by Andrew Rohrlich
Are you ready to venture into the world of online car auctions? One of the most popular online bidding sites for private party car sales is RAD car auctions, officially known as RAD For Sale.
Before you start bidding, however, it's essential to understand what RAD For Sale is and how the bidding and purchasing process works. Read on to learn more about RAD For Sale, from the benefits of using the site to the best tips and tricks for a smooth, easy experience.
What Are RAD For Sale Car Auctions?
RAD For Sale is a one-stop auction platform for automotive enthusiasts looking to purchase any of the following vehicles and items manufactured between 1980 to 1999:
- Collectible and usable rad-era cars
- Motorcycles
- Car and motorcycle parts
- Automotive and lifestyle gear
The platform's name comes from the wildly popular retro-themed celebration of the '80s and '90s vehicles and automotive culture. The first stand-alone RADwood show was held in Northern California in July 2017 and quickly became a global success through the power of social media. That's precisely when the RADwood era came to be as a phenomenon.
The RADwood cofounders leveraged the explosive popularity of the show to create and launch an online car auction site in 2021: RAD For Sale. With a wide selection of hand-picked rides curated and reviewed by specialists, the RAD For Sale auction market makes it easy to find what you're looking for — whether you're attending the auction house onsite or online. The radforsale.com website also offers an extensive library of car-related information for customers looking for tips and advice before purchasing their vehicle.
The Benefits of RAD Car Auctions for Private Buyers
RAD Car Auctions has grown popular thanks to the numerous benefits it offers to private buyers.
Impressive Collection of the '80s and '90s Cars
RAD For Sale specializes in the '80s and '90s classic car sales, offering hundreds of vehicles to prospective buyers. With over 35 makes, dozens of models, and even culture for sale through car parts and memorabilia, the platform ensures Radwood-era enthusiasts can find the vehicle they desire.
Detailed Automotive Auction Listings
The auction process is quick and easy. Each car listing includes detailed descriptions, dozens of photographs, and an array of feature options. Inspection reports are also available before the auction begins so you can get an up-close look at each vehicle's condition before placing your bid.
Each listing includes vital information, such as:
- Vehicle year, brand, and model
- Location
- Title status
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Engine type
- Transmission type
- Carfax report link
- Mileage
- Modifications
- Equipment such as cassette players, specialized tires, power windows, etc.
- Interior and exterior condition, including detailed descriptions of cosmetic and functional issues
Seamless Buying Process
The bidding process for RAD for Sale auctions is seamless. First, you register for an account and enter the requested information. Once you verify your email through the approval process, you can bid on auctions.
You can place your bid at any time by pressing the bid button on the item's auction page and advance it in any increment until you reach $1000. After the bid amount equals $1000, you can progress further in $10 increments.
When you bid, the website places a hold on your card for 4.5% of your initial bid amount. In case you win, the website will charge you immediately, and if not, it will release the hold.
If you're the winning bidder, RAD For Sale connects you with the seller via email immediately following the auction to complete the deal. You can request a photocopy of the title and bill of sale and send your payment in multiple ways, including a wire transfer.
Easy Finance Approval
RAD For Sale has partnered with lenders to offer financing options to buyers so they can purchase the cars they want. You can see if you pre-qualify and how much you can get approved for by the platform.
Saves Time Privately Buying Online
RAD For Sale offers live and online auctions, and you can attend them in person or bid online from the comfort of your home. This saves you precious time and money you would spend traveling to auctions that are often out of state.
The detailed listings and inspection reports also help you quickly find all the information you need at home, saving you the time you would otherwise spend requesting VINs and pictures and digging for vehicle history reports.
Tips for Using RAD For Sale as a Buyer
If you're interested in buying a classic car from RAD car auctions, here are four tips and tricks to make the process smooth and easy.
Consider Your Budget and Financing Options Ahead of Time
The first tip is to set up your budget and financing methods before shopping. Auction sites often provide financing options for buyers, including:
- Traditional banks
- Online lenders
- Dealer financing
You will have access to various lenders offering different terms and interest rates. So make sure you shop through all the options to get the best loan. You may also want to closely inspect the terms and conditions associated with the financing options available to you, including:
- What your loan payments will be
- How long your loan terms will last
- What fees and expenses will you have
Knowing this information before you begin the bidding process can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when the time comes to pay for a winning bid.
Utilize Advanced Searches and Filters
You can also use the advanced search option from the auction listings page to narrow down the vehicle offer to your desired make, model, and year. An advanced search can save the valuable time you would otherwise spend scrolling through vehicles you're not interested in buying.
Closely Review Listings for Key Features and History
Since RAD For Sale is an auction held by specialists, it provides detailed descriptions and information about all cars for sale. Therefore, always review the listings closely before you press the bid button. Pay particular attention to the key features on the side of the listing's main picture, including the title status, engine and transmission type, and mileage.
Since the key features also include the VIN, you should look up the vehicle history report to get important information such as:
- Ownership history
- Title status
- Accident history
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Original miles
- Actual miles
- Inspections
- Lemon status
- Recall information
- Airbag deployment
- Structural damage
Don't Forget About Buyer's Fees and Paperwork
Winning a bid is exciting, but the acquisition process is lengthy. Once you get in touch with the seller and set up payment and delivery arrangements, you'll need to manage fees and paperwork. That's why it's imperative to research the specific requirements for your area so you can prepare before you bid and understand what to do after the purchase immediately. The preparation will help you speed up the whole process.
RAD For Sale's Buyer Fees
RAD For Sale's buyer's fee is 4.5% of the winning bid, with a maximum amount of $4,500. Ensure you include this expense in your budget and financing estimations. Thankfully, the website charges much lower than most other car auction platforms, so you can rest assured you're paying the best price for your vehicle.
Online Auction Paperwork
The paperwork associated with winning a car auction is also essential to track. Depending on where you reside, you may need to get a registration for the car and pay any applicable registration fees. If you're using a loan to finance the vehicle purchase, you'll also need to complete all the associated loan documents to receive the funds for the purchase.
Finally, if you want to transfer an existing title over to your name, you must complete all the necessary documents and submit them to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Part of this required paperwork may include:
- A bill of sale
- A valid title assigned to you
- Emission Inspection Certificate (if applicable)
- Certificate of inspection (if required by your state)
- Vehicle insurance forms
- License information
It's also important to note that specialty cars can receive an antique vehicle registration to declare the vehicle as a collector's item. However, this has its privileges and limitations. For example, you may use the original tags, but the date has to be the year of the car's making.
Leverage a Secure and Simple Checkout Platform To Close Your Private Sale
RAD For Sale is an excellent online auction platform for anyone who loves cars from the '80s and '90s. It provides numerous benefits, such as an extensive inventory and a seamless buying experience. With the help of the best tips and practices for completing RAD car auctions listed in the article, you can easily purchase the used car you desire on the platform.
The only things to keep in mind are the fees and paperwork involved with auctions. But you can speed up this part of the process with a secure and simple checkout platform that handles the entire private party car purchase for you. A platform like this allows you to close your private sale efficiently so you can enjoy your new classic vehicle as soon as possible.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
Start your transaction with Caramel, learn more about how the process works, or reach out to our Support team with any questions.
