Craigslist Cars

Buying a used car has never been easier with dozens of websites giving access to hundreds of listings. Free classified ads are one of the perks that have made Craigslist one of the most popular sites to offer listings such as, jobs, housing and all types of items for sale including used cars. Unfortunately, Craigslist cars, among others have become a prime place for scammers to prey on unsuspecting shoppers.

Before you begin your search do a little research. There are hundreds and hundreds of listings of Craigslist cars. It is important to know what you are looking for. You might know exactly what you want, but if not research the makes and models you are interested in to narrow your search down.

Know the value, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and NADA are all good sources. This will give you a good place to begin your search and ensure you get the best deal available to you.

Once you’ve found a car you are interested in contact the seller with a few questions. Find out the vehicle identification number (VIN) number, this information will be good to have if you are considering a Carfax report. Knowing the mileage, condition, and reason they want to sell the car will help you make an informed and reasonable offer.

When inspecting a car do not be afraid to ask anything about the vehicle. Always take a test drive, try to take it out on both a highway and secondary road so that you may properly gauge its performance. If a seller refuses to let you take a test drive it’s probably a good idea to walk away.

Never purchase a car without trying it out. When scheduling your appointment it’s best to go during daytime hours and arrange for a test drive in a public place. If at all possible don’t meet with a stranger alone, you are better safe than sorry.

Take all information you have gathered into account when it is time to make your offer. Be sure to inspect the title and avoid salvage titles. If you are buying from a private seller check that the owner stated on the title is actually the person selling the car.

Having a certified mechanic take a look at the vehicle is an excellent idea if circumstances allow. Finally agree on payment terms, make sure the seller signs the title over and provides you with a bill of sale.

Buying craigslist cars is not much different from purchasing a used car from any private seller. Use normal personal safety precautions and common sense. Never give out any financial information or your address. Do not carry cash with you to a test drive.

Avoid meeting strangers alone, even if you are meeting in a public place. Craigslist does provide some guidelines to help you avoid common scams before proceeding to the search option of cars and trucks for sale.

Typical warning signs of a scam

· Any instance when a seller offers to ship a vehicle

· Seller requires payment by Western Union or other wire transfer

· Asking price is very low, if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is.

· eBay motors is specified as an intermediary, eBay motors does not get involved in craigslist cars transactions.

· Sad stories about divorcees and departing servicemen might sound convincing but are usually untrue.

· Craigslist also states that they are never involved in any transactions and do not handle payments. They do not offer any guarantees nor do they offer “buyer protection” or “seller certification”. If any posting advertises that they are a Craiglist certified seller this is fake.