Tips for buying a car online thanks to classified

Buying a car online, using online classified spaces to sell a vehicle is not just time effective, it’s smart. There are plenty of online portals that offer free listings, but private sales come with their own set of rules and things to watch out for. Advertising a car can only happen after the car has been evaluated. And buying a car online can be just as vulnerable to scams as selling.

How to buy a car online 

When you find the car you are dreaming of, begin by getting a professional evaluation of the car – that is to say, determine its market value. Often, sellers think that selling a vehicle can be done faster if both options are used but this means it’s up to the seller to field all inquiries coming in, respond and follow up.

For buying a car online, use websites like Craigslist or Kelley Blue Book, which have vehicle pricing guides. The photos and description that make up the ad should be the space where sellers draw buyers in with details of the car as well as good photos. Photos are upfront and honest, showing the odometer reading as well as any “surface” or visible damage.

Red flags to watch out for when buying a car online

Scams are not uncommon – especially on big-ticket items like cars. Buying a car online can open to a world of risks, especially if sellers proceed unaware. Small charges such as “security deposits” can be used as a means of luring buyers in. To demonstrate trustworthiness when buying a car online, you should do the following: respond within 24 to 48 hours, get the seller’s full name and contact information, emphasize the key selling points and ask them for a test drive. Meet with the individual in person to complete the paperwork and transaction. Sellers should offer to transfer ownership and release their vehicle as soon as they’ve received the cash in full.

At the end of the day, consumers – both buyers and sellers – must understand the risks associated with selling and buying a car online. Online transactions on vetted websites come with a modicum of protection as the website takes responsibility for protecting shoppers from fraudulent scams. However, Internet car sales are largely unregulated, so proceed with caution.