[anniesx07]

I just browsing around looking for a used and reliable car and craigslist has quite a few. I know its kinda like buy at your own risk, but has anyone ever bought from there before and got a prety good deal? I saw a few that I'm interested in but want to hear from others experience if any. thanks!

[Laxntiga]

Should be fine. Carfax it for anything out of the ordinary, take the car to your mechanic for inspection (tell him/her to really scrutinize and find every little bad thing - this way you know how much it will cost to repair - if any needed), go for a test drive, download a bill of sale, write it up, copy it, get the title signed off to you, give him/her the money, go to the DMV to register it. Go back to your mechanic to have everything fixed/taken care of (maintenance like... filters, oil, spark plugs, whatever). Then you're good to go!

[perzbenz]

Should be fine. Carfax it for anything out of the ordinary, take the car to your mechanic for inspection (tell him/her to really scrutinize and find every little bad thing - this way you know how much it will cost to repair - if any needed), go for a test drive, download a bill of sale, write it up, copy it, get the title signed off to you, give him/her the money, go to the DMV to register it. Go back to your mechanic to have everything fixed/taken care of (maintenance like... filters, oil, spark plugs, whatever). Then you're good to go!

Best way to put it +1

[anniesx07]

thanks for the tips! there's a car I really like and I emailed the seller..hopefully its not a scam..LOL...the car looks good and price is right..I'll have to wait and see...and the fact the I dont know much about cars doesnt help...need to talk to my dad...this is actually my first time buying a car via internet..we usually just go to dealers....so I can ask the seller (private) for a carfax history?

[v8subie]

i wouldn't know, i just look at the personals section of craigslist.

[Laxntiga]

thanks for the tips! there's a car I really like and I emailed the seller..hopefully its not a scam..LOL...the car looks good and price is right..I'll have to wait and see...and the fact the I dont know much about cars doesnt help...need to talk to my dad...this is actually my first time buying a car via internet..we usually just go to dealers....so I can ask the seller (private) for a carfax history?

No.

Carfax, you have to sign up.. its like $20 bucks something to research 1 car history and like $40 for unlimited for a month. Unless you are 90% sure this is the car you want, I'd search for a few more options, then sign up for carfax so you can use it as much as possible (make the most of your money).

Make sure you download and fill out a "Bill of Sale" and give the seller a copy (his reciept). Usually the sellers don't make reciepts b/c YOU want to buy the car more. It protects both of you.

When you go to the DMV they will ask you for a copy of the BoS so they can see how much you bought it for and assess taxes.

It's not a bad idea to have the BoS notorized, some DMV's require this, some don't. Check with yours.

Make sure you insurance before you drive the car home. If you are test driving, the person who has insurance on the car has to be in the vehicle too.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask =)

[mikez]

Also where you at? If its locally near one of us we could help you check it out or something.

[ghost]

I bought my last 8 cars off craigslist

no problems as long as you actually go and look at the car

[anniesx07]

No.

Carfax, you have to sign up.. its like $20 bucks something to research 1 car history and like $40 for unlimited for a month. Unless you are 90% sure this is the car you want, I'd search for a few more options, then sign up for carfax so you can use it as much as possible (make the most of your money).

Make sure you download and fill out a "Bill of Sale" and give the seller a copy (his reciept). Usually the sellers don't make reciepts b/c YOU want to buy the car more. It protects both of you.

When you go to the DMV they will ask you for a copy of the BoS so they can see how much you bought it for and assess taxes.

It's not a bad idea to have the BoS notorized, some DMV's require this, some don't. Check with yours.

Make sure you insurance before you drive the car home. If you are test driving, the person who has insurance on the car has to be in the vehicle too.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask =)

Oh ok..I think I will definitely sign up for unlimited carfax when I see a few more cars so I can have more option of checking which car is the best and worth the money....And the seller I emailed seems a little fishy...LOL..S/he was saying something about setting up the buying process through Ebay's protection program and stuff...I'm thinking it can be a scam? again, thanks for answering my questions and I will definitely ask when I have a question!!

Also where you at? If its locally near one of us we could help you check it out or something.

How nice....thanks for the offer....btw, I live in the Bay area...

[Laxntiga]

Oh ok..I think I will definitely sign up for unlimited carfax when I see a few more cars so I can have more option of checking which car is the best and worth the money....And the seller I emailed seems a little fishy...LOL..S/he was saying something about setting up the buying process through Ebay's protection program and stuff...I'm thinking it can be a scam? again, thanks for answering my questions and I will definitely ask when I have a question!!


How nice....thanks for the offer....btw, I live in the Bay area...

Tell her You will write out a bill of sale which you both can get notarized. Buying and selling cars individually by owner is perfectly legal. Tell her not to worry about it. If you are paying check, tell her you will go with her to the bank and watch her deposit the funds before signing off the title to your name. If not... you could always bring cash.

[anniesx07]

I told s/he my parents will write a check if we decided to buy the car.I'll wait and see...I think s/he lives only like 30 min. away and I ask if we can somehow meet in person so my dad can check out the car and if everything goes well then we'll complete the bill of sell and write out the check... so far s/he hasnt emailed me back yet..LOL