3 min article

Buying vehicles, parts, and accessories

You can search for vehicles and parts by year, make, and model on eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab. You can also shop by category, or filter your results so you only see local listings.

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).

Tips for buying a vehicle

Buying a new or used car is often a big investment, so it's good to do some research. Here are 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, research its value 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 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. This also means that you're not allowed to bid with another user ID and doing so could result in suspension from eBay.

You can contact the seller to ask them if they'll remove your block.

Vehicle history reports

Many sellers include a vehicle history report on their listings. 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 Canadian Motor Vehicle Department transactions. Reports don't include personal information about the vehicle's previous owners, such as names and addresses.

Where the information comes from

Vehicle history reports use a vehicle's unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine its history.

They gather report information from hundreds of data sources, including:

  • Canadian Motor Vehicle Departments
  • Auto auctions
  • Consumer protection agencies
  • Auto dealers
  • Other provincial agencies

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need to research the vehicle?
Although a vehicle history report is an excellent resource for revealing a vehicle's past usage, we strongly recommend that you physically inspect the car or hire a third-party inspection service to evaluate the vehicle's condition.

Are all accidents and events included in the report?
These reports only display information that is available to the company that provides it. There is no guarantee that a vehicle's complete history is included in the report.

What does "no history found" mean?
"No history found" indicates that no information was found for that category at the time of the report. This could mean that the reporting company hasn't yet received that data or it could mean that no issues have been reported.

What does this error message mean: VHR data not yet available?
The history report is not available yet for this vehicle. This vehicle's history report hasn't been created yet. Please check back later for more information.

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.

eBay Motors protection programs

To help ensure a smooth transaction and provide peace of mind when you're buying a vehicle, read about our purchase protection program.

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 the Bids/Offers section of My eBay - opens in new window or tab. If you suspect a potential scam, let us know by emailing spoof@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.

Here's how to find compatible parts:

  1. Go to eBay Motors - opens in new window or tab.
  2. Select your vehicle's year, make, and model.
  3. Enter keywords such as product or brand name.
  4. 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:

  1. Select Add a new vehicle - opens in new window or tab on the Motors page.
  2. Choose your vehicle type and select your vehicle's year, make, and model from the dropdown menus.
  3. You can add optional details and a photo. You can also choose whether the information is public.
  4. Select Save Changes.

Next time you want to find parts, simply select Find parts for my vehicle - opens in new window or tab on the Motors page.

Be sure to review the vehicle history report if you're shopping for a used car, and check if the vehicle is covered by the Vehicle Purchase Protection (VPP).

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