Buying a used car can be risky, especially when purchasing from an online marketplace like Facebook. With scams and dishonest sellers out there, it’s important to do your research before handing over any money. Here are some tips on how to verify if a Facebook Marketplace car listing is legitimate.
Check the seller’s profile
The first thing to look at is the seller’s Facebook profile. Do they have many friends and seem like a real person? Or was the account just created recently with no personal information? Fake accounts are common on Facebook Marketplace, so be wary of brand new profiles with no history. Legitimate sellers will likely have a robust profile with posts and engagement over time.
Ask for details on the car
A real seller should be able to provide extensive details on the vehicle. Make sure to ask for the VIN number so you can run a vehicle history report. Request maintenance records, ownership documentation, recent repairs and any other specifics about the car. A vague, suspect or unwilling seller could be trying to hide something.
Insist on seeing the car in person
Don’t purchase a car without seeing it first. That includes not putting down a deposit or sending any money in advance. If the seller refuses to allow an in-person inspection of the car or makes excuses, that’s a major red flag. A legitimate seller should not have any issues with you seeing the car.
Take the car for a test drive
Before buying, test drive the car for at least 15-20 minutes. Pay attention to any odd noises, smells, warning lights, fluid leaks or issues shifting gears. Make sure all electrical components are functioning. Confirm the odometer reading is accurate compared to the car’s age and appearance. A test drive helps you determine if the vehicle has undisclosed problems or damage.
Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle
For added assurance, ask the seller if you can take the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an inspection. A pre-purchase inspection costs around $100 but can save you from buying a clunker. The mechanic will thoroughly evaluate the engine, transmission, electronics, tires and other components.
Check vehicle history reports
Run the car’s VIN number through vehicle history report services like Carfax or Autocheck. This will reveal any reported accidents, number of previous owners, service records, title issues and other useful information. Make sure the vehicle does not have a branded title due to being salvaged, flooded or rebuilt.
Verify ownership and title
Only buy from the owner listed on the vehicle’s title. Request to see their driver’s license to compare identities. Make sure the title does not have a salvage brand and that there are no outstanding liens against the vehicle. Confirm the seller has the title in hand – do not rely on promises of sending it later.
Research pricing and value
Determine the fair market value of the vehicle using pricing guides like KBB and NADA. This prevents overpaying for the car. Be wary if the asking price is well below comparable vehicles for sale in your area. Unreasonably low pricing may signal underlying issues.
Meet in a safe public place
When viewing or buying the vehicle, choose a busy, well-lit location like a bank parking lot. Do not go to the seller’s home or another remote spot. Conducting the transaction in public helps deter scam attempts. Leave immediately if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
Pay by cashier’s check
For your purchase payment, use a certified cashier’s check rather than cash or personal check. This offers protection in case the sale is fraudulent. Never pay more than the agreed upon price. Make sure the title is signed over and you receive it upon paying – do not let the seller leave with your money.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
While shopping for a used car on Facebook Marketplace, be on the lookout for these common red flags:
| Red Flag | What it Means |
| No VIN provided | The VIN allows you to verify the car’s records, owner and legitimacy. Avoid sellers who won’t provide it. |
| Won’t meet or allow test drive | Scammers will refuse in-person showings of the vehicle. Only buy after fully inspecting the car. |
| Title issues | Walk away if the title is branded, not in the seller’s name, or unavailable to view. |
| Price seems too good to be true | An absurdly low price likely indicates the car has serious mechanical or structural issues. |
| Can’t provide maintenance history | No service records means you have no way of knowing past problems or if vital repairs were performed. |
| Car located out of your area | Scammers often claim a vehicle is elsewhere to avoid in-person inspections. |
| Seller requests deposit | Do not put down a deposit before verifying the car’s condition and ownership. |
| Description sounds generic | Vague, cookie-cutter descriptions may signal a scammer who flips many cars. |
| Unwilling to answer questions | Avoid sellers who seem evasive or don’t respond to detailed questions. |
These signs do not guarantee a scam, but they should prompt caution and further verification of the seller and vehicle. Trust your instincts – if you get a bad feeling, move on to another car.
