Like most product categories on eBay, you can bid on vehicles, parts, and accessories, buy them at a fixed price, or on some listings, make the seller a Best Offer. Most Motors listings come with a free vehicle history report, and most vehicle purchases are covered by the Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) - opens in new window or tab.
Keep in mind that if you want to bid $25,000 or more, you'll need to provide a valid credit card (your card won't be charged).
Buying a new vehicle on eBay Motors
We've partnered with local dealers to help you find the new vehicle you want at the price you want. If you're shopping for a new vehicle, we can help you search for, research, and customize a brand-new vehicle from local dealers for a low price.
You can:
- Select the make and model you want
- Choose whatever options you'd like
- Secure a low, no-haggle price for the vehicle you want
- Select a local dealer to buy the vehicle from
- Contact the dealer to arrange pickup and payment details
How it works
Follow these steps to find and buy your new vehicle:
You'll see a list of available vehicles with no-haggle prices from local dealers.
You'll see an eBay Motors Price Certificate.
- From eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab, go to the New section under What are you looking for?
- Select a make and model, and then enter your ZIP code.
- Click the Search button.
- Select the features you'd like, from exterior color to engine size.
- Select the options you'd like.
- Select the vehicle you want and enter your contact information. Your contact information is secure and you're under no obligation to purchase the vehicle.
- Print this certificate and contact your local dealer to arrange pickup and payment details.
- When you pick up your vehicle, present your price certificate to the dealer.
What you should know
- Dealers will do their best to match the vehicle you built to the vehicles that are available to purchase. If your exact vehicle isn't in stock, your dealer will help you find a similar car at a similar price
- Our prices don't include government fees and taxes, finance charges, dealer documentation fees, title and license fees, emission testing charges, and dealer-installed accessories
- You won't pay for the vehicle on eBay. All financing and payment details will be worked out with the dealer
- If you change your mind about options and features, talk to your dealer to negotiate a new low price for your vehicle
- If you have any questions about a vehicle you selected, contact your dealer
Tips for buying a vehicle
Buying a new or used car is often a big investment, so it's good to do some research. We've gathered some tips to help you get started:
- First, research the type of vehicle and options you need
- If you're shopping for a used vehicle, check its Kelly Blue Book value - opens in new window or tab before you decide what you're willing to pay
- Be realistic in your expectations of used or older vehicles – expect normal wear and tear
- Inspect the vehicle in person if you can. If that's not possible, have a vehicle inspection service - opens in new window or tab visit the vehicle to ensure it's as described in the listing
- On eBay, review the seller's feedback rating, and contact the seller with any questions. Don't bid or buy if they don't respond to your questions or can't be reached by email or phone
- Consider the additional costs associated with buying a vehicle, such as insurance, shipping, registration, and taxes
Bidding on vehicles
When you bid on a vehicle on eBay, it's considered non-binding. However, you shouldn't bid unless you intend to complete the purchase. Please read our User Agreement for details, and learn more about our bidding policies:
Blocked from bidding
Sellers can make their listings unavailable to a specified list of bidders, such as those with low feedback scores. If you've been blocked from bidding, you'll receive an error message saying you're not allowed to bid on that seller's listings. Unfortunately, this also means that you're not allowed to bid with another user ID. Doing so could result in suspension from eBay.
You might consider contacting the seller and asking them to remove your block. To contact them, simply select Ask a question in their listing.
Vehicle history reports
Many Motors listings include a vehicle history report from AutoCheck® – you'll find it in the Vehicle History Report tab. If the seller hasn’t provided a report, you’ll have the option to buy one. The report gives you access to important details about used cars. You can see if the vehicle has ever been:
- Stolen, salvaged, or rebuilt
- Turned in under a lemon law
- In a flood or hail storm
- In an accident or fire (if reported)
- A victim of potential odometer rollback
- Used as a rental or fleet vehicle
- Used as a police vehicle or taxi
- Abandoned or forfeited
- Reported as having a lien
The report shows the vehicle's title details, including all ownership transfers and DMV transactions. It also includes an AutoCheck® Score, which shows how a vehicle measures up against others of the same make and model. Reports don't include personal information about the vehicle's previous owners, such as names and addresses. Learn more about AutoCheck® - opens in new window or tab.
Where the information comes from
AutoCheck uses a vehicle's unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine its history.
AutoCheck gathers report information from hundreds of data sources, including:
- State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Auto auctions
- Canadian Motor Vehicle Departments
- Consumer protection agencies
- Auto dealers
- Other state agencies
All data acquired from these sources meet the federally mandated Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and/or other industry guidelines.
