Is It Safe To Buy a Car on Facebook Marketplace? 15 Tips To Consider

 Is it safe to buy a car on Facebook Marketplace? 15 tips to consider

It wasn't that long ago that the idea of ​​buying a used car online seemed outlandish. Now it's completely normal. One popular way to search for and potentially snag a car online is to go through Facebook Marketplace. But what should you know beforehand? GO Ban king Rates found out from car experts how to buy a car on Facebook Marketplace without getting scammed or scammed into buying a lemon. Let's see.

Check out the seller's Facebook profile

Do a little snooping online about the car dealer. Definitely check their Facebook profile for red flags. "If the profile was created in 2023, it's usually a scam," said Patrick McCann, editor-in-chief of We Try Tyres. "They are also very likely to have dozens of cars for sale at the same time, which is another clear indication of fraud."

Back off if the car is too cheap

Spotted a 2022 Tesla in mint condition with an absurdly low asking price? Something is wrong if the car is too cheap. "If it's too good to be true, it usually is," McCann said. "Low prices entice people to click and ask, and once you ask, they're very good at selling you the vehicle and saying all the right things to convince you it's a real deal."

If you're being pressured to spend money on a car that you haven't yet personally appraised, you should consider this a red flag that you're dealing with a scammer. "The scammer will pressure you to have someone else come look at it, but you can have it by transferring the deposit first," McCann said. "Don't do it. They'll stop responding and you'll never get your money back.", Explore the background of the car photo

Here's something you might never have thought to do: Look at the background of the photo in which the car is shown. "If pictures of a vehicle show a quiet, green, leafy street, but their location shows they live right in the middle of a big city, that's another sign that the listing isn't legitimate," McCann said.

Consider the age of the car

You can often save money by buying an older car, but keep in mind that buying an older vehicle could end up spending more in the long run. "As a car ages, parts wear out and lead to failures or replacements," said Michael Douglas, managing director and head of Chase Auto Dealer Operations & Credit at JPMorgan Chase. "This also leads to the possibility of higher maintenance costs."

Your typical car can actually go up to 200,000 miles before it breaks down for good, but you should still be wary of buying a vehicle that has tons of miles on it. "A car with more miles will often need more repairs and replacement parts," Douglas said. "You'll want to find a used car with potentially low mileage if you plan to drive long distances or keep the car for an extended period of time."

Keep in mind that not all used cars come with a warranty.

"When you buy a used car, the manufacturer's warranty can expire," Douglas said. “Check with the dealer – if it's expired, you can try contacting the manufacturer to see if an extended warranty is available and for how much. If the extension isn't available, is too expensive, or doesn't seem useful to you, you'll be on your own if you need a fix. "

Know the history of the vehicle

Facebook Marketplace car listings often don't provide the most comprehensive overview of a car's history. It's important to look for these details and spot the red flags. "Some of the big issues to look out for on a vehicle history report: accidents, water damage, missing repair history and failed inspections," Douglas said.

View MOT history online

On a related note, check the vehicle's MOT history online to see all the faults it has had in the past, as well as what it failed on. "Avoid cars that have failed due to severe corrosion," McCann said. "Minor breakdowns like light bulbs or easily replaceable maintenance parts like brake pads or discs are nothing to worry about."

Don't forget to check under the hood for potential problems. "During the inspection, checking under the hood for any warning signs is a must," Douglas said. "Pay close attention to the engine and any signs of leaks, cracks, rust, smoke, or a burning smell."

Check the frame and bodywork

In addition to a thorough examination under the hood, you must also thoroughly inspect the frame and body of any used car you are considering purchasing. "An exterior inspection must take into account any visible signs of dents, scratches, paint damage, rust and anything else that could raise a red flag," Douglas said. "This check should also include the underbody, mirrors, lights and windshields."

Watch out for uneven tire tread wear

When inspecting the car in person, look out for uneven tire tread wear, which could indicate a hidden alignment problem. "That could have costly consequences later," Douglas said. "And if the tires need immediate replacement, you should factor that cost into your quote."

Check out the interior

Be sure to carefully inspect the interior of the car for any potentially expensive problems. “Check the upholstery and trunk for damage,” Douglas said. “Check the dashboard to make sure everything is in order.

Compare with other car offers

To find out if a car is a good buy, you need to compare it to similar vehicles found on other car sales websites. "That will give you a rough idea of ​​what the car is worth and how much you should want to pay," said McCann, who adds that you can expect some savings when buying from a private seller on Facebook instead of the public.

Meet at a public location for the test drive and paperwork

Perhaps the most important of all these tips is to put your safety first and meet the Facebook Marketplace seller in a public setting. Don't forget to turn on your phone's location and tell people where you're going. "Once you've decided to look at the car, suggest a public place to meet, like a parking lot," McCann said. "Take the vehicle for a test drive, make sure the papers are in the seller's name and they have all the vehicle's service history."