1. User-Friendly Interface and Design

Cars & Bids is known for its intuitive, user-centered design that caters to both newcomers and experienced online auction users. The platform's layout is straightforward, allowing users to easily navigate listings, search by specific criteria, and access detailed information about each vehicle.  

Each listing includes clear, high-quality images and well-organized descriptions, making it simple for buyers to find everything they need to make an informed bid.  

2. Detailed Listing Requirements for Transparency

Cars & Bids strongly emphasizes transparency, requiring sellers to provide comprehensive details about their vehicles. To list a car, sellers must upload multiple high-quality images, write a thorough description, and ideally, include a video that showcases the car in action.  

These requirements give buyers a clear, accurate view of the vehicle's condition, reducing the likelihood of surprises post-purchase and building trust between buyers and sellers.  

3. Sniping Protection for Fair Bidding Dynamics

One unique feature of Cars & Bids is its sniping protection, which automatically extends an auction by a short period if a bid is placed just before it ends. This system prevents last-minute bidding "snipes" that could disadvantage interested buyers, ensuring a fair auction process where everyone has a reasonable chance to place their final bids.  

4. Focus on Modern Classics and Enthusiast Cars

Unlike platforms that cover everything from daily drivers to high-end luxury cars, Cars & Bids is explicitly designed for modern classic enthusiasts. Its listings range from performance-oriented sports cars and off-road SUVs to well-kept daily drivers, all typically from the 1980s onward. This niche focus not only saves buyers time but also allows sellers to connect with a targeted audience who appreciates the value of unique, enthusiast vehicles.  

5. Community Engagement

Cars & Bids fosters a vibrant community of car enthusiasts through its commenting feature. Users can discuss each listing, ask questions about the vehicle's history or condition, and interact directly with the seller. This promotes transparency, builds user trust, and creates camaraderie among like-minded car enthusiasts. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cars & Bids

Cars & Bids has pros and cons, like other car auction sites. Here are the things you need to know before you sell vehicles or bid on this website.

Advantages of Using Cars & Bids

Curated Auction Listings That Save Time and Build Trust

Each auction listing on Cars & Bids undergoes a curation process, ensuring that all vehicles meet the platform's standards for quality and relevance. Buyers benefit from a streamlined browsing experience where every car has been "enthusiast-approved.

Active Community of Car Enthusiasts

Cars & Bids attracts a specialized, engaged audience of car enthusiasts who actively participate in the auction experience. The platform includes a commenting feature where users can ask questions, discuss the vehicle's history, and clarify details with the seller.

Supportive Seller Tools for First-Time and Experienced Sellers

Cars & Bids provides sellers with extensive guidance on creating effective listings, making it a beginner-friendly platform for those new to the online auction space.

Drawbacks of Using Cars & Bids

While Cars & Bids offers a host of benefits, there are some limitations that users should consider:

1. Limited Audience for Non-Enthusiast Vehicles

Cars & Bids focuses on modern classics and enthusiast models. It may not be the best platform for buying or selling standard, non-enthusiast vehicles or vintage models outside its niche. Sellers aiming to market everyday vehicles might find broader platforms like eBay Motors or AutoTrader better suited for reaching a more general audience.

2. Buyer's Fee on Purchases

Cars & Bids charges a five percent buyer's fee, capped at $7,500. While this fee is competitive, buyers should be aware of the added cost and factor it into their budget. The cap helps keep fees reasonable for high-value auctions, but prospective buyers should always check the final bid amount to understand the total cost.

3. Lower Listing Volume Compared to General Marketplaces

Due to its specific niche and curation process, Cars & Bids typically features fewer listings than general marketplaces. While this ensures quality, buyers looking for one particular model or feature may find limited options on the platform.

Cars & Bids vs. Competitors: How It Stands Out Among Public Buyers

Here's a closer look at how Cars & Bids compares to other popular online car auction platforms, highlighting its unique strengths and where it fits in the broader market:

Buyer and Seller Protections on Cars & Bids

Cars & Bids offers features that help protect both buyers and sellers during a sale:

1. Secure Online Transactions with SafePay: Powered by KeySavvy, the most trusted online vehicle transaction provider. SafePay handles the collection of payments from the buyer, and you will sign a contract that guarantees you will receive payment.

2. Help with Disputes: If problems arise, like payment issues or disagreements over vehicle condition, Cars & Bids offers support to resolve them.

3. Clear Listings and Open Communication:  Listings include detailed info, and buyers can ask questions directly in the comments. This keeps things transparent and avoids confusion.

User Experiences and Feedback

Feedback from Cars & Bids users is generally positive, with many praising the platform's transparent process, supportive community, and ease of use. Here are some common themes in user reviews:

• Positive User Experience: Buyers often appreciate the platform's straightforward design, clear listings, and helpful commenting feature. The availability of extensive photos and videos also helps users feel confident about their bids.

• Practical Seller Tools: Sellers report that Cars & Bids' tools and resources make listing easy, even for newcomers. Curating listings also means sellers reach an audience that values quality and uniqueness, leading to successful transactions.

• Room for Improvement: Some users note that the niche focus on modern cars can result in fewer bids for certain vehicles. Additionally, the platform's fee structure may be a consideration for some buyers, although the cap helps manage this cost for higher-value purchases.

Final Thoughts: Cars & Bids' Role as a Leading Platform for 2025

Cars & Bids will be a premier online auction platform for modern car enthusiasts in 2025. With its focus on high-quality, enthusiast vehicles from the 1980s onward, strong buyer protections, and a supportive seller community, it's an excellent choice for anyone interested in buying or selling unique cars. Cars & Bids combines transparency, niche appeal, and community engagement, making it a standout option for modern classic fans.

Shipping Your Auction Car With AmeriFreight Car Shipping

Winning the auction represents only one aspect of the overall process. The next step is shipping your newly acquired vehicle from the online auction site, which presents an additional challenge to consider. AmeriFreight Car Shipping can help you in this process.

We offer a range of auto transportation services for your vehicle. Our two decades of experience in the auto transportation industry can ensure that your car gets delivered safely.

Get your free instant quote now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of cars are typically sold on Cars & Bids?

Cars & Bids specializes in modern classic and enthusiast cars, typically from the 1980s and newer. You'll find a variety of makes and models, including sports cars, luxury vehicles, trucks, and SUVs.

What fees are involved?

A 5% buyer's fee (capped at $7,500) is added to the final bid amount. Sellers do not pay upfront fees but agree to a small portion of the sale price going to the platform.

Is Cars & Bids only for modern cars?

Yes, Cars & Bids specializes in cars from the 1980s, catering to enthusiasts interested in modern classics and unique models.

Can I arrange for car shipping after purchasing?

While Cars & Bids doesn't provide direct shipping, AmeriFreight Car Shipping offers transport options for buyers needing secure vehicle delivery.

 Is there a mobile app for Cars & Bids?

Currently, Cars & Bids doesn't have a dedicated mobile app. However, the mobile-friendly website can be accessed through your smartphone's web browser.