Want to buy used car from Craiglist - and where to for inspection? (Highlands Ranch: buying)

[ts62860]

Hi all - i intend to get a used car, and Craiglist does have quite a number of them -- looking for a SUV, 1-3 years and price $16,000-23,000

Can anyone recommend, before the deal, I intend to bring the car for inspection and what service center would be able to do that? and costs? Would the seller allow?

I live in Highlands Ranch.

Thanks all

[2bindenver]

Pride Auto on Broadway - just north of County Line Road.

[DougStark]

OP, it's really up to you. As a 55 year old guy, I've purchased so many cars in my life, and therefore I can get some good glues if the car is good or bad.

First off, I look at the body closely for paint that doesn't quite match: over spray (showing the panels have been repaired) is a major RED FLAG. I wouldn't mess with cars that have been repainted- PERIOD. And of course, RUST is an issue as well, mostly the NE and mid-west. Rust shouldn't be a problem if the car is is relatively new, but if the car is 10+ years, look under the car for signs of serious corrosion, and again look at the fenders/wheel wells, and especially rear, underneath metal components for rust. Cars coming from the east, like Chicago and Minneapolis, can have serious damage from rust even though they're only 10 yrs old! They use a TON of road salt back there, which eats up metal like crazy! newer cars are FAR less apt to rust badly like they did in the 60s, 70s, or 80s, but it still happens to a lesser degree.

Of course, take a test drive of the car and use your intuition if the car has reasonable "pick-up", steers well, stops promptly, etc. If the car has anti-lock brakes (abs), literally SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND YOU SHOULD hear a clicking noice, indicating the mechanism is working. The owner might get mad at you doing this, but explain you're testing the ABS system. Also, check all the accessories: wipers, radio, heater, defrost, etc.

One of the most important points is to look at the maintenance documentation the owner has. A good owner keeps EVERYTHING, including the oil chance receipts, tire replacement, detail service, etc., tune ups. Sloppy owners won't have anything to show you. I'd probably avoid these sellers, unless it's a model that's rare, etc.

I usually avoid the mobile auto services that come out to the car and do their own mobile evaluation of the used car. These services are OK for novice car buyers, I guess, but I usually trust my intuition when buying a used car (I prefer to buy from private parties vs. dealers.) Just think: the dealer HAS to jack up the reasonable price of the car just to make the deal worth it to them.

Good luck. Just remember: Even an old, well maintained car can be a good buy if the owners took good care of it (but it may not have the more modern safety and emission equipment of newer cars, of course.)

[BabyBoomers2]

Because most cars on craigslist are sold "as is", even without saying that, it could be hard finding a seller that will allow the buyer to take the vehicle to an inspection place. Obviously, many car dealership would tell anyone to stay away from craigslist when looking for a vehicle. A seller will, or should, know what is wrong with the vehicle, if anything is wrong. People sell things on craigslist that are both good and bad. I've bought and sold on craigslist, but it's still a "buyer/seller BEWARE" type website.