# Cars & Bids Scraper (`datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper`) Actor

Scrape live, upcoming, and past car auctions from Cars & Bids. Extract vehicle details, bids, photos, comments, and more.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper.md
- **Developed by:** [Data Scrapers](https://apify.com/datascrapers) (community)
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $1.50 / 1,000 dataset items

This Actor is paid per event and usage. You are charged both the fixed price for specific events and for Apify platform usage.
Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.

Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md.

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.

Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run.

For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below.

Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`).

# README

Cars & Bids auction records from the public auction board. One dataset item is one auction, such as a 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, auction id KdMBnOPj: title, year, make, location, current bid, and the auction URL. Filter by auction status, search text, transmission, body style, and year range. Each row also includes body style, mileage, and whether the auction has no reserve. Export the default dataset as JSON, CSV, Excel, or XML.

[![Cars and Bids Scraper — input to structured data](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/faizanalii/apify-actor-assets/main/carsandbids-scraper/carsandbids-scraper-value-demo.gif)](https://apify.com/datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper)

### Dataset at a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Source | Cars & Bids auctions |
| One record | One auction |
| Deduplicate on | `id` |
| Main fields | `title`, `year`, `make`, `model`, `location`, `currentBid`, `url` |
| Query | `auctionStatus`, `searchQuery`, `startUrls` |
| Export | JSON, CSV, Excel, XML |

### Coverage and available records

- Records come from the public auction status and filters you pass in.
- `auctionStatus` selects live, upcoming, or past auctions.
- `extractComments` adds comment text when you enable it.
- A search row includes the vehicle, bid, and auction URL without comments.
- `maxItems` of `0` does not cap the result set.

### Data dictionary

| Field | Meaning |
|---|---|
| `id` | Auction id. Use this to deduplicate. |
| `url` | Public auction page. |
| `title` | Auction title. |
| `year` | Model year. |
| `make` | Make. |
| `model` | Model. |
| `location` | Seller location shown on the auction. |
| `mileage` | Odometer reading when the listing sends one. |
| `bodyStyle` | Body style. |
| `engine` | Engine description. |
| `transmission` | Transmission type. |
| `status` | Auction status. |
| `noReserve` | Whether the auction has no reserve. |
| `currentBid` | Current bid amount. |
| `bidCount` | Number of bids. |
| `auctionEnd` | Scheduled end time. |

### Example dataset record

```json
{
  "id": "KdMBnOPj",
  "url": "https://carsandbids.com/auctions/KdMBnOPj",
  "title": "1995 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet",
  "year": 1995,
  "make": "Porsche",
  "model": "993 911",
  "location": "Acton, MA 01720",
  "bodyStyle": "Convertible",
  "transmission": "Manual",
  "noReserve": false
}
```

Bid amounts change until the auction ends. Read `currentBid` from the run you just saved.

### Query and input reference

| Field | What it does |
|---|---|
| `startUrls` | Specific Cars & Bids auction page URLs to scrape (e.g., https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3qlExmmn/1991-lamborghini-diablo). Leave empty to use search/filter... |
| `auctionStatus` | Which type of auctions to scrape from the listings |
| `searchQuery` | Text search to find cars (e.g., 'Porsche 911' or 'BMW M3'). The search is translated to make/model filters automatically. |
| `transmission` | Filter by transmission type |
| `bodyStyle` | Filter by body style |
| `startYear` | Minimum model year filter (e.g., 2015) |
| `endYear` | Maximum model year filter (e.g., 2024) |
| `noReserve` | Only scrape auctions with no reserve |
| `extractComments` | Extract all comments for each auction. This will take longer and produce more data. |
| `maxItems` | Maximum number of auction listings to scrape (0 = unlimited) |
| `proxyConfiguration` | Proxy settings for anti-bot protection |

