Beginning on November 11, 2009, all vehicles listed for sale on eBay will be accompanied by an Experian Automotive vehicle history report at no cost to either the buyers or the sellers.

The reports will accompany vehicles sold in auctions and via classifieds from both dealers and private sellers according to the senior director of U.S. vehicles on eBay Motors, Nicolas Franchet.

The move is an effort to develop a higher level of trust in the online transaction process, said Franchet. "We're interested in being the best place to buy and sell your car online."

Sellers cannot opt out of the automatic reports. The 1981 cut-off date reflects the fact that prior to that date, cars did not have unique vehicle identification numbers or VINs.

The Experian AutoCheck reports include information on whether or not the vehicle has been involved in a major accident, carries a salvage title, has been repossessed or stolen, or has a fraudulent odometer readings. Prior special uses are also noted, for instance if the car has been used as a police vehicle or has seen service in a rental fleet.

Previously eBay listings carried vehicle history reports from Carfax Inc., but the reports had to be pre-purchased by dealers and shoppers had to click on a tab to access the data. Now the information will have key areas of concern highlighted for ease of access.