# Bid.cars Scraper (`shahidirfan/bid-cars-scraper`) Actor Extract vehicle auction data from Bid.cars. Collect car details, current bids, auction timers, and seller information. Ideal for market analysis, competitive pricing research, and inventory monitoring. Automate your vehicle sourcing workflow. - **URL**: https://apify.com/shahidirfan/bid-cars-scraper.md - **Developed by:** [Shahid Irfan](https://apify.com/shahidirfan) (community) - **Categories:** Automation, Developer tools, E-commerce - **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, NaN bookmarks - **User rating**: No ratings yet ## Pricing Pay per usage This Actor is paid per platform usage. The Actor is free to use, and you only pay for the Apify platform usage, which gets cheaper the higher subscription plan you have. Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/platform/actors/running/actors-in-store#pay-per-usage ## What's an Apify Actor? Actors are a software tools running on the Apify platform, for all kinds of web data extraction and automation use cases. 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. Actors are written with capital "A". ## 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. The best way to integrate Actors is as follows. In JavaScript/TypeScript projects, use official [JavaScript/TypeScript client](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js.md): ```bash npm install apify-client ``` In Python projects, use official [Python client library](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python.md): ```bash pip install apify-client ``` In shell scripts, use [Apify CLI](https://docs.apify.com/cli/docs.md): ````bash # MacOS / Linux curl -fsSL https://apify.com/install-cli.sh | bash # Windows irm https://apify.com/install-cli.ps1 | iex ```bash In AI frameworks, you might use the [Apify MCP server](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/mcp.md). If your project is in a different language, use the [REST API](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2.md). For usage examples, see the [API](#api) section below. For more details, see Apify documentation as [Markdown index](https://docs.apify.com/llms.txt) and [Markdown full-text](https://docs.apify.com/llms-full.txt). # README ## Bid.cars Scraper Extract Bid.cars vehicle listings with pricing, lot details, seller information, sale documents, damage notes, and media links in a structured dataset. It is suited for auction monitoring, sourcing research, market analysis, and inventory tracking. --- ### Features - **Flexible starting points** — Use a Bid.cars search URL or broad filters with optional keyword and location narrowing. - **Rich vehicle records** — Capture lot identifiers, VINs, pricing, location, seller signals, damage notes, and sale document details. - **Clean output** — Empty fields are removed and duplicate listings are skipped within each run. - **Useful media fields** — Collect image links, video links, and 360-view links when available. - **Fast collection flow** — Gather multiple pages of search results in one run with a simple result limit. --- ### Use Cases #### Auction Monitoring Track fresh vehicle listings from Bid.cars for a make, model, or broader search. This helps buyers and brokers spot relevant inventory early. #### Market Research Build datasets for pricing and damage analysis across locations, sellers, and sale document types. This is useful for sourcing strategy and trend tracking. #### Inventory Sourcing Filter large result sets down to the terms and locations that matter to your buying workflow. That makes it easier to review only the lots that match your criteria. #### Media Collection Collect image, video, and 360-view links alongside listing metadata. This is useful when you want to enrich internal tools or create review queues. --- ### Input Parameters | Parameter | Type | Required | Default | Description | |-----------|------|----------|---------|-------------| | `url` | String | No | — | Bid.cars search results URL. When provided, its filters drive the collection. | | `keyword` | String | No | — | Optional text filter matched against vehicle title, VIN, lot, seller, damage, and sale document fields. | | `location` | String | No | — | Optional location filter such as `Long Island`, `Cleveland`, or `Jacksonville (FL)`. | | `results_wanted` | Integer | No | `20` | Maximum number of listings to save in the dataset. | | `max_pages` | Integer | No | `2` | Safety limit for how many result pages to process. | | `proxyConfiguration` | Object | No | — | Optional proxy settings for runs that need additional request stability. | --- ### Output Data Each item in the dataset contains cleaned listing data such as: | Field | Type | Description | |-------|------|-------------| | `title` | String | Full vehicle title shown on the listing. | | `title_short` | String | Shorter vehicle title when available. | | `url` | String | Direct listing URL. | | `lot` | String | Bid.cars lot identifier. | | `tag` | String | Listing tag used in the lot URL. | | `vin` | String | Vehicle identification number. | | `year` | Number | Model year parsed from the listing title. | | `location` | String | Sale location text. | | `seller` | String | Seller name shown on the listing. | | `seller_code` | String | Seller code or short seller value. | | `seller_trusted` | Boolean | Whether the seller is flagged as trusted. | | `search_status` | String | Listing status within the search results. | | `status_code` | Number | Numeric listing status code. | | `sold_before` | Boolean | Indicates whether the lot was sold previously. | | `loss_type` | String | Loss type label. | | `primary_damage` | String | Primary damage information. | | `start_code` | String | Start condition text. | | `start_code_color` | String | Start condition color marker. | | `odometer` | Number | Odometer value. | | `odometer_label` | String | Odometer display label. | | `odometer_km_label` | String | Kilometer display label. | | `sale_document` | String | Sale document label shown to users. | | `sale_document_raw` | String | Raw sale document value. | | `sale_document_state` | String | Sale document state or region code. | | `sale_document_status` | String | Sale document status label. | | `sale_document_split` | Array | Additional sale document parts when present. | | `title_has_lien` | Boolean | Indicates whether a lien flag is present. | | `title_has_lien_code` | Number | Original lien code value. | | `prebid_close_time` | String | Pre-bid close time text. | | `buy_now_close_time` | String | Buy-now close time text. | | `time_left_seconds` | Number | Remaining time in seconds. | | `time_left_formatted` | String | Remaining time as formatted text. | | `prebid_price` | String | Pre-bid price. | | `final_bid` | String | Final bid as displayed text. | | `final_bid_raw` | String | Raw final bid value. | | `buy_now_price` | String | Buy-now price. | | `estimated_min` | Number | Minimum estimated value. | | `estimated_max` | Number | Maximum estimated value. | | `has_video` | Boolean | Whether a video link is available. | | `video_url` | String | Video URL when present. | | `has_360_view` | Boolean | Whether a 360-view link is available. | | `view_360_url` | String | 360-view URL when present. | | `image_count` | Number | Count of collected image URLs. | | `images` | Array | Listing image URLs. | | `specs` | Object | Key vehicle specifications such as engine and drivetrain codes. | --- ### Usage Examples #### Broad Collection ```json { "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2 } ```` #### Search URL Input ```json { "url": "https://bid.cars/en/search/results?search-type=filters&status=All&type=Automobile&make=Toyota&model=Camry&year-from=2018&year-to=2026&auction-type=All", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2 } ``` #### Keyword And Location Narrowing ```json { "keyword": "Toyota Camry", "location": "Long Island", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 3 } ``` *** ### Sample Output ```json { "title": "2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, L Laredo", "title_short": "2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee", "url": "https://bid.cars/en/lot/1-72412935/2024-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-1C4RJKAG8R8507951", "lot": "1-72412935", "tag": "2024-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-1C4RJKAG8R8507951", "vin": "1C4RJKAG8R8507951", "year": 2024, "location": "San Diego (CA)", "seller": "Insurance Company", "seller_trusted": true, "search_status": "active", "primary_damage": "Front end", "start_code": "Run / Drive", "odometer": 43427, "sale_document": "SALVAGE CERTIFICATE (CA)", "prebid_close_time": "Tue 21 Apr, 13:00 GMT+2", "prebid_price": "$0", "estimated_min": 11160, "estimated_max": 17270, "has_video": true, "video_url": "https://cs.copart.com/v1/AUTH_svc.pdoc00001/ids-c-prod-lpp/0126/example.mp4", "has_360_view": true, "view_360_url": "https://bid.cars/app/lot/1-72412935/three-sixty-view", "image_count": 21, "images": [ "https://pluto.bid.car/1-72412935/example-1.jpg", "https://images.bid.cars/172412935_example/example-2.jpg" ], "specs": { "key_info": "Present", "transmission_code": 0, "fuel_type_code": "0", "drive_type_code": 2, "engine": "3.6L, V6, 293HP" } } ``` *** ### Tips For Best Results #### Use A Working Search URL - Start from a Bid.cars search results page you already trust. - Keep the filters in the URL when you want precise collection. #### Keep Initial Runs Small - Use `results_wanted: 20` while testing. - Increase limits after you confirm the dataset shape you need. #### Narrow With Keyword Or Location - Use `keyword` to focus on a model, VIN fragment, seller, or damage term. - Use `location` when you only care about certain auction locations. #### Add Proxy Support When Needed - If your environment becomes less stable, provide `proxyConfiguration`. - Leave it empty when direct runs work well for your use case. *** ### Proxy Configuration ```json { "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": true, "apifyProxyGroups": ["RESIDENTIAL"] } } ``` *** ### Integrations - **Google Sheets** — Review auction data in spreadsheets. - **Airtable** — Build searchable vehicle databases. - **Make** — Trigger downstream automation. - **Zapier** — Connect listing data to business workflows. - **Webhooks** — Send fresh results into internal systems. #### Export Formats - **JSON** — Structured data for applications and scripts. - **CSV** — Flat exports for spreadsheets and reports. - **Excel** — Business review and stakeholder sharing. - **XML** — Integration with legacy systems. *** ### Frequently Asked Questions #### Can I use a search URL from Bid.cars? Yes. A Bid.cars search results URL is the easiest way to carry over the exact filters you already use on the site. #### Can I collect by keyword without a URL? Yes. Leave `url` empty and use `keyword` or `location` to narrow broad result collection. #### Are duplicate listings removed? Yes. Listings are deduplicated within each run before they are stored. #### What happens to empty values? Empty or placeholder values are removed so the dataset stays cleaner and easier to use. #### Do I need proxies for every run? No. Proxy settings are optional and should be used only when your runs need additional stability. *** ### Support For issues or feature requests, use the Apify Console issue and support channels. #### Resources - [Apify Documentation](https://docs.apify.com/) - [Apify API Reference](https://docs.apify.com/api/v2) - [Apify Scheduling](https://docs.apify.com/platform/schedules) *** ### Legal Notice Use this actor responsibly and ensure your data collection complies with applicable laws and platform terms. # Actor input Schema ## `url` (type: `string`): Bid.cars search results URL or direct API request URL. URL filters take priority when provided. ## `keyword` (type: `string`): Optional post-filter for vehicle title, tag, VIN, lot number, seller, or damage text. ## `location` (type: `string`): Optional post-filter for the listing location text, such as Long Island or Cleveland (OH). ## `results_wanted` (type: `integer`): Maximum number of listings to save. ## `max_pages` (type: `integer`): Maximum number of Bid.cars API pages to fetch. ## `proxyConfiguration` (type: `object`): Optional proxy settings for Apify Proxy or custom proxies. ## Actor input object example ```json { "url": "https://bid.cars/en/search/results?search-type=filters&status=All&type=Automobile&make=All&model=All&year-from=1900&year-to=2027&auction-type=All", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2, "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false, "apifyProxyGroups": [] } } ``` # Actor output Schema ## `overview` (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 '' with your token const client = new ApifyClient({ token: '', }); // Prepare Actor input const input = { "url": "https://bid.cars/en/search/results?search-type=filters&status=All&type=Automobile&make=All&model=All&year-from=1900&year-to=2027&auction-type=All", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2, "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false, "apifyProxyGroups": [] } }; // Run the Actor and wait for it to finish const run = await client.actor("shahidirfan/bid-cars-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 '' with your token. client = ApifyClient("") # Prepare the Actor input run_input = { "url": "https://bid.cars/en/search/results?search-type=filters&status=All&type=Automobile&make=All&model=All&year-from=1900&year-to=2027&auction-type=All", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2, "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": False, "apifyProxyGroups": [], }, } # Run the Actor and wait for it to finish run = client.actor("shahidirfan/bid-cars-scraper").call(run_input=run_input) # Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any) print("💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/" + run["defaultDatasetId"]) for item in client.dataset(run["defaultDatasetId"]).iterate_items(): print(item) # 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start ``` ## CLI example ```bash echo '{ "url": "https://bid.cars/en/search/results?search-type=filters&status=All&type=Automobile&make=All&model=All&year-from=1900&year-to=2027&auction-type=All", "results_wanted": 20, "max_pages": 2, "proxyConfiguration": { "useApifyProxy": false, "apifyProxyGroups": [] } }' | apify call shahidirfan/bid-cars-scraper --silent --output-dataset ``` ## MCP server setup ```json { "mcpServers": { "apify": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=shahidirfan/bid-cars-scraper", "--header", "Authorization: Bearer " ] } } } ``` ## OpenAPI specification ```json { "openapi": "3.0.1", "info": { "title": "Bid.cars Scraper", "description": "Extract vehicle auction data from Bid.cars. Collect car details, current bids, auction timers, and seller information. Ideal for market analysis, competitive pricing