### Retrieve the data through the API

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

client = ApifyClient("<APIFY_TOKEN>")
run = client.actor("datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper").call(run_input={
    "auctionStatus": "live",
    "maxItems": 10,
})
for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items():
    print(item["id"], item["title"], item.get("currentBid"))
```

This is the Apify Actor API, not a Cars & Bids API.

### Data quality and record handling

- One dataset item is one auction. Each pushed auction charges one `dataset-item` event.
- Deduplicate on `id`.
- `currentBid` and `bidCount` are the values at scrape time.
- Mileage and location follow the listing text. The Actor does not geocode them.
- Comment fields are present when `extractComments` is enabled.

### Pricing and cost examples

The price file charges **$1.50 per 1,000** auctions. That is **$0.0015** per `dataset-item` on every Apify plan. Platform usage, including compute and proxy, is billed separately by Apify.

| Records | Estimated event cost |
|---:|---:|
| 1,000 | $1.50 |
| 10,000 | $15.00 |

### Limitations and responsible data use

- Coverage is the public auction board for the filters you set, not a private sale archive.
- Bids and end times change during a live auction.
- You are responsible for complying with the site's terms and applicable law.

### Dataset questions

#### What does one dataset item represent?

One Cars & Bids auction.

#### Which field should I use as a unique identifier?

Use `id`.

#### Are fields nullable or conditional?

Yes. Past auctions may have a sale amount instead of a live bid. Comment fields appear when `extractComments` is enabled.

#### Can I retrieve the records as CSV or JSON?

Yes. Export the default dataset as JSON, CSV, Excel, XML, or another Apify format.

#### How do I paginate large datasets?

Use `limit` and `offset` on the dataset items endpoint. `maxItems` limits how many rows the run saves.

### Related datasets from Data Scrapers

- [Cars.com Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/cars-scraper)
- [Autotrader Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/autotrader-scraper)
- [AutoScout24 Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/autoscout24-scraper)
- [CarMax Scraper](https://apify.com/datascrapers/carmax-scraper)

### Data Scrapers support

Questions about a field, a run, or an export: stardustspotlight@gmail.com.

# Actor input Schema

## `startUrls` (type: `array`):

Specific Cars & Bids auction page URLs to scrape (e.g., https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3qlExmmn/1991-lamborghini-diablo). Leave empty to use search/filter options below.

## `auctionStatus` (type: `string`):

Which type of auctions to scrape from the listings

## `searchQuery` (type: `string`):

Text search to find cars (e.g., 'Porsche 911' or 'BMW M3'). The search is translated to make/model filters automatically.

## `transmission` (type: `string`):

Filter by transmission type

## `bodyStyle` (type: `string`):

Filter by body style

## `startYear` (type: `integer`):

Minimum model year filter (e.g., 2015)

## `endYear` (type: `integer`):

Maximum model year filter (e.g., 2024)

## `noReserve` (type: `boolean`):

Only scrape auctions with no reserve

## `extractComments` (type: `boolean`):

Extract all comments for each auction. This will take longer and produce more data.

## `maxItems` (type: `integer`):

Maximum number of auction listings to scrape (0 = unlimited)

## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`):

Proxy settings for anti-bot protection

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "startUrls": [],
  "auctionStatus": "live",
  "transmission": "all",
  "bodyStyle": "all",
  "startYear": 0,
  "endYear": 0,
  "noReserve": false,
  "extractComments": false,
  "maxItems": 10,
  "proxyConfiguration": {
    "useApifyProxy": true,
    "apifyProxyGroups": [
      "RESIDENTIAL"
    ]
  }
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `results` (type: `string`):

Dataset containing scraped auction listings with full vehicle details

## `runStats` (type: `string`):

No description

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "startUrls": [],
    "searchQuery": "",
    "startYear": 0,
    "endYear": 0
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = {
    "startUrls": [],
    "searchQuery": "",
    "startYear": 0,
    "endYear": 0,
}

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print(f"💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}")
for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "startUrls": [],
  "searchQuery": "",
  "startYear": 0,
  "endYear": 0
}' |
apify call datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,datascrapers/carsandbids-scraper"
        }
    }
}
```

The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer <APIFY_API_TOKEN>` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations).

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/uFcea7MfsDlI2Jzlb/builds/5KJhWxWUks6Y9a1WG/openapi.json