How CarBids Auctions Work?
CarBids hosts multiple auction categories and listing types. CarBids is a nationwide online vehicle auction platform offering 50 – 100+ vehicles for bidding on any given day. Buyers can purchase affordable deals for quality vehicles through a simple online bidding system where they place a refundable deposit and only pay a flat buyer’s premium if they secure the deal. Unlike traditional physical auctions, CarBids operates entirely online, allowing buyers across Australia to participate without attending a physical auction.
CarBids Headquarters / Main Office: 7 Wiluna Street, Fyshwick, ACT 2609, Australia
Types of Auctions on CarBids
CarBids lists vehicles across a wide range of categories to ensure buyers consistent choice and flexibility.
Usually, 4 different types of auctions are held regularly or occasionally:
General and Automotive Vehicle Auctions Cars, 4WDs, trucks, etc.
Premium and Prestige Car Auction Higher-end luxury vehicles.
Motorbikes Auctions Held occasionally.
Number Plate Auctions Held occasionally.
Auction Structure
- All auctions are conducted online across Australia.
- Each vehicle has its own scheduled closing time.
- Listings are typically active for 4–7 days.
- A “Last Call” extension applies if bids are placed in the final moments.
Information Available on Listings
Listings usually include:
- Vehicle make, model and year
- Odometer (km)
- Transmission and fuel type
- Condition notes
- Multiple images showing different angles
(4.5) – Detailed and well-structured listings that support informed decisions.
Review of Vehicle Details Listed on CarBids
CarBids listings generally include detailed descriptions such as model, year, odometer (km), transmission, and fuel type. This allows buyers to shortlist vehicles efficiently before deeper research.
(4.5) – It includes almost every detail about the car
Review of Vehicle Conditions on Carbids
Cars in auctions aren’t limited to poor condition or low-quality stock. Auction vehicles can range from well-maintained cars to those that require repairs and maintenance. CarBids vehicle listings can be divided into three broad types:
- Good Condition Younger, well-maintained vehicles.
- Average Condition Everyday used vehicles and older fleet cars that may show wear and tear.
- Specialty/Problematic Occasional classic or prestige vehicles, as well as cars with mechanical or cosmetic issues.
(2.5) – Very little detail in the condition report, but seems honest
Review of Images on Vehicles of Carbids
(5) – The 80+ photo contains every single side of the car from interior to exterior, top to bottom.
Review of Buyer's Premium on Carbids
Instead of inflating car prices with hidden margins, CarBids keeps auction pricing simple and transparent with a clear buyer’s premium. This fee is charged only when buyers successfully win a vehicle and is a flat rate of approximately $495–$500 per car. For example, if a car is won at $20,000, the total payable amount would be around $20,500. This approach separates the auction service fee from the vehicle price, so buyers always know exactly what they’re paying for—while allowing vehicles to be bid at their true market value.
(1)– The exact fee is not mentioned, but most cars appear to include a 12.5% charge.
Average Reviews of Carbids Auctions from Customers Online
Google and ProductReview ratings weighted by number of reviews; Trustpilot excluded due to insufficient data.
Google Ratings
4.1 based on 429 reviews
→ 4.1 × 429 = 1,758.9
ProductReview Rating
4.3 based on 501 reviews
→ 4.3 × 501 = 2,154.3
Total Weighted Score: 1,758.9 + 2,154.3 = 3,913.2
Total Reviews: 429 + 501 = 930
Final Weighted Rating: 3,913.2 ÷ 930 = 4.21
Final Score For Carbids Auctions after Reviewing different factors:
(3.4) – CarBids performs well for transparent pricing, a flat buyer’s premium, and a fully online bidding process, making it easy for buyers to participate nationwide. However, the rating is lowered due to limited physical inspection options, brief condition details on some listings, and no price mentioned in any of the vehicles, meaning buyers must research carefully before bidding.
Overall Pros and Cons
Common Complaints about Carbids
- Limited physical inspection options
- Some vehicles require post-purchase repairs
- Competitive bidding on popular listings
Ways to Deal
- Check vehicle photos and condition reports carefully before bidding.
- Consider arranging a third-party inspection if buying high-value vehicles.
- Set a maximum bid in advance to avoid overpaying in competitive auctions.
Common Compliments about Carbids
- Clear and transparent pricing
In conclusion, CarBids offers transparent fees, diverse listings and a structured online bidding process to make it easier for buyers to approach vehicle auctions with clarity, analysis and confidence
How to Bid on CarBids? Steb by Step Guide
1
Create an account and verify your phone number or email.
2
Pay a $500 refundable deposit to unlock bidding access.
3
Add a credit card for paying the final amount if you win.
4
Choose a car and set your maximum bid — the system will automatically bid for you up to that amount.
5
“Last Call” rule applies — auction time may extend if someone bids in the final moments.
6
You’ll get notifications by email or SMS if someone outbids you or if you win.
Auction Time:
Carbids does not have a fixed auction time or day. Each vehicle has its own scheduled time.
FAQs- Carbids Auctions Review
Q. Is CarBids legitimate in Australia?
- Yes, CarBids operates nationwide as an online-only vehicle auction platform.
Q. Is the $500 deposit refundable?
- Yes, the deposit is refundable if you do not win a vehicle.
Q. Do I pay fees if I don’t win?
- No, the buyer’s premium applies only if you successfully win a vehicle.
Q. Is CarBids cheaper than dealerships?
- Often yes, especially the flat buyer’s premium and other factors make it affordable.
Q. Where can I inspect and collect a vehicle I purchase through CarBids?
- While CarBids operates entirely online for bidding, physical inspection and collection of vehicles are done at the AllBids facility, not the CarBids headquarters. The location is:
- AllBids Inspection & Collection Address: 4 Bay Road, Taren Point, NSW 2229, Australia
