[unf0rgiven6262]

In the market for a second used car. Has anyone here actually had any luck through craigslist? I've run into scammer after idiot with nothing in between. The only reason I keep looking there is because dealers mark up used cars astronomically.

[Bulwara Road]

I was lucky last year. Picked up a really low mileage F150 that has been great.

[TexasRedneck]

You'll learn to discern the scammers and idiots - there ARE deals out there. I usually focus on the ads >30 days old. If they still have the car, they've come to realize that no one wants it at their price point, and are usually much more amenable to reasonable offers.

[EA]

After my wrecks last year, I scoured craigslist for used cars to pay cash. I called hundreds of people. I even started calling people for cars I didn't even want. (Calling, texting, or emailing depending on what the ad called for) I had no luck at all.

I've listed cars on craigslist with about as much luck.


However, I did get my Cressida off Craigslist when I wasn't really looking for a car.

[Packrat1]

Not sure what you are looking to spend but the Costco auto program does do used cars. Also definitely use a car check program to check for accidents etc. Recently a friend posted her dad's car on face book, I really never thought about looking there before...Also you might check the bulletin boards at local muni golf courses you might find a vehicle there. Just an idea anyway.

Also check cars.com especially in Calif.
And autotrader.com

[EA]

Have to consider the price points. I'm not buying a 2 year old Porsche off craigslist. I'm buying a 1500 dollar truck off craigslist. It's history doesn't really matter because it's a 1500 dollar truck.

With autotrader I am looking for a 2-4 year old vehicle. Since people have to pay to list there, the cars are typically in decent shape. You're going to pay a decent penny for these cars.

With message boards and stuff like that, you're probably dealing with a crazy person, even if the car is good, the person is crazy and you will probably find them, naked, in your new car, smoking crack talking to a duck they just stole out of a kid's petting zoo.

[Bps401]

Im only buying on craigslist if its an older car, nothing over 3k. I got a 93 accord off of there for 1500.

[EA]

Exactly. I like cheap cars, so I do go to craigslist a lot. I don't have much luck with it, but I have enough.

[SoHoVe]

Originally Posted by unf0rgiven6262

In the market for a second used car. Has anyone here actually had any luck through craigslist? I've run into scammer after idiot with nothing in between. The only reason I keep looking there is because dealers mark up used cars astronomically.

And no sales tax on private party transactions is a HUGE PLUS over buying from a car lot.

[delgadobb]

Originally Posted by SoHoVe

And no sales tax on private party transactions is a HUGE PLUS over buying from a car lot.

This.

Buy a used car for $12,500 from a dealer - likely already a big markup - and you can plan on paying another $1000+ for sales tax. That $12,500 car just became a $13,500+ car & possibly more depending on what random fees the dealer adds.

Full disclosure: I paid the sales tax when I bought my car several years ago, mostly out of frustration looking for used cars on Craigslist & the like. In the past, I'd always been a used car guy, but I also ran into scammers/idiots/etc wherever I looked. People in dreamland wanting well over book value and/or 'curbstoners' (small time unlicensed unofficial 'dealers') who were always 'selling for a friend or family member'. Amazing how many how lost titles or a story why the salvage title didn't matter or out of state title with a story that didn't add up - it was amazing some of the stuff I experienced.

While I was fully prepared to buy a late model used car (and would do so again), in this case I was able to find a new car for a used car price (sticker close to $20K, I paid $11K, w/TTL $12.6K out the door). Otherwise, I would've avoided the sales tax route if at all possible.

It's been several years since I shopped via Craigslist/etc for myself, though I have helped a few friends. My experience more recently has been similar to what others including TexasRedneck have mentioned. You may have to kiss a lot of frogs along the way but you ought to eventually find your prince. If it were me, I'd be prepared to expand my search area if necessary. Be patient & persistent - plenty of scammers & idiots along the way. Keep us updated.