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How do you buy a car off Craigslist?
I’m looking to buy a car, but I’m tired of the dealership run-around—what should I know about buying a car off of Craigslist?
Jason Tushinski · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Buying a car off Craigslist can be an easy, hassle-free experience (or an overwhelming one). When you’re buying off Craigslist, make sure the seller is legitimate and stay safe. Here’s how to ensure your car buying experience on Craigslist is great!
- Narrow your search online: Keep your search focused while searching Craigslist vehicle ads—be as specific as possible in terms of the make, model, year, and features of the car you want. Most importantly, set a budget.
- Talk to the seller on the phone: Once you find a vehicle you like, speak with the seller on the phone. Hearing the seller’s voice can give you confidence (or not) that the person is genuine and is not misrepresenting what is on offer. Ask for the vehicle’s VIN and order a CARFAX Report—this details the vehicle’s service history, accident history, estimated miles driven per year and any recall information. Do your homework!
- Test drive the car: If you like what you hear, arrange a test drive. For your safety, do this in a public place in broad daylight, and bring someone with you. Examine both the interior and exterior, and ask questions about the vehicle. If you’re satisfied, take it for a spin.
- Buy insurance: If you’re happy and ready to buy, you’ll need car insurance to register the car in your name (Jerrycan help with that).
- Transfer the title and register the car: Write a check, get the owner to sign over the title to you so you become the new owner, and get the keys. Head to the DMV to change the vehicle’s registration and get your new license plates.
- Put new plates on Get the now-former owner to take their old license plates, and put your new ones on!
Congratulations! You successfully navigated Craigslist to buy a car! Now, you’ll need
car insurance
, and Jerry
can help! Sign-up takes just 45 seconds, and then Jerry compares more than 50 top quotes for you to choose from! Make your pick, and Jerry signs you up to your new one and cancels your old one for you!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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