It might seem easy and convenient to buy used cars through Craigslist. After all, Craigslist allows you to modify your search results by area, type, and even engine type! But buying a vehicle through Craigslist comes with a great deal of personal risk. Here are some reasons to consider buying from a reputable dealer instead:
Mechanical Inspection
Before buying a vehicle, you should always have it inspected. At a dealership, this inspection often happens before the vehicle is put on the lot. When buying from a Craigslist seller, you are responsible for the inspection. This means you have to bear the financial burden. It might not seem like a big deal if you only look at one vehicle, but the costs can add up when you look at several vehicles over the course of a purchase.
Uncertain Value
It is often difficult to assess the true value of a pre-owned vehicle. The condition, previous accidents, mileage, and other features are taken into account when valuing it. A Craigslist seller might not know or might not divulge the full history of the vehicle. A reputable dealer will have access to the history of the vehicle. A dealer also knows how much similar vehicles are selling for in your area, and they will be able to offer you a competitive price.
Paper Trail
Because most Craigslist transactions happen in cash, there is little paper trail behind the purchase of used cars. This can be problematic when you are registering or insuring your vehicle. If you don’t have the proper paperwork, you might not be able to get a license plate or insurance. Purchasing a car through a dealer means that there will be evidence of your purchase.
No Financing
Most Craigslist sellers want the full value of the vehicle at purchase. If you’re looking for a vehicle that will last a long time, it will probably cost more than you make in a month. Dealerships are able to offer financing with payment plans and options to help you buy used cars you couldn’t otherwise afford.
Lemon Laws
You might think that you’re covered by “lemon laws” when purchasing used. These are laws that protect the buyer when a vehicle is misrepresented by the seller. In most states, lemon laws don’t apply to private sellers. Vehicles must come from commercial dealers and be registered with the state in order to have coverage by the law. Any promises that a private seller makes about their car must be made in writing for you to be able to claim misrepresentation later. However, lemon laws do apply to commercial dealerships. You can trust a commercial dealer because they are legally obligated to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your vehicle.
Craigslist is a great tool for buying furniture but think twice about using it to buy your used car. Purchasing through a private seller can leave you with a poor quality car and an empty bank account. Buy your vehicle from a reputable dealer who will be able to give you a good, reliable car.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anders_Abadie/1022510
