Questions

Everything, answered.

If it isn’t here, ask. Every question below came from what people actually worry about at events like this.

How does it work?

Three simple steps:

  1. Register online and pay the one-time, flat display fee. It will only take a couple minutes. You’ll receive a confirmation email and event weekend instructions.
  2. Drop off your car between 7am-9am on October 10th, leave your keys with us (optional), and head out.
  3. Buyers will walk the lot and can reach out to you directly using the contact information on your window sticker that we’ll provide for you. Chat details with them directly and keep 100% of your sale amount.
How many buyers will see my car?
We can’t guarantee an exact number, but we anticipate 200+ buyers throughout the weekend. Pre-event marketing and the event being located within the North County Mall parking lot will provide significant visibility. If you cross post on other platforms like Facebook Marketplace, we encourage you to let people know they can view your car at the SD Auto Fair.
Do I have to stay with my car during the event?
No — drop off your car October 10th between 7am-9am, hand your keys to the SD Auto Fair check-in staff (optional), and enjoy your weekend. SD Auto Fair staff accompanies all buyers for viewings; your car stays locked the rest of the time.
Do I leave my keys on-site, or take them with me?

Leaving your car key with SD Auto Fair check-in staff will allow us to accompany interested buyers to open and check out the interior of your car. SD Auto Fair staff always accompanies buyers for viewings, and your car remains locked at all other times. We do not facilitate test drives. Keys are securely stored and tagged.

If you choose to keep your keys with you, we’ll let buyers know to contact you directly to see more of the car.

What does it cost?
Sellers pay a flat, one-time display fee of $69 (be one of the first 20 sellers to register and reserve your spot for $49). We take no commission — you keep 100% of your sale amount.
What if my car doesn’t sell?
We hope every car sells, but if it doesn’t, pick it up by 4pm on October 11th. We offer a discount on the display fee to returning sellers at our next event. Display fees are non-refundable. Our money back guarantee only applies if less than 50 buyers attend.
What tips do you have to help my car sell?
Price and presentation are crucial. We recommend starting with Kelly Blue Book’s Private Party Value and arriving with a freshly washed and clean car. Gather past service records if available so you can share if requested by buyers.
What vehicles are accepted?
Cars, trucks, SUVs, sprinter vans. Must have a clean title and no salvage title. No exceptions. VIN checks are performed. Vehicles must be operable and presentable.
What vehicles are not accepted?
Commercial trucks, RVs, and motorhomes are not accepted at this time.
Can I register more than one car to sell?
Yes — each car must be registered separately and pay a separate display fee.
What if a buyer damages my car while viewing it?
A SD Auto Fair staff member is present for every buyer viewing, but cannot guarantee against damage and assumes no liability for vehicles during the event. Cars remain locked at all times unless during a buyer viewing, and dedicated overnight security is on-site.
My car is financed — can I still register?
Yes, it’s very common. We recommend you contact your auto lender before the event to review payoff terms and the title-release process.
Does the San Diego Auto Fair facilitate the sale?
No — the San Diego Auto Fair does not have any part in the sale. Sale price, terms, title checks, and title transfers are between the seller and the buyer. We are simply the event that brings buyers and private sellers together. We’ll have DMV documents on-site for convenience (and cheer you on along the way!).
If something comes up, am I able to pick up my car early?
Yes — to pick up a car, we will need to see a valid form of ID that matches the name on the sign-up registration.
Can I let someone else drop off or pick up my car?
Yes — anyone can drop off. For pick-up, we will need to see a valid form of ID that matches the name on the sign-up registration. During registration, you can add an additional “authorized pick-up person” who you allow to pick up your car.
Will buyers be allowed to test drive my car during the event?
No — we do not facilitate test drives. If a buyer wants to arrange a test drive, they can contact you directly and you can arrange a time to meet either during the event, after the event ends, or another time.
How does it work?

Three simple steps:

  1. Just show up — Come by October 10th, 9am-6pm, or October 11th, 9am-4pm. No ticket needed, it’s free!
  2. See a car you like: Flag down a SD Auto Fair staff member who’ll unlock the car for you so you can check out the interior. Each car will have a clear window sticker with basic vehicle information, the asking price set by the seller, and their phone number.
  3. Contact the seller: You chat directly with the seller. No middlemen, no wasted time, and no dealership markup. The deal is made between you and the seller, and we’ll have DMV documents on-site to help make the process easier (and celebrate with you, of course).
Is it really free?
Yes! Just come by and check it out. Browse at your own pace.
What kinds of vehicles will be there?
A variety of clean-title, no-salvage vehicles from local, private sellers.
How do I know the titles are really clean?
We perform VIN checks prior to allowing a seller to display their vehicle. However, we still highly recommend doing your own due diligence prior to making any car purchase — whether at the SD Auto Fair or anywhere else.
Will I be able to look inside a car I’m interested in?
Yes — all viewings are accompanied by a SD Auto Fair staff member. Flag us down and we’ll unlock the car for you.
Can I test drive a car?
The SD Auto Fair does not facilitate test drives. You’ll be able to contact the seller directly to arrange a time — sometimes this may be during the event or immediately after the event.
Will there be a list of cars before the event?
We will share a preview. We do not keep a “live” list of available cars throughout the weekend as cars will sell throughout both days.
How do I pay and handle the title transfer?
The payment and sale will be handled directly between the buyer and the seller. No middlemen. We’ll have DMV documents on-site for convenience.
Is there a warranty on my purchase?
The SD Auto Fair does not provide any warranty or guarantees. The sale is negotiated and agreed upon between the buyer and the seller — just like a normal private sale transaction. We highly encourage all buyers to perform their own due diligence before making a purchase.
Can dealerships have their cars at the event?
No — we only accept registration from private sellers. VIN checks are performed.

Still have a question?

Ask us. A person answers, not a bot.

Register to sell — from $49 Coming to look? It’s free Contact us