Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our marketplace role, vehicle disclosures, and buyer due diligence.
Platform Role & Due Diligence
No. Torque requires structured vehicle information and checks certain technical fields such as 17-character VIN format where supported, but Torque does not independently inspect vehicles or guarantee seller-provided information. Buyers should conduct their own research before purchasing.
Consider running the VIN through a reputable vehicle-history provider such as Carfax or AutoCheck before purchasing. A history report is one part of due diligence and does not replace an independent physical inspection.
No. Title status displayed on Torque is seller-declared unless explicitly stated otherwise. Review the physical title and independently research the VIN before purchasing.
No. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, Torque does not physically inspect vehicles. Buyers should consider an independent pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic.
No. Torque connects independent buyers and sellers. Buyers and sellers are responsible for evaluating the vehicle, agreeing on payment, completing paperwork, and complying with applicable state requirements.
No. Torque does not process vehicle payments, collect deposits, hold funds, or provide escrow services. Buyers and sellers agree directly on payment terms and settle in person, typically at a bank branch during title transfer.
Marketplace & Listings
General marketplaces allow many types of items to be listed. Torque is built specifically for vehicles, so listings require structured automotive information such as a 17-character VIN and seller-declared title status. Torque does not replace buyer due diligence—it gives buyers more vehicle information upfront so they can research a car before deciding whether to meet the seller.
Yes. Torque is completely free for private buyers and sellers. No listing fees, no subscriptions, and zero commissions. List your vehicle at no cost.
Torque connects private buyers and sellers across all 50 U.S. states, with roots and extensive local resources across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Sellers are responsible for providing truthful, accurate listing details. Our marketplace rules strictly prohibit intentionally misleading information regarding VIN, mileage, title status, mechanical condition, vehicle identity, and legal ownership authority.
For Buyers
Use the search and filter controls to search by make, model, price, mileage, title status, state, and body style. You can save your searches and add vehicles to your wishlist.
Vehicles labeled with basic car-sharing criteria may meet certain standard platform parameters such as age, mileage, and clean title status. However, platform rules and market restrictions vary; always confirm current host eligibility directly with Turo before purchasing.
Click "Message Seller" on any listing to communicate directly through Torque's in-app messaging system.
Meet in public, well-lit places during daylight hours: bank lobbies, municipal public areas, or busy commercial parking lots. Bring someone with you and inspect the car thoroughly.
For Sellers
Click "Sell Your Car" in the header, enter your 17-character VIN to decode vehicle specs, select your declared title status, upload photos, provide description and mileage, and publish for free.
Take clear photos of the front, rear, both sides, interior, dashboard, trunk, engine bay, and any cosmetic flaws. Clean the car first and shoot in good daylight.
Torque's messaging system keeps your phone and email private until you choose to share contact details directly with a prospective buyer.
Yes. Go to "My Listings" from your profile menu to edit price, description, and photos, or mark the vehicle as sold.
Before You Buy: The Due-Diligence Checklist
Core Principle: Torque provides structured vehicle information upfront (like 17-character VIN format checks and seller-declared title status) so you have initial data to start your research. Torque does not inspect cars, verify vehicle history, or guarantee seller statements. You and the seller complete the actual transaction directly.
Run an Independent Vehicle History Report
Check the 17-character VIN using a reputable provider (such as Carfax or AutoCheck).
A vehicle history report provides useful records (reported title brands, recorded accidents, salvage auctions, and odometer logs). However, reports may not capture every repair or unrecorded incident, and they do not replace a physical mechanical inspection.
Examine the Physical Title & Match the VIN
Verify the VIN on the title matches the VIN stamped on the dashboard and door jamb.
Never rely solely on a photo or verbal claim. Inspect the physical, watermarked paper title in person and check for salvage/rebuilt branding, altered text, or missing pages.
Confirm Seller Identity & Authority to Sell
Ensure the seller’s photo ID matches the name printed on the front of the vehicle title.
If the seller’s name is not on the title (known as "title jumping" or "curbstoning"), the seller may not have legal authority to transfer ownership. Avoid buying vehicles where the seller cannot prove legal ownership.
Compare Seller-Declared Information Against Records
Cross-reference mileage, title status, and vehicle condition against available records.
Seller-provided listings on Torque declare title status and odometer readings. Cross-check these against the vehicle title document, service receipts, and history reports before agreeing to terms.
Get an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
Hire a qualified local mechanic or mobile inspector to evaluate mechanical and structural condition.
A pre-purchase inspection can uncover hidden frame damage, active engine codes, suspension wear, past flood intrusion, and upcoming maintenance needs before you finalize a purchase.
Inspect Thoroughly & Take an Appropriate Test Drive
Inspect fluids, tire wear, warning lights, electronics, and test drive under varied speeds.
Schedule meetings in daylight in a public, well-trafficked location. Check cold-start engine behavior, transmission shift smoothness, braking response, and alignment.
Review Service Records & Open Recalls
Ask for maintenance receipts and check the VIN on NHTSA.gov for open safety recalls.
Reviewing past oil change and timing belt service intervals helps establish vehicle upkeep. Check whether safety recalls have been performed by an authorized dealership.
Check for Outstanding Liens or Loans
Confirm the vehicle is free of liens before transferring payment.
If a bank or lender is listed as a lienholder on the title, the lien must be formally released with official payoff documentation before the DMV will issue a clean title in your name.
Agree on Payment Method Independently & Securely
Agree directly with the seller on payment; never wire funds or pay before in-person inspection.
Torque does not process payments or hold escrow. Complete financial settlement directly with the seller at the time of title transfer, preferably at the seller’s bank or DMV office.
Verify State DMV / MVC Requirements
Check state-specific bill of sale, notary, sales tax, emissions, and registration laws.
Some states (e.g., PA, OH, NC) require titles to be notarized upon signature. Other states require specific emissions tests or bill of sale forms. Check your state DMV website before meeting.
Complete Title Assignment Accurately
Fill out the buyer and seller sections, date, purchase price, and odometer disclosure cleanly.
Mistakes, cross-outs, or white-out on a title can invalidate it and require a duplicate title from the seller’s DMV. Read the assignment section carefully before signing.
* Vehicle history reports (e.g., Carfax or AutoCheck) are helpful independent tools but do not replace an in-person physical inspection by a certified mechanic.
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