How to Buy Cars on Craigslist

Buying a car off of Craigslist is often a great way to get a good deal on a vehicle. However, there are certain precautions that you may need to take to ensure that you get the car you want and avoid problems.

• Don’t commit to a specific make, model, or year. It is okay to have a general idea of what you want, but if you “have to have” a certain car your chances of finding it are fairly slim.


• Everyday perform a Craigslist search on the cars you are looking for. If you are looking for a private party seller, be sure the “by owner” option is selected.


• Check the prices of your results against the estimated value of a typical car of that make and model. This will give you an idea of if the car is extremely overpriced or if it is a good bargain.


• If you are interested in the car, call or email the seller letting them know of your interest. Additionally, ask them to email you a few photos of the car and ask the owner several questions.


• Questions you may wish to ask include:
  
  
  
  • If the vehicle is a salvage title car
  
  
  • How many total owners the vehicles has had
  
  
  • If the owner has any service records you can review
  
  
  • About any features the car may have
  
  
  • If the car needs any additional work performed on it
  
  
  
  


• If all your questions have been answered and you are still interested in the car arrange a time to meet the seller. Be sure to specify that you would like the engine to be cold when you take a look at it. This will make it easier to discover certain problems. Additionally, pay a mechanic to come with you to inspect the car. This is the single most important step when buying a used car.


• After you have seen the car and the mechanic clears it of any major problems, discuss with the seller how the car will be paid.