Buyer Questions & Answers

Register & Bid

We're Here to Fill in the Gaps

If we haven't answered all you're queries below please don't hesitate to contact Our Team of Trusted Specialists and Help Us Complete the Picture for you.

How do I register to Bid?
Begin by signing up for a Chicane Auctions account using the 'REGISTER' button. Simply provide the necessary information as requested. Next, to become a Verified Bidder, add a valid credit or debit card to your account. This step allows you to place bids and ensures that you are committed to covering the 5.5% Buyer's Fee, but only if you emerge as the winning bidder. It also helps verify your genuine interest as a potential buyer rather than someone casually browsing. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the Chicane Team. We're here to help with any inquiries you may have.
What is the "Reserve Price"?
No Reserve auctions are displayed with “No Reserve” tags on the live auction page as well as within the auction itself. Otherwise, once the price reaches the pre-set reserve, then a banner will show as "Reserve Met"
How do I contact the seller to ask further questions?
While the auction is live, registered bidders can send through all Questions via the Contact Seller button within the auction page.
Can I trust the Seller & Description?
The Description is written by Chicane Auctions together with the seller who ultimately "approves" the Description as correct. It is carefully written after discussions, photos and documents from the seller and other public sources. Whilst we try to cross-examine as much as possible, with the intention of being completely transparent with the description, PLEASE INSPECT THE VEHICLE ensuring you are happy with the vehicle’s description & condition.
Can I inspect a vehicle in-person myself?
Yes. We strongly advise inspecting the vehicle. All bids are final, so if you wish to inspect a vehicle, do it prior to bidding. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a “post-auction pre-purchase inspection”. You are obligated to purchase the vehicle if you are the winning bidder. Due diligence is the responsibility of the buyer. Vehicles are offered as is, where is.
Can I have a pre-purchase inspection completed by a mechanic?
We highly encourage due diligence prior to bidding. If you want to have a vehicle inspected by a mechanic, use the Contact Seller button to make arrangements. Note that this depends on the seller's availability and willingness to do so.

During the Auction

Is there an 'Auto' bidding system on Chicane Auctions?
Yes. Similar to the ebay auto bidding system. If you place a Maximum bid, the auction system will automatically bid on your behalf in set $250 increments above the current highest bid. If you are finally outbid, you will receive an email saying so & you can place a higher maximum bid anytime.
If I win what is the Buyer's Fee, and how much is it?
Our Buyer's Fee is 5.5% including GST in $AUD of the winning bid amount. The minimum charge is $1,100, and the maximum charge is $11,000. Only the winner is charged this fee & it is separate to the Auction amount payable to the Seller after the Auction.
Is there a 'buy it now' price for vehicles being auctioned?
There is not a 'buy it now' price. All vehicles on Chicane are for sale exclusively through the live auction.
Can I get a loan or finance on a vehicle that I want to bid on?
No. To be fair to sellers, bidders should secure any financing prior to bidding, as all bids are final. Getting a loan on a vehicle takes time, and loans aren't available for all years/makes/models. Failure to secure a loan after bidding is not a valid reason to back out of a purchase.
Does Chicane Auctions allow international bidders?
International bidders are welcome. The vehicles being auctioned are for sale where-is. Any shipping, logistics, or transportation costs are solely the buyer's responsibility. We recommend contacting the seller prior to bidding to ensure that they are comfortable with your transportation plans. Please note: Certain Vehicles may come Under the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act (1986) purchasers may need to obtain an export permit to ship objects outside Australia.
How do I update Account information if needed?
Please contact the Chicane Team to discuss updating your credit or debit card information.
Why is a hold placed on my card when I bid?
Holds are placed in order to ensure that you have the funds required to pay the Buyer's Fee. If you win an auction, your credit or debit card is immediately charged the Buyer's Fee.
When is my card hold released?
If you do not win an auction, Chicane Auctions immediately releases your card hold once the auction ends. Please note that your bank may take a few days to clear the hold from your account, depending on their particular speed.
I tried to bid, but my card hold was declined. Now what?
If a hold for the Buyer's Fee was declined, please review the error message. If the information is correct and you're still unable to bid, contact your bank for further assistance. Once the issue has been resolved, please attempt to bid again.
Can I cancel my bid?
Bids are a firm commitment to purchase a vehicle at the bid amount. You are obligated to purchase the vehicle if you're the winning bidder. Please perform all due diligence and inspections prior to bidding, so as to be fair to the seller and other bidders.

