You might be wondering if Craigslist website would be a good place to start your search for a pre-owned car. Craigslist scammers probably have a bad reputation. There are ways to prevent these scams.

There are many scams which are very easy for you to detect. Some of the most common scams include:

The seller offers the shipping of the car on receipt of payment.

The seller would like to be paid via Money Gram, Western Union or postal money order.

The seller wishes to have the payment sent to another country.

The seller states that he or she is a military member and has been stationed out of the country.

The car’s price is well below its book-value.

There is no contact information in the advertisement or, if you do find one, that person is a pick-up agent or go-between.

Craigslist can also be a disadvantage when purchasing a second-hand car, truck or suv. There are several disadvantages to buying a used car, truck, suv or van through Craigslist. The seller has no obligation to help with financing.

Craigslist is a great place to find a used car. You will often get a good deal. Craigslist offers local listings, making it easier to view the car in person and speak to the seller. Many other sites online are not local. It is possible to look at used cars in a short time without having the need to travel. Also, you are not required to buy an automobile online as some sites require. Craigslist has no involvement in the transaction. It is up to you to negotiate directly with sellers and pay them.

You can use many methods to make sure that you have a pleasant and safe Craigslist experience. Ensure you have not only the email address but also the phone number. After that, you can arrange to check out the vehicle in an open area during the morning. The sunlight will help you inspect the vehicle better and find any problems. The seller should have the service records available. If you’re looking at a car, don’t carry any cash. You might be walking into a planned burglary.

You should also check the title. You should walk away if the seller does not have a title. Even if they try to convince you otherwise, without a proper title you cannot legally register the car or drive it. You should check to see if there is a lien attached to the title. Titles should also bear the seller’s name. If not, then the seller might be an unlicensed or unscrupulous person who is jumping title. Title jumping is illegal for most states. It is often a sign the car was in a serious accident or had been flooded.

If the title is not a problem, there are two things you should do to protect yourself. First, you can obtain a CarFax/AutoCheck report. These reports let you know if the car was flooded, scrapped, damaged in an accident, had its airbags activated, had multiple owner, or been branded a “lemon”. These reports will also give you information on the last recorded mileage. Many sellers will supply you with a report. You can also purchase one at a cost of less than $35. The information that they provide is worth every penny.

Second, have the car examined by a professional mechanic before buying it. The mechanic is able to inform you of any existing problems the car may have that even its seller is unaware of. As soon as you’ve decided to buy the used car and have reached an agreement on the price, be sure to get a receipt and the title.