Searching for Craigslist Cars for Sale can either be a fun and enjoyable task or it can be stressful worrisome one. There are many great benefits to purchasing a car from Craigslist but there are also many things to look out for. At Craigslist Cars for Sale Headquarters, we take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of buying a car online from the popular Craigslist classified site.
The benefits of buying a used car on Craigslist can often far outweigh the disadvantages. If you know what to look out for and are very careful in your search you should not fall prey to any of the scammers or other sellers trying to take advantage of people. We have had nothing but great experiences when dealing with buyers and sellers on Craigslist and we are here to pass these tips on to you.
Tips For Buying Craigslist Cars
- Make sure you do your research beforehand so that you know exactly what you are looking for and the approximate value of the Craigslist cars for sale. Kelley’s Blue Book is a great resource for determining the value of a used car.
- Once you know what you are after, make sure you are aware of any persistent problems with the particular make and model you have chosen. Some models of automobiles have known issues (and perhaps have been recalled). Be aware of these and ask the seller if the car has experienced any reported problems. It may be advisable to check with the manufacturer regarding recalls.
- One of the great things about Craigslist is the ability to negotiate price on vehicles. Once you have decided on a vehicle to make an offer on, make sure you make a lower offer and negotiate. Most of the time you can get a lower price on a vehicle unless the ad specifically states the seller is not willing to negotiate.
Craigslist Cars for Sale – Getting the Best Deals
Obviously, probably one of the best reasons to purchase a car on Craigslist is to get a great deal on a vehicle. Oftentimes, people can be in need of money or perhaps are moving a out-of-state and can’t take the vehicle with them. These sellers are willing to sell their vehicles at a much lower price than for which you would normally be able to buy the vehicle. Follow ads until the end of the month. Many people have bills due at the beginning of the following month and are more willing to sacrifice on the price if it means cash in their pocket today. Even the sales listed as “firm” or “non-negotiable” may be more flexible at the end of the month.
I know firsthand, because I recently sold a vehicle for much below the Kelley Blue Book value because I was moving out of state and couldn’t take the vehicle. I needed to get rid of it quick and wasn’t willing to accept the ridiculously low trade-in value that Carmax was offering. As a result, the buyer got a GREAT deal and I was happy too just to be able to get rid of the car in such a short period of time.
So keep in mind if you do see a great deal on Craigslist cars for sale, it may not be a scam but rather just a desperate seller. However, there have been some situations where a seller poses as recently divorced or a serviceman leaving for military action and these have been known to be fraudulent in certain case. Just remember to always use your best judgment at all times. For military personnel stating that they are relocating, be sure to check for current Department of Defense (or Department of Transportation) base access stickers which are easily noticeable on the windshield. If you do not see these stickers, this may be a red flag.
Ways to Protect Yourself from a Craigslist Scam
- Be wary of all sellers who want to try to ship a vehicle to you. It may sound like a good idea if the vehicle you are looking to buy is a great distance away and you could save a lot of time and hassle by having the vehicle shipped, but this can be the sign of a scam. In this scenario, the seller would request payment and not send the vehicle or perhaps not even have a vehicle to sell. In fact, Craigslist states that ads with offers to ship vehicles are almost always fraudulent.
- Be careful of vehicles that are priced super low (meaning only a fraction of the Blue Book value). Sometimes this can be a sign of a desperate seller needing to get rid of a vehicle but if the price is just too low that it raises red flags then it is probably best to avoid it.
- Never pay for a vehicle using a money wire or Western Union transfer. Again this is almost always the sign of a dishonest seller and should be avoided. Any payment made through this method could very well be gone.
- Be suspicious of sellers who mention eBay Motors. eBay isn’t involved in Craigslist cars for sale ads and these are probably fake.
- Never purchase a vehicle that you have not seen in person. It is understood that many buyers looking for Craigslist cars for sale may be looking for a very specific model or a hard to find classic car and you may only find the vehicle you are looking for miles away from where you live. However, it is important to make every effort to see the car in person. You do not want to be the victim of a seller who claims they have a vehicle that simple does not exist.
How to Be Safe When Purchasing Craigslist Cars
It has become of ever increasing importance to be careful when you are dealing with buyers and sellers on Craigslist. There have been more than a few stories of people luring would-be buyers into bad situations from Craigslist ads. As a result, it is advisable that you follow these guidelines when visiting a prospective car purchase from Craigslist.
- Meet in a public place and never anyplace secluded
- Do not invite strangers into your home
- Do not meet the seller alone and try to have some friends go along with you
- Always tell someone where you are going before you meet a Craigslist car seller
- Take your phone with you and always use your best judgment
Buying Craigslist cars can be a great way to get a super deal on a vehicle. Make sure that you use your best judgement and follow your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right or if it seems too good to be true, it is probably safer to just walk away. Lastly, always know what you are looking for to ensure the best experience when buying Craigslist cars for sale.