You need a car ASAP. Craigslist may be the best way to buy a car.

Over nine million Craigslist used-car ads are viewed daily. Buying a car on Craigslist is convenient, and used vehicles for sale on Craigslist are cheaper than dealership vehicles.

Do you need to ship a car from Craigslist? You could search for a car dolly for sale on Craigslist, but a Craigslist car dolly for sale may be expensive ($800 to $3,500).

An auto shipper may better meet your Craigslist transport needs versus using a Craigslist car tow dolly. Let's explore towing, buying, and posting a car on Craigslist.

Buying a Car on Craigslist

You may wonder how to buy a car from Craigslist. Buying cars on Craigslist is the best way to buy a car if you're looking for the best deals.

Some buyers and sellers view Craigslist as better than online car auctions because using the site is free. Online auctions often charge commissions or fees to list or bid on cars.

Craigslist also has a broad inventory of vehicles for sale. Some auctions have limited vehicle selections for online car buyers.

Tips for Buying a Used Car Out of State

Determine what kind of vehicle you wish to buy and your target price. Use the site's filters to narrow your car search. These filters may include the following:

  • Maximum and minimum price
  • Color
  • Location

Suppose you find an excellent car deal on Craigslist but the car is in a different state. Check the seller's Craigslist reviews to see if their previous buyers have had good or bad experiences with them. Stick to those with positive ratings.

Double-check to ensure the vehicle in the ad matches the description. Look up the car on the Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to determine that car model's current value. Call the seller immediately about the vehicle if you feel the price is fair.

Buying Used Vehicles for Sale on Craigslist

Individuals wondering how to buy a car from Craigslist should inspect their target vehicles thoroughly after meeting the vehicles' sellers. Meeting a seller in a parking lot or other public place during the daytime can help ensure the safety of those trying to buy a car from another state.

Anyone buying a vehicle on Craigslist should examine the car's exterior and look beneath the hood for broken parts or leaks. Look inside the automobile for water-related damage. Test all features and buttons (e.g., radio and power window buttons) during your pre-purchase car inspection.

People buying cars off of Craigslist should also take their vehicles for test drives. The car might have issues if it can't reach interstate speeds or produces funny vibrations, sounds, or smells.

Offer 15% below your desired vehicle's KBB value or asking price. Ask to deduct repair costs from the vehicle price if you discover problems with the car but still want to buy it.

Suppose you and the seller agree to a car price. The seller likely accepts cashier's checks or cash. Avoid using Venmo or PayPal, since they don't guarantee or protect vehicle transactions. Wire transfers aren't the best option since their fraud risk is high.

Posting a Car on Craigslist

Are you selling a car in 2023? Craigslist can be a convenient place to find the perfect buyer.

Wash your car's exterior and interior before listing it on the site. Include a photo of the car's odometer to show potential buyers how many miles the vehicle has.

Add photos of your car's navigation system, tires, and parts beneath the hood. Ask for a fair price by consulting the KBB for your vehicle's fair market value.

Quality pictures and a fair car price will increase your chances of selling your vehicle quickly. Mention that your listed price is firm if you want to avoid negotiating the price with buyers.

Meet your potential buyers in visible places to ensure your security. Refrain from joining your buyers for test drives since they could harm you. Remember that you can replace a stolen car.

Accept personal checks from buyers only if you know them well. Cash or cashier's checks are the safest forms of payment, as mentioned earlier.

Craigslist Transport

You may need to transport your new vehicle to your home after you buy a car on Craigslist. There are a couple of options for Craigslist transport: using a car dolly or one of today's reputable auto transport companies.

Car Dolly For Sale On Craigslist

An out-of-state car buyer might look for a car dolly on Craigslist to meet their Craigslist transport needs after buying a car for sale on the site. Car dollies, also called tow dollies, are used to haul vehicles. The main benefit of a car dolly is that it's compatible with many vehicles and is simple to detach and attach.

Why Not Use a Craigslist Car Dolly For Sale?

Car dollies may not be the best for Craigslist transportation because they add length and weight to cars. This may affect your vehicle's fuel economy and maneuverability.

Other Craigslist Car Tow Dolly Cons

Another reason to avoid using a tow dolly for Craigslist transport is it takes time to unload and load a towed vehicle. Another vehicle could also easily damage your towed vehicle by running into it.

Best Way to Ship a Car From Craigslist

A popular way to ship a car to another state is to use an auto transport company. The company can transport your vehicle on an open or enclosed hauler, depending on your budget and preference.

An open hauler is more cost-effective but doesn't contain walls and a roof to shield your car from the elements like an enclosed trailer. Use a car shipping calculator to determine your cross-country car shipping costs.

How We Can Help You Ship Your Car

Buying a car on Craigslist may save you money since used vehicles for sale on Craigslist are usually cheaper than dealership cars. Posting a car on Craigslist can also be an excellent way to find a buyer for free.

Craigslist transport options include buying a car dolly for sale on Craigslist to tow your new vehicle. A Craigslist car dolly for sale can be expensive, though.

Ship a car from Craigslist using Nexus Auto Transport instead of using a Craigslist car tow dolly. Request an estimate, and enjoy a discount today!

Get a car shipping quote in seconds!