Ckforker

I'm hoping there's a few people that have bought and sold through BAT. It seems to be the best way, especially given the alternatives.

How are they to deal with, helpful, or is everything pretty much self service? I know there's different levels of service for things like pictures etc.

Has anyone used their pictures service, vs taking your own?

Also on the buying side, how was the shipping? I've only shipped cars once and it was a complete cluster. The shipper got a better gig half way across the country, so my cars sat in Dallas for 3 weeks!

Thanks for sharing any experience you have had.

JNew

I bought my -SE off BAT in 2015 (see https://bringatrailer.com/listing/19...rx-7-gsl-se-2/) when their auctions were just starting to get really popular and before a lot of the services they offer now even existed.

The auction format they have is the best I've ever experienced. By the time the auction was over, so many people had examined the car that I felt confident buying it (but I was still absolutely terrified of buying a car site unseen).

As soon as the auction was over, BAT pretty much fell out of the picture. I started dealing directly with the seller, transferred the funds directly to him and then flew down to Georgia (from Canada) and drove the car home. I did all the customs paperwork myself (very simple for an old car).

That's my experience but it probably doesn't answer any of your questions.

eprx799

iTrader: (8)

I sold two cars on BAT it is a long process. You have to send them a very detailed description, plenty of pictures, the reserve price if you go with a reserve. They will review your submission and if they decide to accept it. It will take some time to list it because they have such a back log of listings. I like there system of bidding because it automatically adds 2 minutes every time there is a new bid. You can remove your reserve if you think that you are getting a far price. The cost to list is very minimal compared to selling at a live auction. If you are the seller you better know what you are selling and be ready to answer a lot of questions and post extra pictures if they are requested. If you are selling a rotary vehicle then compression numbers are a must! I also added a cold start, hot start , in car, drive by and walk around videos as well. I had a friend who is photographer do most of my pictures and I added some of my own. I used my iPhone for my pictures.

ATC529R

I just saw a TII bought from there. It was MINT!!! heard he paid 25k

Ckforker

Thanks eprx799, this is helpful. That's a little complicated, but doable. Lots to consider, especially the compression numbers, since you have to get a specific tester.

RX7_Renesis

iTrader: (1)

Another online auction service to consider/compare is Cars and Bids.
https://carsandbids.com

I've seen FB's FC's & FD's listed and sold there as well.

Disclaimer: I've never used either service

7aull

iTrader: (2)

Couple of points based on a Forum member/friends experience selling a couple of SAs.
1) A reserve: my understanding is this is up to BaT to agree to. On my friend's sale for 1st SA, they would NOT ALLOW a reserve. Happily he sold the SA for much over what he would need to make it worth while (actually, at the time, a record price!).
2) on his second SA, with a submission of all the pics and details, they refused to accept the car. Period. So that is out there as a scenario. So having a Back-Up auction is advised.
This all said, no doubt you will almost always get the most $$$ using BaT. These guys did near $BILLION sales in 2020. So they are king of the sandbox at the moment.

Stu A
80GS
AZ
.

Ckforker

Based on research, it does seem to be the place to sell, interesting that they provided no feedback on why they didn't accept the second one.

No reserve is a bit scary if you hit a slow time for the type of car. I'm sure it's much more appealing to bidders.

eprx799

iTrader: (8)

I wouldn’t do a no reserve auction. I think it’s to risky. If your car didn’t met reserve all you are out is the auction fee plus your time you have making the ad. Also if your auction went RNM then you and the last bidder will get each other’s contact information so you can still pos work out an acceptable agreement.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

So you selling your FB Chris? Say it ain't so.

Ckforker

Sadly, I think so. It still needs some things to make it, what I'd call long range worthy, which is what I need living out in the boonies.

I've spent too much time on small stuff, it's now the bigger items that I just don't have time or dedicated space to work on.

My truck has been a budget buster the last year, so all my $ seems to be going towards that. Buying a new or even a used truck these days, borders insanity, so I'll have to wait it out.

hawk 7

iTrader: (2)

This is Doug DeMuro's site. If you list on there you MUST list the "QUIRKS and FEATURES" and the car MUST have a "DOUG SCORE"😜

Ckforker

It is an RX7, nothing else needs to be said about quirks!

Ckforker

After some more investigation from some other people with experience of selling or not getting in, I think a different route is the way to go.

