Buyer Rules, Guidelines & Expectations

Buyer Guidelines & Marketplace Etiquette

Private Auto Market is designed to offer a transparent, safe, and hassle-free alternative to online auto shopping. Please review our buyer rules before arriving:

1. Entry & Access Hours

• Early Access Pass (8:30 AM): Buyers who pre-registered online gain entry 30 minutes prior to the general public.

• General Admission (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Free general entry begins at 9:00 AM.

2. Vehicle Inspections & Test Drives

• Respect Property: Please do not touch, open, or sit in any vehicle without explicit permission from the owner.

• Test Drive Requirements: Test drives are granted at the sole discretion of the individual seller. Buyers requesting a test drive must present a valid driver's license and proof of insurance to the seller.

• Independent Inspections: Buyers are encouraged to bring a mechanic or pre-arranged diagnostic tools to inspect vehicles on-site.

3. Negotiations & Payments

• Direct Negotiation: All asking prices are set by individual private sellers. Private Auto Market staff do not set prices or negotiate on behalf of either party.

• Recommended Payment Methods: For safety, we recommend completing payments via cashier’s checks, instant bank wires, or cash at a local bank branch.

• On-Site Resources: Bill-of-sale templates and local notary/title transfer location guides are available at the main Private Auto Market information booth.

4. Venue Conduct

• Safety First: Pedestrians must stick to designated walkways and watch for slow-moving vehicles during staging hours.

• Prohibited Items: Alcohol, firearms, and hazardous materials are strictly prohibited on event grounds.

Legal & Operational Disclaimers

1. Official Legal Marketplace Disclaimer: 

Private Auto Market (PAM) provides venue space for private parties to connect. PAM does not inspect vehicles, verify titles, guarantee vehicle condition, or act as a broker or party to any transaction. All sales are strictly "As-Is" private transactions negotiated directly between buyer and seller.

2. Official PA Title Transfer & Notary Process; Completing the Sale (PA State Requirements):

 Under Pennsylvania law, vehicle title transfers must be completed and signed before an authorized PA notary or tag agency. Do not drive away with a hand-signed title that has not been properly notarized. Ask our info booth staff for a list of nearby Erie notary agencies open during event hours.

3. Buyer Parking & Pedestrian Directions

Free dedicated buyer parking is available. Please do not park inside the designated Seller Display Lot.

4. Driving & Speed Limit Rules:

Vehicles moving anywhere within or near the PAM event grounds must adhere to a strict 5 MPH speed limit and yield to all pedestrian traffic at all times.

5. Post-Sale Vehicle Departure: 

Once a vehicle is purchased and paperwork is signed, please inform the main entrance gate crew before driving the vehicle off the seller lot to ensure smooth traffic flow.