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How do I get a car on Craigslist without getting scammed?

I often scour Craigslist to see if I can find a great deal on a car. Well, ding ding—I found one. But I'm still apprehensive about the process. How do I buy a car without getting scammed?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Craigslist is actually a great place to find a bargain, provided you know what you’re doing. With these tips, you may be able to scoop up an awesome car at a killer price.
To get a car on Craigslist without getting scammed:
  • Assess the car listing. Be realistic—if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Ask the right questions. Ask things that only a seller would know like the last time the car was serviced, how many owners it’s had, the color of the interior, etc.
  • Meet the seller in a public location where people will be around, and do it during the daytime.
  • Test drive the car and negotiate the price.
  • Shop around for a
    car loan
    or purchase the car with cash.
  • Get car insurance and register and title the car in your name.
With Craigslist, it’s smart to be skeptical and put your safety first, but you just might find a steal of a deal. And you can get car insurance for a bargain, too—just download the
Jerry
app to compare rates from over 40 top insurers in the industry. The average Jerry user saves up to $879 a year on car insurance.
Enjoy your new ride!
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