Questions to Ask the Seller
To avoid getting scammed, here are some key questions to ask the seller:
Why are you selling the car?
Their reason for selling, such as needing a bigger car for kids or moving overseas, offers insight into the car’s history. Be wary of vague explanations.
How long have you owned the car?
Frequent ownership changes may indicate issues that made others quickly resell. Ideally, the seller owned it for 1+ years.
Has the car been in any accidents?
Accidents can cause lasting damage. Ensure they disclose any collisions and the repairs done.
What condition is the engine, transmission and drivetrain in?
The responses can tip you off to possible mechanical problems. Have a mechanic inspect anything questionable.
Is there any body damage or rust?
Look for recent repairs that may indicate damage. Inspect thoroughly for signs of rust and collision work.
Why are you selling on Facebook vs. a dealer?
Dealers must legally disclose issues and provide a warranty. Find out if they’re avoiding those requirements.
Can I take the vehicle to a mechanic?
Refusal indicates they are hiding issues a mechanic would catch. A pre-purchase inspection is recommended.
May I see the title, VIN, and your driver’s license?
This verifies they legally own the car and their identity. No proof means you should walk away.
How are the tires, brakes, and fluids?
The answers will reveal if costly maintenance is needed and how well they cared for the vehicle.
Performing a Thorough Inspection
When viewing the car in-person, give it a thorough inspection inside and out:
Check exterior
– Signs of rust, dents, mismatched paint or body work
– Condition of tires and tread wear
– Fluids leaking underneath the car
– Paint overspray on mirrors, lights or trim
– Matching VIN plates on dashboard, door, engine and transmission
Check interior
– Worn out seats, carpet stains or water damage
– Odors from mold, cigarettes, gas or chemicals
– Rips, tears, or stitching issues
– Sticky buttons and switches, cracked display screens
– Illuminating warning lights when engine started
Test drive
– Listen for odd noises when accelerating, braking and idling
– Delayed acceleration, rough shifting, clutch slipping
– Pulling left/right, vibrating when braking, loose steering
– Test radio, wipers, seat adjusters, windows, doors, etc.
Under the hood
– Leaks, corrosion, dirtiness under hood
– Engine oil level and condition
– Belts and hoses condition
– Fluid levels in radiator, brake reservoir, etc.
Under the car
– Rust, damage or leaks on undercarriage
– Exhaust system condition
– Signs of collision damage or frame repairs
– Looseness in suspension parts
Safe Payment Tips
Once you’ve verified the car checks out, here are some tips for safely paying for your purchase:
Meet in a public place
Conduct the transaction in a well-lit, busy area like a bank parking lot. This helps deter criminal activity.
Do not pay in cash
Use a cashier’s check from your bank. It offers protections if you need to dispute the payment.
Confirm the title is clean
Verify the title is not salvaged/rebuilt and is signed over to you.
Get the title upon paying
Do not let the seller take your money without handing over the title at the same time.
Check the seller’s ID
Match their ID to the name on the vehicle title for consistency.
Conduct the exchange in daylight
Completing the deal during daytime hours is another safety precaution.
Keep sale documents and receipts
Retain the bill of sale, ownership paperwork and any receipts from inspections or repairs.
Purchase title insurance
Optional but provides coverage if issues later arise with the title or transfer.
Register the vehicle promptly
Register the car in your state right away to establish legal ownership.
Conclusion
Buying a used car on Facebook Marketplace comes with risks if you don’t take proper precautions. Protect yourself by thoroughly researching the seller, inspecting the vehicle, asking the right questions, watching for red flags, meeting safely and verifying ownership. Pay attention to your instincts and walk away from any deal that seems suspicious. While scams do happen, you can find a great car and avoid being ripped off by an illegal seller if you’re cautious. Just take your time and don’t skip steps in the vetting process.