needing advice on how to complete craigslist purchase

[evanrick]

found an ad on Craigslist for a used car, its very well documented and seems to have been well maintained. there are a few personalization the person has done to it that doesn't affect its functioning and its a private party sale, not a dealer.

i have purchased a car from Craigslist before using cash, since it was a smaller amount i felt ok with it,
but this purchase is several thousand more.

my idea is to have the seller meet me at my bank to test drive and complete the sale with the help of a bank employee to handle cash, (i think they would if i just ask since ive been there for 10 years)

i plan on getting the "Car fax" on the car and verifying as much information as possible.

how important it taking it to a mechanic to check for problems even if the vehicle seems in good shape?

is there any chance of "title fraud" or suspicious sale even if the vin number is the same on the title, as it is supposed to be?

the only thing i saw is this person is moving overseas at some point sooner or later, so that is their reason for selling.

what do i need to look out for? if any dealers can message me or post with any advice i appreciate it!

thanks

 

[LittleDove]

the only thing i saw is this person is moving overseas at some point sooner or later, so that is their reason for selling.

Not saying this is, but those words are often part of car sales scams. Have you had any contact with the seller? If so, what is the seller telling you?

 

[evanrick]

the only thing i saw is this person is moving overseas at some point sooner or later, so that is their reason for selling.

Not saying this is, but those words are often part of car sales scams. Have you had any contact with the seller? If so, what is the seller telling you?

'

they havent said anything about moving overseas in our exchanges via email, except that is the reason they are selling is what is posted in the ad.

no mention of any type of scam that i can tell, should i ask why they are moving or when?

 

[Taralen]

Go on the kelly blue book, and look up the car type and year to see if he is over pricing it. (a free website google it plz). If he is asking for more than the kelly blue price which is if the car was in stable condition for a used car, which usually 9 times out of 10 these people on craigslist do, say no. As if he is overcharging it, what else is he skimping out on? It could be a lemon.

Yeah to the carfax thing as you mentioned, that's also helpful.

Maybe find a relative or friend that works in cars to help you out on anything else. I don't know about that bank employee middleman thing. Again, just get a close person you know that works in cars, and to help you.

As far as used cars go, I just barely got my drivers license a couple years ago lolz. But I remember one time I was thinking about buying a 99 jeep cherokee that looked pretty nice. A firefighter was selling on our block. Not only was he selling it for twice of whats its worth according to the kelly blue book, but he failed to mention you can start the car without the key by just turning the ignition console. My boyfriend knew about this and started the car without the key lolz. So, yeah just be careful.

Best of luck

 

[LeicsDom]

i plan on getting the "Car fax" on the car and verifying as much information as possible.

how important it taking it to a mechanic to check for problems even if the vehicle seems in good shape?

Always get a qualified mechanic to check it out before buying

 

[NotHardUp1]

I have bought a 2007 Audi A3, a 1995 Mazda Miata, a 1996 F150, and a Toyota Corolla over Craigslist. All of them have been worthwhile and fair deals.

As always, it is caveat emptor. Ads that are skimpy on details, include red flags like being unreasonably low priced, or tantalize with suggestions of forced sales, are suspect. Scams often are pictured in neighborhoods that feature landscapes we don't even have here in Albuquerque, another easy tell.

In the case of the Audi, it had a salvage title and I was able to see the actual auction pics using the VIN that the seller had purchased and rehabbed the car from. It runs fine and cost $7800 instead of the $14000 it would have without the repair.

Realize that any used car purchase is an inherent risk and not necessarily because of deceit on the part of the owner/seller.

Another red flag is salesman language in an owner's ad. They invariably come off sounding like a carnival barker, and they have lied for so long that they rarely know what the truth sounds like any more. If they use the phrase "clean title" it is automatically suspect. Everyday people don't go around assuming titles are anything but clean.

In your case, view the car at the owner's home. If it is an apartment building instead of a free standing home, ask to use the restroom or such. Try to get a feel that the seller is who he says and ask for the VIN to research the accident history and ownership. Chances are the title is kept in the house anyway.

If you're a good buyer, you'll get comfort with the sale. If it doesn't seem right, watch for pressure or rush that doesn't want to let you take the day or so to research.

Craigslist has a lot of crime on it, but it also has a lot of bonafide individuals merely selling their stuff. Use good sense and don't let car fever mar your judgment. Good luck and let us know.

BTW, the truck was a fantastic buy, and I love my Corolla now that I have it back from the body shop from the bear damage. LOL.

 

[agayguy]

Have your mechanic of choice go over the car. He will likely charge you, but, it could save a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Don't use the seller's mechanic.
Law enforcement agencies sometimes suggest that you conduct your business deal at the police station or sheriff's office.

If the seller won't agree to those terms, I'd turn around and keep looking for a car. The internet is full of used cars for sale.
Good luck!

 

[NotHardUp1]

Apparently, Washington State does not extend the protection of the right of cancellation to its citizenry. In some states, major purchases (such as cars, homes, and other major items) are a special commerce category, and the buyer has the right of rescission within three days of the purchase. The intent of these laws is to impede the effect of pressure sales in certain industries.

BUT, your Attorney General does have a good website detailing considerations of buying a used car, explaining implied warranty versus as is purchasing. It's pretty good advice: http://www.atg.wa.gov/used-car-considerations

 

[evanrick]

Apparently, Washington State does not extend the protection of the right of cancellation to its citizenry. In some states, major purchases (such as cars, homes, and other major items) are a special commerce category, and the buyer has the right of rescission within three days of the purchase. The intent of these laws is to impede the effect of pressure sales in certain industries.

BUT, your Attorney General does have a good website detailing considerations of buying a used car, explaining implied warranty versus as is purchasing. It's pretty good advice: http://www.atg.wa.gov/used-car-considerations

Washington is a corporate fascist state, everyone hates on Seattle even though Seattle generates 5000% of the economic activity in the whole northwest.

but i didn't know about the right of cancellation, will read thank you

 

[NotHardUp1]

That's just it. You have no right of cancellation in Washington.

You do have implied warranty though, unless the seller explicitly invokes "as is" in the contract or bill of sale.