Question 1

Does Fair Value Auto buy my car?

Accepted Answer

No. Fair Value Auto never buys your car. We provide the marketplace where licensed dealers compete to buy it from you; the winning dealer is the buyer.

Question 2

Which cars are accepted?

Accepted Answer

We plan to accept many privately owned passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks. Eligibility can depend on title status, condition, age, mileage and launch-market requirements. Submit your vehicle details and we’ll confirm whether it can be listed.

Question 3

How long does selling take?

Accepted Answer

The auction itself is time-limited. If you accept the result, the handoff is arranged within 3 business days. Timing can vary when a lender or title paperwork is involved.

Question 4

Where do I drop off the car?

Accepted Answer

The winning dealer arranges a handoff location within 100 miles. Drop-off is completed within 3 business days unless you and the dealer agree otherwise.

Question 5

Who sets the lowest price?

Accepted Answer

You do. It is the lowest amount you agree to accept, and dealers cannot see it while they bid.

Question 6

What does the seller pay?

Accepted Answer

Fair Value Auto keeps 10% only of the amount above your lowest price. If your lowest price is $20,000 and the winning bid is $22,000, the improvement is $2,000. Our fee is $200, so you receive $21,800 before any loan payoff.

Question 7

What if the car sells at or below my lowest price?

Accepted Answer

Fair Value Auto charges you nothing when the accepted price is at or below the lowest price you set.

Question 8

Are there listing or sign-up fees?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no charge to submit your car or take part. The seller fee applies only when a sale beats the lowest price you set.

Question 9

What happens if bids don’t beat my price?

Accepted Answer

You remain in control. You do not have to accept a bid below your lowest price, and Fair Value Auto does not charge a seller fee if you choose to accept a bid at or below it.

Question 10

Who can bid?

Accepted Answer

Only dealers verified for participation in the marketplace can bid. Dealer eligibility and licensing are checked before access is granted.

Question 11

Can dealers see my lowest price?

Accepted Answer

No. Dealers compete without seeing the lowest price you chose.

Question 12

Do I have to accept the highest bid?

Accepted Answer

A result that does not meet your lowest price does not force a sale. The acceptance terms for bids that meet your price will be stated clearly before your vehicle is listed.

Question 13

How do I get paid?

Accepted Answer

Payment is completed with the winning dealer as part of the handoff. The exact payment method and required documents are confirmed before you travel.

Question 14

Can I sell a car that still has a loan?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Tell us about the loan when submitting the car. The payoff amount and lender process must be confirmed before the handoff, and eligibility can depend on the lender and title rules.

Question 15

How is my loan paid off?

Accepted Answer

The dealer typically verifies the lender’s payoff instructions and sends the required amount to the lender, with any remaining proceeds paid to you. The precise steps vary by lender and state, so they are confirmed before the sale.

Question 16

What if I owe more than the winning bid?

Accepted Answer

You would need to cover the difference required by your lender before the title can be released. We will not present that as a completed sale until the payoff path is confirmed.

Question 17

Who pays the $350 dealer fee?

Accepted Answer

The winning dealer pays the flat $350 fee for each vehicle won. Sellers do not pay this dealer fee.

Question 18

Does it cost dealers to register or bid?

Accepted Answer

No. Registration and bidding are free. A dealer pays $350 only after winning a vehicle.

Question 19

How are dealers verified?

Accepted Answer

Dealers must provide business and licensing information for review before bidding. Exact requirements may vary by launch market.

Question 20

What happens after a dealer wins?

Accepted Answer

The dealer pays the flat $350 fee, receives the seller’s contact details, and coordinates payment, paperwork and handoff within 3 business days and 100 miles.

Question 21

Do dealers get my phone number?

Accepted Answer

Only the winning dealer receives your contact details, and only after paying the $350 fee. Other bidders do not receive your number.

Question 22

What can dealers see before the sale?

Accepted Answer

Dealers receive the vehicle information needed to bid. Your direct contact details stay private during the auction.

Question 23

Will my information be used for marketing?

Accepted Answer

We use the choices shown when you submit your details. Full retention, communications and privacy terms will be published in the final privacy policy before launch.

Question 24

Can I ask for my information to be deleted?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Fair Value Auto with a privacy request. The final privacy policy will explain applicable rights, required records and response timelines before launch.

What would you like to know?