When evaluating where to purchase your car, consider what you are looking for in a vehicle before deciding where and what to search. Ask the seller questions, and take the car for a test drive. If you notice any sort of suspicious behavior from the seller, don't take chances, just walk away. It's better to lose out on a good deal than it is to risk getting ripped off.
Craigslist
Craigslist has a great selection of local cars for sale, but there are quite a few drawbacks with the site. Look out for scammers. Craigslist is notorious for providing scammers with victims, and high-dollar items like homes and cars are highly susceptible to rip-off artists. Don't agree to buy a car on Craigslist without first taking a test drive. Also, don't bring your cash on the first test drive so you won't be victimized. It's always a good idea to bring along someone so they can help ask questions and protect you from getting cheated.
eBay
eBay has an amazing selection of used cars available throughout the country. Their search tools provide ample ways to find the car you want at the price you want to spend. Many worry about getting scammed on eBay, but they offer good protection plans to help prevent fraud.
The real problem with eBay is that you will rarely get to test drive the car, unless you want to travel to where it is located. This may mean you could get a running car for a good price and just hate the way it drives once you get it. It is usually best to limit eBay purchases to areas you are willing to travel during the duration of the auction.
AutoTrader
AutoTrader has a number of local publications based around specific used car needs. Classic Car Trader offers vintage car buyers and sellers a specialized arena for purchases. TruckTrader offers large trucks and passenger trucks. AutoTrader operates as a catchall, but mostly features passenger cars. Visit the company's website, AutoTrader.com to find vehicles all over the country.
Sellers through AutoTrader may be private parties or dealerships, so be sure you read the entire description of any car you like if you're looking to work only with private sellers.
Generally, there are less scammers listing vehicles through the Trader publications and websites, as buyers and sellers here are expected to meet in person to complete the transaction, but you still need to look out for lemons. Again, if you don't know about cars, bring a friend or relative who does.
Local Paper
Just about every paper in the nation has a classified section and most contain a number of available vehicles in your area. In recent years, Craigslist's free classified listings have pulled a lot of listings away from the papers, so you are likely to find a limited selection of cars here. Just like AutoTrader, you may run into dealerships or lemons, so keep an eye out while looking for cars here.
Word of Mouth
Sometimes the best way to get a used car from a private party is by spreading the word. Tell your friends and family, and mention it on your social networking profiles. Sometimes you may even get an even better deal when the seller is someone you know personally. Best of all, you almost always can feel more assured you are not buying a lemon when you buy from someone you already trust.
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