There's so many people wanting to sell these days, they are getting more picky. Probably 8-10 ratings. Based on what I think mine is, about a 6, I don't see it getting in. 1 being un salvageable and 10 being absolutely just drove off the lot and a little biased on my car, I'll look around at other options.

There's a guy I met locally that's interested, but I fear it will turn into a track car, which I'd hate to see.

pronkie1

I listed a 71 Ford Ranchero on BAT back in March of 2020...Had a reserve which was not met....Two months ago I tried to list a 90 Mustang LX 7-up Mustang and they would only list it at no reserve....Went to Cars and Bids and they took the listing with a reserve...Bidding ended and reserve not met...Sadly I had a local guy look at and he proceeded to point out every flaw on it on the auction listing...Same night I listed it on Facebook Marketplace and linked to the Mustang pages I belonged to...Was contacted a hour later from a guy who's buddy wasn't on FB and we texted back and forth and he landed up buying two days later...Like someone pointed out listing at no reserve is a big risk...You never know how people will react and I think it's a big gamble....Cars and Bids tried to get me to list at no reserve also but after watching Doug Demuro's video about listing at no reserve he states about nine minutes in that you need to be reasonable when setting a reserve...That what I did and I got it listed with a reserve...

chuyler1

iTrader: (1)

I discussed with a few people on FB who claimed to have their listings denied. I asked to see their photos used for the submission and they weren’t really cover page of BaT worthy. They were OK, but nothing special. I know BaT offers photography services now and could be prioritizing those sellers, or those submitting stunning photos and well sorted descriptions.

I have a neighbor that (in my opinion) overpaid for an ‘85 MR2 from BaT. When it arrived it was just as good as the photographs, possibly better, but sure enough, it had some old car quirks. Sloppy steering and a cold start idle issue, seat belts that wouldn’t retract, and a few other things. He is not at all mechanically inclined so he had to take it to a few mechanics to get things sorted. Easy stuff for someone who can get on a FB group or forum, pour through a service manual, and use hand tools to dig in, but not something you’d expect to deal with when you paid double the market value at the time. In the end though, the car has gained in value, he takes it to cruise nights and short trips and is happy to relive his younger days. After all, it’s only money.

eprx799

iTrader: (8)

If your going to try to sell on BAT your pictures and description need to be much better than a Craigslist or FB ad or they will not accept your listing.

Ckforker

After over analyzing all the recent sales I could find and what's currently for sale, I did what I'd consider a soft posting locally on FB.

It's been a long time since I sold a car, probably 15 years. I quickly found that 1) there's lots of people that are looking to steal a car to quickly flip it. 2) there are far too many people that just reply, what's the lowest you'll take or I'll give you X for it, without even wanting to see it. I can't imagine buying a 40 year old car without driving it and looking at it first. Places like BAT do a lot of due diligence, but a FB ad could be anything. No one wanted to to meet or come take a physical look until a price was negotiated.

Maybe this is the new way, but I'd never buy a car, or anything this expensive without looking at it first.

This, plus BAT seemed off the table, so I'm gonna keep it. Even if I don't drive it much till I can spend the time and money to fix most of the big stuff, I'll enjoy it locally. Still a long term goal of making it long road trip ready, but that's going to be a while. Besides, what would I do with all my free time if I wasn't tinkering on this thing!

I appreciate all the input.

Toruki

I'm glad to hear you're keeping it!

FWIW, I bought my 83 in 2010 from a super nice guy who had it on an island on Lake Erie. I'm in the Boston area so no realistic way to put hands on it myself. I flew to Cleveland with cash, license plates, tools, and parts and then I drove it back home. The seller sent plenty of photos for the time, but not even a cold start video. So all in all, pretty naive. But, all in all, an excellent, honest seller, a great drive home with it, and I'm never selling it .

Bu I do wonder if that unique experience is gone. If I was in the market and a forum member like yourself was selling, I'd be all over it.

chuyler1

iTrader: (1)

These cars are rarely going to show up "locally" so most people are casting a wider blanket to find what they want. You did the right thing to just ignore the spammers. When someone really wants it, they will do more than just send you a lowball price. One the car is in good shape, a local cars & coffee event is a good way to find prospective buyers in your area.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

I was watching Legit Street Cars on YouTube and he was promoting this new auction site. He has his 2007 BMW listed on the site. Keep in mind, this site is brand new.

https://modsandmiles.com/