research, and inventory monitoring. Automate your vehicle sourcing workflow.", "version": "0.0", "x-build-id": "0tlJ2EKfAaS7ah3Nx" }, "servers": [ { "url": "https://api.apify.com/v2" } ], "paths": { "/acts/shahidirfan~bid-cars-scraper/run-sync-get-dataset-items": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-get-dataset-items-shahidirfan-bid-cars-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for its completion, and returns Actor's dataset items in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } }, "/acts/shahidirfan~bid-cars-scraper/runs": { "post": { "operationId": "runs-sync-shahidirfan-bid-cars-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor and returns information about the initiated run in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK", "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/runsResponseSchema" } } } } } } }, "/acts/shahidirfan~bid-cars-scraper/run-sync": { "post": { "operationId": "run-sync-shahidirfan-bid-cars-scraper", "x-openai-isConsequential": false, "summary": "Executes an Actor, waits for completion, and returns the OUTPUT from Key-value store in response.", "tags": [ "Run Actor" ], "requestBody": { "required": true, "content": { "application/json": { "schema": { "$ref": "#/components/schemas/inputSchema" } } } }, "parameters": [ { "name": "token", "in": "query", "required": true, "schema": { "type": "string" }, "description": "Enter your Apify token here" } ], "responses": { "200": { "description": "OK" } } } } }, "components": { "schemas": { "inputSchema": { "type": "object", "properties": { "url": { "title": "Search URL", "type": "string", "description": "Bid.cars search results URL or direct API request URL. URL filters take priority when provided." }, "keyword": { "title": "Keyword", "type": "string", "description": "Optional post-filter for vehicle title, tag, VIN, lot number, seller, or damage text." }, "location": { "title": "Location", "type": "string", "description": "Optional post-filter for the listing location text, such as Long Island or Cleveland (OH)." }, "results_wanted": { "title": "Results wanted", "minimum": 1, "type": "integer", "description": "Maximum number of listings to save.", "default": 20 }, "max_pages": { "title": "Max pages", "minimum": 1, "type": "integer", "description": "Maximum number of Bid.cars API pages to fetch.", "default": 2 }, "proxyConfiguration": { "title": "Proxy configuration", "type": "object", "description": "Optional proxy settings for Apify Proxy or custom proxies.", "default": { "useApifyProxy": false, "apifyProxyGroups": [] } } } }, "runsResponseSchema": { "type": "object", "properties": { "data": { "type": "object", "properties": { "id": { "type": "string" }, "actId": { "type": "string" }, "userId": { "type": "string" }, "startedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "finishedAt": { "type": "string", "format": "date-time", "example": "2025-01-08T00:00:00.000Z" }, "status": { "type": "string", "example": "READY" }, "meta": { "type": "object", "properties": { "origin": { "type": "string", "example": "API" }, "userAgent": { "type": "string" } } }, "stats": { "type": "object", "properties": { "inputBodyLen": { "type": "integer", "example": 2000 }, "rebootCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "restartCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "resurrectCount": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "computeUnits": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "options": { "type": "object", "properties": { "build": { "type": "string", "example": "latest" }, "timeoutSecs": { "type": "integer", "example": 300 }, "memoryMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 1024 }, "diskMbytes": { "type": "integer", "example": 2048 } } }, "buildId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultKeyValueStoreId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultDatasetId": { "type": "string" }, "defaultRequestQueueId": { "type": "string" }, "buildNumber": { "type": "string", "example": "1.0.0" }, "containerUrl": { "type": "string" }, "usage": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 1 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } }, "usageTotalUsd": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "usageUsd": { "type": "object", "properties": { "ACTOR_COMPUTE_UNITS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATASET_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_WRITES": { "type": "number", "example": 0.00005 }, "KEY_VALUE_STORE_LISTS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_READS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "REQUEST_QUEUE_WRITES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_INTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "DATA_TRANSFER_EXTERNAL_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_RESIDENTIAL_TRANSFER_GBYTES": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 }, "PROXY_SERPS": { "type": "integer", "example": 0 } } } } } } } } } } ```