It is important to be extra careful if you want to buy a car from a seller onCraigslist.Before you look at the ad, make sure to evaluate it carefully.The seller should evaluate the ad if it seems legit.If they seem trustworthy, you should look at the car to see if you want to buy it.It's a good idea to never put down any money on a car until you've seen it for yourself.
Step 1: There are ads that have a very low or unusual price.
This is a red flag if the price is lower than expected.You can get a ballpark range for the price by checking the Kelly Blue Book price.The ad is likely to be a scam if it is 25% less or more.A very specific price can be a red flag.If the seller suggests shipping the car to you for more than the sale price, this is likely a scam.
Step 2: It's a good idea to check the listing for severe issues.
The description of the car might have been written by a scam.If you see a car that is full of errors, pass it on.Don't read an ad that says, "new sidan for weel driv plus exxtras."
Step 3: A reverse image search can be performed.
After you click on the camera button, you can drag and drop the image into the search bar.If the same photo is posted elsewhere, review the results.The ad is likely to be a scam if you find multiple listings that use the same image.If you do a reverse image search, you can find that the image is a stock photo and not a real car for sale.
Step 4: To find duplicate car descriptions, copy and paste the description into the search engine.
The description should be placed in quotation marks to find duplicate listings.It's easy to spot fake ads if they use the exact same language.If the language is similar to other ads, be careful.You can check for red flags by looking at other parts of the ad.
Step 5: The price of the car in the ad can be compared with the website listing.
Make sure the prices for the car are the same on both websites if the seller also has a website.If the price listed on one of the outlets is lower, you should negotiate from that price.If the car is listed for $2,500 on the seller's Facebook page, then negotiate down from $2,500 rather than $3,000.
Step 6: If there is no phone number listed in the ad, email the seller.
The ad needs to clearly state where the car is located and give a phone number for the seller.This may be a red flag if there is no location or phone number listed.You can email the seller if they don't give a location and phone number.Give them a phone number if they refuse to tell you where the car is located.A location that doesn't make sense is called a red flag.
Step 7: Beware of sellers who tell sad stories.
Sob stories are often used by scam artists to rush a sale, so be careful if the seller mentions other circumstances unrelated to the car.If the seller tells you a story about being laid off and needing money quickly to pay their bills, this is a red flag.They need to sell the car in a hurry because they are about to be deployed.They need to make a decision immediately because they have other buyers interested.To ask if you've made a decision.
Step 8: Don't buy from sellers who say they are handling the sale for someone else.
If the seller says they are selling the car for someone else, be careful.This could be a sign that the car was stolen.You should always ask to see the title and seller's ID if you're looking at a car.It is possible that a seller has less knowledge about the vehicle under the veil of the story.
Step 9: You should research any website that the seller directs you to.
If you're directed to a website to make your payment, it's a good idea to be cautious.This does not mean that they are not scamming you, as sellers will often provide an escrow website address to increase the buyer's sense of security.Make sure that the site is legit.There are sellers that claim to be associated with eBay.This is a common scam and they may even send you emails and links to websites that look like they are coming from eBay.
Step 10: Don't meet curbstone dealers at their houses.
A curbstone dealer sells cars in front of their house.A person who is a dealer may move a car to their house in order to increase the value of the car.People are less critical of cars that are being sold by the previous owner if the person lives in a nice neighborhood.Bring a friend or family member with you if you decide to look at a car.Bring someone who knows about cars with you if you don't know much about them.
Step 11: The seller should be evaluated for their knowledge and professionalism.
Talking on the phone with a seller is a good way to get to know them better.Ask about the condition of the car, any issues it has, and request a test drive if you are interested.Some sellers will be willing to reduce the price further if you are a serious buyer.
Step 12: The final sale transaction can be done in a public place.
Cash and in person is the best way to pay for a car on the internet.To make sure you have witnesses if the person tries to rob you, request to meet with them in a public place or the bank.It is a common scam tactic to pay someone using a wire transfer or Western Union.
Step 13: Don't pay anything for a car you've never seen.
The car may not exist if you haven't seen it.You can look at cars that are close to your location.You should avoid cars that are located in another state or country.If there is a problem, try to purchase from a local dealer.Beware of sellers who say they will ship the vehicle to you.
Step 14: The number on the odometer can be compared to other age related features.
A car that is 3 years old is likely to have around 40,000 miles on it.The seller may have altered the odometer if the car has less miles.The interior and tires should be noted.The car's odometer may be inaccurate if the interior or tires are well-worn.Older people and teenagers tend to drive around 8,000 miles per year, so this could account for the lower mileage.If the mileage seems low, ask about the previous owner.
Step 15: Use the vehicle identification number to find the car's history.
Important details from the car's history can be left out of a forged report.Do not accept a report from the seller.Look up the car's history using the vehicle identification number.You can get a full report if you search the VIN on a website.There are cars that were involved in accidents and have ongoing issues.
Step 16: If the seller rushes the car, ask to take it on a longer test drive.
Potential buyers may discover issues with the car if they are not allowed to take a full test drive.If the seller tries to rush the test drive, tell them you would like to drive it a little longer and in different conditions to see how it works.Don't buy the car if they say no or try to convince you that a longer test drive is not necessary.During the test drive, drive the car at slow and fast speeds, pay attention to how well it brakes and turns, and note any unusual sounds.
Step 17: If you want to buy a car, you should get it assessed by your mechanic.
It can be difficult to spot issues with a car if you are not car savvy.Bring along a friend who knows a lot about cars or ask the seller to meet you at your mechanic's garage to check the car for any serious issues.A mechanic can check the engine for major issues and tell if the seller tampered with the car in any way.