Check that the user or dealer has sold items on Marketplace before; their rating should appear next to their name. A 4-5 star rating indicates that the seller should be trustworthy, granted that they have sold enough items to ensure a proper grade. Read the description and look for red flags and inconsistencies, as well as checking that there aren’t any defects with the vehicle. If a listing appears to be too good to be true, most of the time it is, unfortunately. Make sure to look through the photos and attempt to find any scratches or dents. If a seller is up front about cosmetic issues, this may be a good indicator of trustworthiness.
Use a site such as thezebra. com to easily compare insurance companies and observe a range in prices, and if you are considering multiple vehicle options make sure to change selections according and do multiple searches Seek out other companies not listed and get quotes, comparing these to the rates given by a site like The Zebra. Finally, commit to an insurer and receive proof of insurance. This will be needed later upon purchasing the car and driving it.
One of the most easily accessible and secure ways is through a mobile payment service such as CashApp or Venmo. Utilizing this method, you can complete the entire payment within seconds and the seller can watch the money arrive into their account instantaneously, alleviating any concerns of scamming on both ends. As for non-electronic methods, probably the second most secure way of payment is through a cashier’s check, which can be produced at your bank. Though these are vastly more secure than regular checks due to drawing from the bank’s account rather than your own, they can still be scammed with and sellers may prefer electronic payment over a cashier’s check. For anything over $2,000-$2,500, a cashier’s check is usually recommended. The next best option would be cash payment. This could prove to be clunky and inefficient, though. If you aren’t comfortable with any of the others, pay in cash but be wary of its potential issues. Check in with your state DMV’s website to check if you have to pay taxes when buying used cars from a private seller, as that vary by state.
Make sure the seller has the title and will be bringing it with them. You will not be able to register the car without it, so it is important that you make sure you receive this with the car. Try and find somewhere equidistant from both parties and at a location with other people present.
