MYCARLADY’s 10 Top Tips when Buying or Selling a CAR online. Before you start posting your car on Craig’s List, Autotrader, eBay and others, these are the 10 top tips you should know before making or taking a call from a potential buyer, or selling your car online.
“Last year I found an ad on the internet for a late model luxury car priced $10k below market value. When I contacted the seller I was told I could place a deposit to “hold” the car until I could come and see it. I looked up the VIN on CARFAX and found the last known owner was a dealership in Texas, some 1800 miles away. I was suspicious. I asked the seller to provide a copy of the front and back of the title, which he never did. In the meantime I contacted the dealerhsip and found the car was actiually still on their lot! Keys on the sales manager’s desk. I reported the situation to the dealership, and by the time I went back to the website, the posting was gone.”
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Be sure the Title matches the name of the seller.
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Beware of “SALVAGE”, “REBUILT” or “TOTALLED” Titles.
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Make sure the Title has had the lien released either with a stamp or letter attached.
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Look for a watermark or STATE embellishment on the Title.
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Don’t list any personal info. online. Use a cell phone and a hotmail.com or gmail.com email address.
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Do NOT list the VIN online. Provide the Vin once you’ve vetted the client.
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DO a VIN check service for potential irregularities.
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Never meet the buyer/seller alone. Meet at the bank where the funds will be drawn.
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Don’t take cash w/o a counterfeit pen handy. Deposit the cash before you get robbed.
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Remove the license plates from the car and deposit the funds BEFORE signing over the Title.
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Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS
