Seventeen bidders pushed the price to $28,500 before the seller clarified that the spare tire was, in fact, flat. Bidding continued.
A 1998 Honda Civic EX listed on Bring The Bids last Wednesday sparked an unexpected bidding war after the seller noted, in the 14th paragraph of a 3,200-word listing, that the vehicle still had its "original spare tire, never used."
Within 48 hours, 17 registered bidders had pushed the price from an opening of $8,500 to $28,500 — a figure that represents approximately 340% of the car's estimated market value.
"The spare tire detail really resonated with people," said a Bring The Bids editorial spokesperson. "It signals a level of care and restraint that the enthusiast community finds deeply attractive."
The bidding paused briefly on Thursday when a commenter asked whether the spare tire was still inflated. The seller confirmed it was not. It had been flat since approximately 2011.
"It's still original," the seller clarified in a comment that received 47 upvotes. "The air may have left, but the tire has not."
Bidding resumed within minutes. The auction closed at $31,200. The buyer, reached by phone, said he was "very happy" with the purchase and planned to "keep the spare exactly as it is."