About the AutoCheck score
The AutoCheck Score is a rating that evaluates all of a vehicle's history data using one score, which is based on a 100-point scale for each vehicle.
The AutoCheck Score is determined by:
- The age of the vehicle at the time of the report
- The number of miles on the vehicle given at the time the report was run
- The vehicle class as reported by Automotive News. This list of vehicle makes and models is published annually and is recognized as an industry standard. Examples of vehicle classes include "Sport utility - entry level" and "Mid-range cars – standard."
- The number of owners the vehicle has had
- The vehicle's use and history (things like taxi use, accidents, and theft history impact the score)
Shipping vehicles
The buyer typically makes shipping arrangements and pays the costs associated with picking up or shipping the vehicle. Check the seller's description to see if additional shipping options are offered.
To get information on shipping a vehicle, select Shipping and payments in the listing. You'll see estimated quotes based on your location and the location of the vehicle.
For more information, visit our Shipping Center - opens in new window or tab.
eBay Motors protection programs
To help ensure a smooth transaction and provide peace of mind when you're buying a vehicle, we've got a range of resources and purchase protection programs available.
Inspections and reports:
- Vehicle inspection - opens in new window or tab: Catch easily missed details with a 150-point vehicle inspection report
- Vehicle history report - opens in new window or tab: Get the facts about a pre-owned car before you buy it
Payment and financing:
- PayPal for deposits - opens in new window or tab: Use PayPal to provide the seller with a deposit
- Safe buying tips - opens in new window or tab: Learn how to pay safely, and why you should never use instant cash transfer methods
- eBay Motors Security Center - opens in new window or tab: Get information on how you can protect yourself from scams and fraudulent activities
- eBay Motors Financing Center - opens in new window or tab: We can help you secure a loan for a vehicle by connecting you to a number of financial partners that offer vehicle financing options. You can also try:
- Checking the listing you're interested in to see if the seller offers any financing options.
- Selecting the Financing tab in the listing for payment options. Then enter the amount you want to finance and your state of residence to get information about finance companies, and a payment calculator to get an estimate of your monthly payments.
Tip
Vehicles offered on Craigslist, AutoTrader, or other online sites are not eBay transactions, even if they claim to be. If you're bidding on a vehicle on eBay, it will appear in My eBay - opens in new window or tab, under Bids/Offers. If you suspect a potential scam, let us know by emailing car@ebay.com.
Purchase protection for vehicles: Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) - opens in new window or tab is included in most vehicle purchases and covers up to $100,000 or the vehicle's purchase price, whichever is lower.
Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP) Overview
- VPP provides protection at no additional cost for certain losses associated with fraud, such as non-delivery of the vehicle, undisclosed title defects, and certain undisclosed vehicle defects when your purchase meets the VPP eligibility and coverage requirements
- Together with eBay, an independent service provider will determine whether you have suffered a loss that is reimbursable by the VPP program and the reimbursement amount
- VPP is not an insurance policy, a warranty, or a solution for buyer’s remorse. You should perform appropriate due diligence when considering the purchase of any vehicle
- Restrictions Apply. Click here to read the eligibility requirements and coverage restrictions - opens in new window or tab
Purchase protection for parts and accessories: Most purchases are covered by the eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in new window or tab.
Buying parts and accessories
If you're buying a part or accessory, check the product specifications and read the seller's description carefully to make sure the item is compatible with your vehicle.
To find compatible parts, go to eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab, select your vehicle's year, make, and model, enter keywords such as product or brand name, then select Search Parts & Accessories.
To make it easier next time you need a part, you can add your vehicle to My Vehicles and you won't have to enter those details again.
Follow these steps to add a vehicle:
- From the Motors page, select Add a new vehicle - opens in new window or tab.
- Choose your vehicle type and select your vehicle's year, make, and model from the drop-down menus.
- You can add optional details and a photo. You can also choose whether the information is public.
- Select Save Changes.
- Next time you want to find parts, select Find parts for my vehicle - opens in new window or tab on the Motors page.
Tire Installation Services
When you purchase tires from a participating seller on eBay, you can choose to add the cost of installation to your purchase.
When you do, you can pick from our network of trusted eBay installation partners. When the purchase is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with the details of your order and your tires will be shipped directly to the installer you selected. You’ll then receive a second email directly from your installer with information on how to schedule an appointment with them.
When visiting the installer for your scheduled appointment, you’ll need to bring a copy of your confirmation email and photo ID with you.
Tip
Some tire shops are not equipped to install very large or specialty tires. If you can't find a local installer for the tires you need, contact the seller before making your purchase.