Ever bought a car from a curbstoner off Craigslist?

[Anonymous]

Seems like a lot of the cars on craigslist are being offered by curbstoners (unlicensed car dealers). For example:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/4951864861.html
and
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/4963296442.html

You can tell it's an independent dealer because when you google the phone number several other car ads show up. Anyone have any experience buying one of these? The prices are certainly less than at dealerships but of course they don't have the same overhead.

I'm a little concerned that the car may end up being stolen because curbstoners typically don't take title to the vehicle to avoid paying taxes on them. I assume I can address this by getting a carfax report and by calling the non-emergency police number in VA, DC and MD and having them run the VIN to check. Alternatively, would it be better to just buy the car from them simultaneously with registering the car at the DMV. So, I could have them meet me at the DMV and turn over the money right as the car is being registered?

Of course I'd have a mechanic look at the car too because apparently a salvage title won't always show up in a carfax search. Any other helpful advice?

[Anonymous]

Better make sure it has a clean title. I personally would not purchase from one of these places. You're encouraging them to stay in business by giving them your money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Better make sure it has a clean title. I personally would not purchase from one of these places. You're encouraging them to stay in business by giving them your money.

I'd love to buy a car from a regular private seller but it seems like almost every CL post with a car from 2012 or newer is from one of these places.

Alternatively, is there a better site I should be using to find a private party sale?

[Anonymous]

Have you tried autotrader.com?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you tried autotrader.com?

I just looked, there's not much on there from private sellers. I don't need a car immediately though so I'll keep it in mind during my search.

[Anonymous]

Try cars.com also.

[Anonymous]

Lots of dealerships sell used cars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of dealerships sell used cars.

Give me a little credit, obviously dealers sell used cars. I'd rather buy from a private seller and not pay the dealer markup so we both keep a little money in our pockets.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lots of dealerships sell used cars.

Give me a little credit, obviously dealers sell used cars. I'd rather buy from a private seller and not pay the dealer markup so we both keep a little money in our pockets.

You seem penny wise but pound foolish

[Anonymous]

My friend just posted on Facebook that she bought a car on curbster. She seemed happy about it.

[Anonymous]

Woodbridge Auto Auction.
Cheap and they will negotiate with you if you go late in the evening.

[Anonymous]

I've purchased cars off craigslist, but not from a "curbstoner." I've met with a curbstoner from craigslist about a car, but he was full of fibs, so I didn't buy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've purchased cars off craigslist, but not from a "curbstoner." I've met with a curbstoner from craigslist about a car, but he was full of fibs, so I didn't buy.

Yeah, I've done a little more reading on it and I've decided against it. The main issue is not knowing where the car came from. Most cars that are the age I'm looking for (2-3 years old) will be on lots because customers trade them in. I think the only cars these flippers will have are totaled cars from insurance auctions.

[Anonymous]

When it comes to buying a used car, it is always smart to do ALL of your homework.

The used car business is one of the shadiest businesses around.

OP, good for you for being smart enough to do your homework as well as having a good dose of common sense.

Good luck + I hope you find a good car soon!

[Anonymous]

try carmax.