Frequently asked questions

Atelier du Tuning is the French marketplace for modified cars and motorcycles: tuned vehicle listings, performance parts, documented builds and verified professionals. Every listing can be run through our AI analysis to help you buy with more confidence. Browse the listings or analyse a listing to see how it works.

Our AI analyses the listing text: consistency of the information (price, mileage, history), how well the modifications are described, potential red flags and documents to request from the seller. It produces an indicative score with a personalised checklist. It is a decision-support tool: not a mechanical inspection and not a guarantee of the vehicle's actual condition.

A low score points to grey areas: a vague description, undocumented modifications, inconsistencies (suspiciously low price, doubtful mileage), missing invoices or no recent inspection. It does not mean the listing is fraudulent — sometimes the seller simply wrote a poor description. Use the checklist to ask the right questions and make up your own mind.

Yes. The analysis relies solely on the listing content: the AI never sees the vehicle or the actual documents. It can miss an issue or flag a false positive. Always verify things yourself: on-site inspection, test drive, invoices, and if needed an independent professional check before buying.

The essentials: a recent technical inspection (and any defects noted), invoices for the modifications and servicing, mileage consistent with the history, registration papers in the seller's name, and modifications that match what is actually fitted. The buyer checklist generated by our AI analysis helps you cover everything.

A red flag is a warning sign detected in the listing: an abnormally low price, inconsistent mileage, a major modification with no invoice or approval, no inspection report (“sold as is”), or a seller rushing the sale. It is not proof of fraud, but a point you absolutely need to clear up before committing.

Each analysis generates a list of questions to ask and documents to request, tailored to the vehicle and the modifications described: parts invoices, approval certificates, service history, dyno runs, and so on. Keep it handy during the viewing so nothing slips through.

Golden rule: never pay in advance and never send a deposit before you have seen the vehicle and checked the documents. Favour an in-person handover and a traceable payment. Be wary of any seller who refuses a test drive or pushes to close fast. Atelier du Tuning does not handle payments and will never ask you to pay a seller through an external link.

Always test the vehicle, ideally from a cold start, and pay attention to starting, noises, braking and play in components. Under French law, the hidden-defects warranty (vices cachés) can apply even between private individuals, but how it plays out depends on each case. This is general information, not legal advice: if in doubt or in a dispute, consult a legal professional.

Not always. In France, some modifications can cause defects at the technical inspection (contrôle technique): suspension lowered beyond tolerances, over-tinted front windows, an exhaust that is too loud or with emissions equipment removed, wheels and tyres outside approved sizes, non-compliant lighting. Check each modification before buying or selling. General information, not legal advice: ask an inspection centre or the DREAL.

When a vehicle undergoes a substantial transformation (engine swap, chassis modification, major conversion), it may no longer match its original type approval. In France, an individual approval (réception à titre isolé, RTI) from the DREAL/DRIEAT may then be required to make the vehicle compliant and update the registration document. Every case is specific: general information, not legal advice — contact your regional DREAL.

Yes. Any modification that changes the vehicle's characteristics (power, chassis, brakes, exhaust…) must in principle be declared to your insurer. An undeclared modification can lead to a refused claim, or even void your cover after an accident. General information, not legal advice: re-read your policy and ask your insurer before riding or driving.

Key points for bikes in France: a non-approved exhaust is prohibited on public roads; the power restriction must match the licence (a bike ridden on an A2 licence must stay restricted); plate holder, indicators, mirrors and lighting must be compliant; tyres must be road-approved. The technical inspection now also applies to two-wheelers in France. General information, not legal advice: check each part's approval and ask the DREAL or your insurer if in doubt.

No: a part sold for track use (racing exhaust, slick tyres, harnesses…) is not approved for public roads. On Atelier du Tuning, listings are tagged Road, Track or To be verified to clarify the intended use, and we refuse any listing promoting dangerous or illegal use on public roads. General information, not legal advice: check each part's approval before riding or driving.

A seller must honestly inform the buyer of the vehicle's actual condition and modifications. Selling a non-compliant vehicle without disclosing it can engage your liability (hidden defect, misrepresentation) and cause registration and insurance problems for the buyer. Be transparent: document every modification and its approval status in the listing. General information, not legal advice: for a specific case, consult a legal professional.

Three steps: create your garage, document your build (modifications, photos, invoices, budget), then put it up for sale — the listing automatically carries over the build history. You can also list individual parts with their make/model compatibility.

A documented build (invoices, dated photos, modification history) gives the AI analysis and buyers something concrete: the trust score reflects that transparency, your listing stands out and sells faster. It is your best sales argument.

Every listing is reviewed before publication, usually within 24 to 48 hours. Common rejection reasons: missing or stolen photos, inconsistent or misleading information, promoting dangerous or illegal use on public roads, content breaching the terms of service. You are notified of the decision and can fix the listing and resubmit.

Publishing a listing is free during the beta, and no commission is taken on the sale. Boost is an optional paid promotion: your listing appears at the top of results with a clearly identified “Sponsored” badge, in line with our transparency rules.

The minimum needed to run the service: your email and password (stored hashed), the content you publish (listings, builds, messages) and technical security data. We do not sell your data. Full details are in our privacy policy.

The text you submit is sent to our AI provider solely to produce the analysis. Your analysis is only stored on your account with your consent, and no sensitive document is sent to the AI without your explicit consent. Avoid including personal data (full registration document, ID) in the analysed text.

Yes. In line with the GDPR, you can request a copy of all your data (profile, listings, messages, favourites) from your account settings or via the contact page. The export is provided in a structured, readable format.

From your account settings, or on request via the contact page. Your personal data is then deleted or anonymised; some information may be kept only as long as strictly required by our legal obligations (billing, fraud prevention, disputes).

Cookies essential to the site are set without consent, as regulations allow. Analytics and marketing cookies are only set with your consent, via the dedicated banner — changeable at any time. For any question about your data, or to reach our data protection contact, use the contact page.

Professionals (garages, tuners, parts sellers) request verification by providing supporting documents: company registration (French SIRET), the manager's identity and proof of activity. Once checked by our team, the badge appears on the profile. Discover the verified pros.

Only users who have actually interacted with a pro through Atelier du Tuning can leave a review. Reviews are moderated: no fake reviews, no purchased reviews, no retaliation. The pro can reply publicly to every review.

Yes: from a professional's profile, describe your project (tuning, servicing, parts fitting) and talk directly through Atelier du Tuning messaging. The quote and the work are agreed between you and the pro; Atelier du Tuning is not a party to the contract.