Skip to content

Bidders' Persistent Inquiries Disrupt Entire Cars & Bids Auction Event

Gray-market automobiles purchased at an auction by Cars & Bids highlight the potential dangers associated with such purchases in the United States

Bidders' Persistent Inquiries Successfully Halted Cars & Bids Auction
Bidders' Persistent Inquiries Successfully Halted Cars & Bids Auction

Bidders' Persistent Inquiries Disrupt Entire Cars & Bids Auction Event

The automotive community has been abuzz with discussions about a 2001 Toyota Altezza, which was recently put up for auction on Cars & Bids. The car, which is currently based in Florida, has a Virginia title and license plate, raising questions about its legality.

The issue with the Altezza is that cars made for foreign markets are not legally allowed on American roads unless they are at least 25 years old. The Altezza is about eight months away from hitting this milestone. The seller, named Dave, claimed that the car had been brought into compliance through the proper process, but refused to provide additional documentation to prove its legality.

The seller's behavior was deemed inappropriate by Cars & Bids, leading to the auction's shutdown. Doug DeMuro, speaking to The Autopian, praised the Cars & Bids community for their vigilance in identifying potential issues with the Altezza.

The DMV issued a valid U.S. title for the Altezza, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cleared the car. However, previous grey market cars have been known to get "valid" titles through legal loopholes, even though they are still technically illegal until they turn 25.

Federal authorities have seized and even crushed illegal imports in some cases. The seller was uncooperative in providing information about the car's importer, adding to the concerns about its legality. The seller did not provide any proof to contradict these concerns.

The Cars & Bids community played a significant role in highlighting potential issues with the Altezza. The car was stopped due to registration issues at the auction, and the community's scrutiny led to its eventual removal from the auction.

As the Altezza moves closer to its 25th birthday, the question of its legality remains unanswered. The community's vigilance serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in the car-buying process, especially when it comes to imported vehicles.

Read also:

Latest