People spend their free time in many different ways. Some enjoy hobbies, others play video games, but most people spend significant time on their phones. Most scroll through Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, but I’ve spent countless hours browsing Facebook Marketplace. Through my experiences, I’ve seen both green and red flags. So, without further ado, these are some things to look out for when buying a used car.
1: Photos
Most photos you will see on FB Marketplace are taken vertically. However, if the images are in a horizontal (landscape) orientation, you’re most likely dealing with a credible seller who knows what they’re doing.
The setting of the photo is also quite important. Most pictures are taken in someone’s driveway, garage, or a random parking lot. However, if the photos are taken in a nice environment, like a park or a turnout, you’ll be just fine.
2: Price
If it’s too good to be true, nine times out of ten, it is. Be wary of extremely low prices, as the vehicle will likely have issues. You should invest $20-30 in an OBD-II reader. This little device plugs into a port found in all cars after the mid-‘90s. The device will check the car’s computer for any error codes the owner may be trying to hide.
3: Mileage
It’s pretty simple. The more a car has been driven, the more likely it is to have a serious issue. If the car you’re looking at has under 100,000 miles, it probably won’t have many issues. Once you get past 100,000 miles, you’ll likely start seeing a few issues. However, this depends on the make and model, as some cars can last way longer than others. Do your research on the reliability of the car you’re looking at.
4: Seller Background
Check the seller’s Facebook profile to see reviews from previous buyers. Be sure to check if the seller is responsive and professional. You should also see if the seller either has little to no activity or if they’re selling tons of stuff. There are valid explanations for both; either they just don’t use Facebook much, or they work for a dealership. They are likely just doing some deep cleaning and getting rid of junk. However, if a suspicious profile posts a listing with these other issues, you should probably reconsider buying the car. Most importantly, remember that you can walk away if you feel uncomfortable.
5: Serious Warning Signs
You should probably reconsider buying if:
- The license plate is from a faraway state
- The listing is very vague or looks AI-generated
- The seller actively avoids meeting in person
These are all signs that the seller doesn’t have a car to sell. They’ll likely use images stolen from other listings. The last point is the most important, though. Never, under any circumstances, buy a car without meeting the seller in person. If you buy a car without meeting in person, the seller will likely just take the money and run.
It’s not complicated; just use your common sense. Check the vehicle for any issues and talk to the seller about the vehicle’s history. Do some basic research on the make and model of the car, and, if able, take the car to a mechanic for an inspection before you buy it. Good luck, and happy hunting!
