Terms of Service
Last updated: August 2026 · Draft — pre-launch
1. Platform role
Cars Auction operates an online marketplace connecting vehicle sellers and buyers. We are not a party to the sale contract between buyer and seller. All auctions are conducted in US dollars for vehicles located in the United States.
2. Bidding
Each bid is a binding offer to purchase at the bid amount plus the disclosed buyer's premium. Bid increments are tiered by price. Auctions ending with a qualifying last-second bid are automatically extended (anti-sniping). Retracting a winning bid may result in account suspension.
3. Title disclosure
Sellers must accurately disclose the vehicle title brand (clean, salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon/buyback). Misrepresentation of title status is grounds for listing removal, transaction reversal, and account termination.
4. Fees
A buyer's premium, disclosed before bid confirmation, is added to the hammer price. Sellers may be charged listing or success fees as published at listing time. All fees are shown before commitment.
5. Payment and escrow
Winning buyers must complete payment through the platform. Funds are held escrow-style and released to the seller after title transfer confirmation. Until public launch, all payment processing runs in test mode and no real funds are moved.
6. Pre-launch managed activity
During the pre-launch period, certain lots may feature managed bidding activity from platform-operated agent accounts to establish market pacing. These accounts are excluded from real payment processing and never transact against buyers for real funds. Managed activity is disabled at go-live approval.
7. Prohibited conduct
Shill bidding, bid manipulation, use of automated bidding tools against other buyers, misrepresentation of vehicles, and circumvention of platform fees are prohibited and may violate the FTC Act and state auction law. Violations result in immediate termination and may be reported.
8. Disputes
Buyers may open a dispute within 7 days of delivery for material misrepresentation. Our team reviews evidence from both parties and may withhold escrow funds pending resolution.