In search for a new car? Craigslist is one your biggest assets for finding your dream car. Thanks to being completely free and simple to use, it has quickly became one of the top places online to buy and sell just about anything. This guide will give you a basic idea on how to find quality craigslist cars for sale.
Research
Before you buy anything, it’s always a good idea to do some research. There are dozens of quality websites that offer everything you want to know about your car. If you aren’t set in what you want, compare other similar vehicles. You might find something at a better price with more features. If you plan on doing a lot of driving, be sure to compare fuel efficiency. Sometimes a more expensive and fuel-efficient car can be a better deal in the long run.
Finding Your Car
Now that you know exactly what kind of vehicle you’re looking for, it’s time to start searching craigslist cars for sale. Craigslist has a very simple search system, so it might take some time to find an exact match. The search bar doesn’t just search the title, but also the text. Using keywords can help to simplify things. For example, if you’re looking for a diesel pickup, you can simply type “diesel” in the search bar. You can also filter your search by price, from dealer or owner, and by pictures.
Be careful when looking at an ad without pictures, there is always a chance the vehicle is in poor condition. If in doubt, contact the seller and ask for photos. If you plan on spending a whole day shopping, pick out several craigslist cars for sale to view in person.
Contacting the Buyer and Inspecting the Car
Once you’ve found a potential new car, it’s time to contact the seller. Depending on the person, this can either be via e-mail or phone. Make sure you ask lots of questions. Here is a list of basic questions you can ask:
-How many miles are on the car?
-Does it have any body damage?
-Is the engine in good running condition?
-Do all the accessories work?
If the seller is weary of answering questions or doesn’t know the answers, it could be a sign of trouble. Not to fear, if you’re still interested ask to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. If you decide to go view the vehicle, take precautions to stay safe.
Meeting strangers from the Internet can be risky. It is always a good idea to meet in a neutral well-lit place such as a busy parking lot. Also, it’s wise to bring a friend. Not only can they help you stay safe, but they might alert you to a problem with the car you didn’t notice.
Make sure you look over the vehicle well. Check the oil, inspect the tires, check out the air conditioning, etc. Always ask to go on a test drive, as this will be the biggest indicator of any problems.
Pricing
To some this is a touchy subject, and some negotiation might be required. Some sellers are very proud of their cars, and may ask too much. In this case try to show them comparable cars and work out a reasonable price. On the flip side, you should also be reasonable and not try to “low ball” the seller. Online appraisal sites can give you a good idea what to pay, but always keep in mind that collector and custom cars will be more expensive.
Finishing the Deal
Once you decide to buy the car, it’s time to do the paperwork. For a private seller, this shouldn’t be too complicated. At a minimum you need to get a bill of sale and the title. If the seller has a lien on the title, make arrangements to receive it after it’s released. Most sellers will expect to get cash or a bank issued check, so be ready.
Dealerships
This process is similar, but you can expect a different experience. Dealerships are strictly in the business of making money, so you may not be able to get as good of a deal. They do offer some benefits though, such as: the ability to trade in your current car, financing, and warranty services.
Searching craigslist cars for sale can be fun and interesting. You can be sure to gain experience shopping for cars and learn more about the vehicle you’re interested in.
Craigslist can be used to find out about almost anything, anywhere— from cars to DVDs to business and just about everything in between— but this article will be confined to Craigslist Columbus Ohio cars.
Ohio state law requires that the buyer of a used car perform a title transfer, the signing of which has to be done by both the buyer and the seller in the presence of a notary public. The seller must also indicate gboth the amount the car was sold for and the odometer reading at the time of the sale.
The seller must also produce a bill of sale, indicating gthe date and the amount of the transaction. Then there are licensing laws as well; they apply to the dealer and to the salesman who works for him. And it is illegal to sell a car that is parked anywhere other than the place where the dealer resides or does business.
Following is a sampling of some of the best Craigslist Columbus Ohio cars that are on sale.
One of the most expensive is a sporty- looking 2009 Dodge Challenger R/T, which is selling for $29,877. It is red with two black stripes on the passenger side and is equipped with digital instruments, a multi- CD player, custom control, dual air bags, traction control, and much more. The grey leather seats are smooth, wide, and comfortable. A car of this kind is very hard to find indeed!
A 2008 Honda Element is on sale for $19,799. It is a gray minivan with a black titanium interior and cloth seats (unfortunately, no photographs of the inside are available on the web page for this car). Has keyless entry, anti- theft system, and cruise control. (By the way, I have a Honda Odyssey that is somewhat similar to this one.)
A 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup truck is selling for $26,470. The cargo area of this red vehicle takes up only about a third of its total length; the passenger area has both front and back sections. The spacious interior has large, comfortable gray seats. Other features: transmission overdrive switch, dual zone air conditioning, steering wheel audio controls, driver lumbar, heated mirrors.
For those wanting to buy an old- fashioned vehicle, there is a white 1965 Feord Econoline hot rod van for only $2,500. I would not say it looks particularly attractive, though— it looks like it was built for utility purposes, not for pleasure, and only one picture of it and minimal information appear on the web page. Also a 1976 Chevy Monza for $3,500— no pictures posted yet.
Even older still is a thousand- dollar 1930 Model A Coupe whose engine, interior and rumble seat have all been redone. No pictures available; seller in the nearby unincorporated community of Rockbridge.
- 1989 Dodge Dakota pickup truck. Painted white; tan interior. Front seat only. $1,995.
- 2007 Lexus ES 350 Base low mileage. Tungsten metallic color. Has air conditioning with dual zone climate control, remote sunroof operation, compass, and dusk- sensing headlights. $21,877.
The list of Craigslist Columbus Ohio cars is constantly changing, so be sure and check regularly to get the car you want.