eBay Motors announced a pretty cool “first” earlier today. The leading online automotive marketplace now offers free vehicle history reports through an exclusive agreement with Experian’s AutoCheck.

It’s a good deal for eBay Motors users and not just because it’s free. Cars listed with a vehicle history report enjoy 15% more interest than those without. Many top dealers already offer vehicle history reports because of the increased sales that come with transparency. With more than 10 million unique visitors browsing its vehicle listings every month, eBay Motors already sells a passenger car every minute.

Vehicle History Reports
This is the first time that eBay has leveraged a third party by embedding outside data into listings worldwide. Experian was tapped for the exclusive two-year partnership after a lengthy selection process, and won for the amount of quality data included in every report.

Each vehicle report is summed up with a score between one and one hundred relative to other vehicles of similar model year and class that also considers whether the car has been:
• Stolen, salvaged or rebuilt
• Turned in under a lemon law
• In a flood or hail storm
• In an accident or fire
• A victim of potential odometer rollback
• Used as a rental or fleet vehicle, or as a police car or taxi

I’ve been told that the most significant pain point among eBay Motors buyers is vehicle not as described. Most issues arise from a misunderstanding about expectations and frequently the complaint relates to something that even the seller is not aware of. With a comprehensive, independent vehicle history report, the buyer and the seller can share the same up-front information. It seems to be a win-win for both parties.

Cheers,
RBH