Welcome to Hot Rods Trader — a leading online destination for buying and selling hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars, race cars, antique vehicles, parts, and trailers.

We offer two listing formats to suit every buyer's preference:

• Auction Listings

• Classified Listings

 

Found a vehicle or item you’re interested in that is an auction listing? Here’s how to confidently bid on the marketplace:
 

1. Create a Free Marketplace Account

You must have a marketplace account to bid, buy, sell, ask a listing question, and send messages on the marketplace. Registration is 100% free, requires some basic information, and requires verifying your e-mail address. To place a bid, a valid credit card is required to be on file with your account.

💰 A 4% Buyer’s Fee (up to a maximum of $4,000) is charged to the winning bidder as a marketplace fee.

2. Do Your Due Diligence

While we aim to make your experience as safe and transparent as possible, it’s your responsibility to verify the vehicle or item before making a purchase.

Be sure to:

• Carefully review the full description, images, inspection reports (if available), and service history.

• Ask questions using the “Questions and Answers” or “Contact Seller” features on the listing.

• For vehicle listings, we recommend getting an inspection before purchasing.
   

3. Secure Financing and Plan Logistics

Before placing a bid, make sure your finances and logistics are in order.

• Confirm what payment methods the seller accepts.

• If you're financing, get pre-approved (see our Buyer Resources for financing options).

• Understand shipping requirements for the vehicle or item before you bid.

• If shipping is needed, request a quote from our trusted shipping partners.
   

4. Place a Bid

Our marketplace is intuitive and secure:

• A temporary hold for the Buyer’s Fee is placed on your credit card when you bid. If you win, your card is charged the fee, and you'll pay the seller directly. If not, the Buyer’s Fee hold is released.

• All bids are binding. Only bid if you’re committed to the purchase and have completed your due diligence.

• To keep bidding fair, any bids placed within the final 60 seconds will extend the auction by 2 minutes.

• Some auctions may have the “Buy Now” option—purchase instantly at the listed price to skip the auction entirely.

• When you click "Buy Now", your card will be charged the Buyer’s Fee. You’ll then pay the seller directly according to the terms listed.

• All bids or "Buy Now" actions are binding, so only buy if you’re fully committed and have completed your due diligence.

5. Win the Auction

The highest bidder wins—simple as that.

• If the auction has a Reserve Price, your bid must meet or exceed the hidden minimum set by the seller.

• If the auction is No Reserve, the highest bid wins regardless of the amount.

Once the auction ends, you'll be connected directly with the seller to finalize the transaction.  Both parties will receive contact information to complete payment and arrange pickup or shipping.
 

🕒 Buyers are expected to complete payment within 7 days of purchase.
👉 Learn more about Finalizing the Sale.
 

Once you've identified a vehicle, item, or business service you're interested in that's a Classifieds listing, follow these steps.

1. Register to Communicate

To contact the seller directly or ask a private or public question, you must first register for a free marketplace account.

2. Perform Due Diligence

All Classifieds listing transactions are conducted outside of the marketplace. It is your responsibility to perform due diligence and ensure that the vehicle, item, or business service you're considering is right for you before purchasing it through a third-party seller.

• Thoroughly review the listing description, photos, the vehicle inspection report (if applicable), recent maintenance, etc.

• Ask the seller any questions you may have with the "Submit Public Question", "Send Message", or “Contact Seller” features.

• For vehicle listings, we recommend getting an inspection before purchasing.

3. Arrange Financing and Logistics

To ensure a smooth transaction, have the following organized before buying.

• Sellers will list forms of payment they accept.

• If you're financing, get pre-approved (see our Buyer Resources for financing options).

• Discuss transportation and storage timelines (if applicable) with the seller. If shipping is needed, request a quote from our trusted shipping partners.

4. Make a Purchase

You and the seller are responsible for conducting all activities related to the purchase outside the marketplace.