Buying a used car can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with risks, especially when purchasing from an individual seller on Facebook Marketplace. While there are many great deals to be found, it’s important to take precautions to avoid buying a lemon or getting scammed. Here are some tips on how to safely purchase a used vehicle on Facebook Marketplace.
Do Your Research on the Seller
When responding to a Facebook Marketplace listing, first take a look at the seller’s profile. Do they have many friends and seem to be a real person? Are there reviews or comments from past buyers that can vouch for them? Suspicious or empty profiles could be a red flag for scams. You can also try searching their name online or running a vehicle history report to uncover any issues.
Insist on Seeing the Car in Person
Never buy a car without seeing it in person first. This gives you the chance to inspect the vehicle inside and out, test drive it, and ask the seller questions face-to-face. Be sure to test all functions – windows, lights, radio, AC, seat adjustments, wipers, etc. Take it for a long test drive on different road conditions. Be wary if the seller seems reluctant to let you inspect or drive the car thoroughly.
Bring Along a Mechanic
For extra peace of mind, bring a trusted mechanic along to inspect the car. They will be able to spot issues that you might miss and give an impartial assessment of the vehicle’s condition. Be prepared to pay your mechanic a fee for this service. A thorough inspection now can potentially save you from expensive repairs down the road.
Check Vehicle History Reports
Run a vehicle history report from a site like Carfax or AutoCheck, which can uncover past accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. While not foolproof, this can complement a mechanic’s inspection. Beware if the seller does not have records for service and ownership history. Refusing to provide a VIN for a report could signal the car has undisclosed problems.
Take the Car to Your Own Mechanic After Purchase
Even if you had a prepurchase inspection, take the vehicle to your own trusted mechanic right after buying it. Let them know you just purchased the car used and want to have it thoroughly checked over. This gives you a second opinion and the peace of mind that comes with having “your guy” assess the car.
Ask to See Maintenance Records
A car that has been properly maintained is less likely to have issues. Ask to see receipts and records showing oil changes, tire rotations, inspections, major repairs, etc. Consistent maintenance at the dealer or same shop is a good sign. Gaps in records could indicate neglect. Maintenance paperwork can also help verify odometer readings.
Take It for a Test Drive
Don’t just drive around the block. Take the car on a lengthy test drive on different roads, at various speeds. Get a feel for how the vehicle handles and listen closely for any unusual noises or sensations. Pay attention to steering, acceleration, braking, vibration, etc. Be sure to test things like air conditioning, radio, backup camera, seat heaters, and any other features advertised.
Inspect the Car Thoroughly
Look over both the exterior and interior carefully for existing or attempted coverups of damage, rust, worn parts, leaks, or other issues. Check that the VINs on the dash, door, and paperwork all match. Examine the tires for uneven wear and adequate tread. Use an OBD2 scanner tool to check for error codes. Be thorough – don’t gloss over anything in your excitement.
Meet in a Public Place
When first meeting the seller, arrange to meet in a well-lit, busy public location like a bank parking lot. This is safer than meeting at their home or in a dark location. A public meeting place can help deter scam attempts. You can then drive the car to a repair shop for inspection or follow the seller to their residence after this initial meetup.
Trust Your Instincts
If anything seems suspicious, unclear, or too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t ignore red flags just because you really want the car. A deal isn’t truly a deal if the vehicle has undisclosed issues. Back out if you get an odd vibe from the seller, encounter resistance during inspections or test drives, find inconsistencies in the paperwork, or have any other bad gut feeling.
Get All Paperwork
Make sure to get all titles, registration, service records, and any other vehicle documentation from the seller during purchase. You’ll need the title signed over to you and potentially a bill of sale as proof of purchase. Require any missing paperwork needed to register the vehicle in your state. Beware sellers who seem reluctant to produce these documents.
Verify Ownership
Run a vehicle title check to verify the seller is in fact the legal owner of the car. This can uncover issues like liens, fraudulent titles, or instances where the car is still registered to a previous owner due to title skipping. A title check also protects against unknowingly buying a stolen vehicle.
Check for Accident Damage
Carefully inspect the car yourself looking for uneven body panels, overspray, mismatched paint, and body filler indicative of repairs. Check that all VIN tags and stickers match. Have your mechanic inspect the undercarriage and vehicle frame for collision damage. Review the vehicle history report for reported accidents or damage.
Look for Flood Damage
Flooded cars can have lingering electrical issues, corrosion, mold, ruined interiors, and hidden mechanical damage. Look for water stains, mold, rust, or silt under carpets and seats. Test electronics like warning lights, windows, and lights thoroughly. Inspect the undercarriage for mud or corrosion. Confirm the car was not registered in a flood-prone area.
Watch Out for Odometer Fraud
Make sure the mileage seems consistent with the car’s age and don’t take an abnormally low number at face value. Compare the odometer reading with maintenance records and the vehicle history report. Look for wear on pedals and steering wheel that matches the claimed miles. Consider having a mechanic inspect for other signs of potential odometer tampering.
Confirm No Liens or Loans
If the vehicle has an outstanding loan or lien, the bank owns the car until paid off – not the seller. Run a vehicle title check to confirm there are no outstanding financial obligations. Make sure any loans are settled and the title is clean prior to purchase.
Watch Out for Curbsiders
“Curbsiders” pose as private sellers but actually deal in multiple cars without a dealer license. Ask for ID and confirm the name on the title is the person selling. Search online for similar listings. Be wary of those “selling for a friend.” Professional photos or vague descriptions can also be red flags.
Beware Private Party Scams
Use caution around listings that seem too good to be true, tries to draw you off Facebook, requests deposits before seeing the car, comes from recently created accounts, or anything else that seems suspicious. These could be outright scams designed to defraud eager car shoppers.
Pay Safely
Try to use secure payment methods when possible. Services like PayPal Goods can offer buyer protection. Avoid risky payment types like cash, wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, etc. Never send payment without seeing the car, and complete the transaction in person rather than accepting sight-unseen delivery.
Get It Inspected Post-Purchase
Even if you had a prepurchase inspection, take the car to your own trusted mechanic after buying for a second opinion. Have them give the car a thorough inspection to check for any issues that may have been missed before. This provides peace of mind with your purchase.
Consider a Warranty
Used vehicles don’t come with any manufacturer warranty, so consider purchasing an extended warranty for extra protection. Reputable companies like Endurance and CarShield offer coverage for breakdowns and repairs. Just be sure to read the policy carefully and review exclusions.
Research Common Issues
Learn about any widespread issues with the vehicle’s make, model, and year prior to purchase. For example, certain vehicles may have problematic transmissions, electrical faults, premature rust, or other defects. Go in with eyes open to the potential problems to inspect closely or ask a mechanic about.
Don’t Ignore Deal Breakers
Overlooking issues now because you really want the car can lead to headaches and expenses later. If the vehicle has clear deal breakers like prior wreck damage, flood history, mechanical problems, title concerns, etc., it’s best to walk away no matter how appealing the initial price may be.
Conclusion
With some caution, inspection and preparation, you can find a great deal on a used car via Facebook Marketplace. But you also need to protect yourself from scams, false advertising, and lemons. By taking the proper steps outlined here and using common sense, you’ll end up with a quality used vehicle while avoiding an unsafe, fraudulent, or financially disastrous situation.