After the Auction

What happens when I am the winning bidder?
When you are the Winning Bidder, a Buyers Premium Fee (as detailed in each Auction page) is automatically deducted from the highest bidder’s stored credit card details. This is a fee for using the platform and not a down payment on the auction lot. You are then digitally ‘introduced’ to the seller to complete the transaction with our help. There are NO refunds on the buyer’s premium.
How long do I have to pay for the vehicle?
Buyers are expected to pay for the vehicle in-full within 7 days of the auction ending.
How do I pay for a vehicle?
Payment types include a Bank cheque, Bank transfer or cash. It is ultimately the seller and buyer's responsibility to find a mutually-agreeable payment arrangement using the above methods. We supply buyer & seller information packs to help the Vehicle hand -over process & are here to offer advice.
What if I need to Transport the vehicle?
We recommend clear communication with the seller when & how to have your vehicle picked up or transported. Please work directly with your seller to understand timing and expectations.
Who is responsible for Transport costs?
All vehicles on Chicane Auctions are offered where-is. Any shipping, logistics, state registration or transportation costs are solely the buyer's responsibility.
Can Chicane Auctions help with Vehicle registration?
All Auction cars are sold Un-Registered unless otherwise stated. Chicane Auctions can only offer advice on the best type of registration & how to go about it, that may suit individual needs, states & various types of cars.
What happens if a vehicle doesn't meet its reserve price?
If a vehicle does not sell, we will contact the highest-bidder and seller shortly after the auction ends to see if a deal can be made.
Can I back out of a purchase if I win the auction?
The integrity of buyers and sellers is our top priority. If you win an auction, you're obligated to purchase the vehicle. Buyers Auction Fees are non-refundable except under exceptional circumstances.
What if the vehicle is not what I expected?
In placing a winning bid, you are entering a contract to buy the vehicle. The Seller provides very comprehensive photos and description of all parts of the car (good and bad), plus we offer the opportunity to all bidders to ask any questions and STRONGLY RECOMMEND to inspect the vehicle prior to bidding. Used vehicles are rarely in perfect condition & usually have hidden defects from even the seller, so please ensure before bidding that you are happy with your understanding of the vehicle’s condition. If after all this, you find the vehicle has significant issues that were not mentioned and has been misrepresented, such as major panel damage, then we will look into it on a case-by-case basis provided that any such significant issues have been raised with us immediately. Our aim is to offer a secure & trustworthy service for both Buyers & Sellers.
What are Chicane Auctions Terms & Conditions / Privacy Policy?
Please click on the Terms & Conditions or Privacy Policy Link at the bottom of this page or Contact our Office so we can send you a copy.

Creating a Respectful & Inclusive Environment 

Community Guidelines

Setting the Tone:

Chicane Auctions is a hub for enthusiasts to buy and sell vehicles. Therefore, we ask that all use common sense with dialogue being constructive and on-topic. A partial list of things that aren't tolerated are shown below:

  • Harassment of any kind
  • Asking a seller to reveal their reserve price
  • Sharing personal contact information in the comments
  • Attempting to buy/sell a vehicle outside of the live auction
  • Promoting your business/website/social media accounts
  • Spamming or posting the same comment multiple times
  • Linking to other vehicles currently for sale during the live auction
  • Inappropriate usernames
  • Links containing unrelated or inappropriate content
  • Side-tracking the conversation about unrelated topics