by Andrew Rohrlich
Knowing where to start when buying a car can be tricky, especially if you're looking for a used car from a private seller. As a car purchase is a significant investment, you want to get the best deal possible for your wallet.
Cars.com is one popular car marketplace that offers buyers the opportunity to browse thousands of private party listings from all over the country and pay fair prices for good rides. However, purchasing a vehicle from Cars.com works differently than buying from other marketplaces, so it's essential to understand the process before you get started. You'll also want to know the benefits and drawbacks of buying a car from a private seller to make an informed decision.
This guide will outline the best practices for buying a vehicle from the Cars.com used cars listings. You can use this information to find the perfect car for you and avoid any potential problems.
What Is Cars.com?
Cars.com is an online community for buying and selling vehicles from private parties, dealerships, and even vehicle auctions. It was founded in 1998 as one of the first online auto marketplaces and now serves millions of customers each month.
On Cars.com, buyers can search thousands of used cars for sale by make, model, year, and other criteria. They can also use the Cars.com price gauge tool to ensure they get a fair price on their desired vehicle.
Cars.com provides a wealth of knowledge and resources for buyers, including an extensive library of car reviews and buyer guides. It also offers a variety of educational tools and support from Cars.com experts, who can help you make informed decisions about your car purchase.
Why Buy From a Private Seller?
Several factors make buying a vehicle from a private seller an excellent option. Some of the benefits of doing so from the Cars.com used cars for sale section include:
- Variety of cars for sale. Private sellers often have unique vehicles that are not available through dealerships. This can allow you to purchase a rare or vintage car, as well as have more options when it comes to price and condition.
- Knowledgeable sellers. Many private sellers are knowledgeable about their vehicles and can provide a wealth of information about the car's history and condition. This can help you get an accurate picture of what the vehicle is like before you make a purchase.
- Possible discounts. Private sellers may be more open to negotiation than dealerships, which can give you greater flexibility regarding the price of your desired car.
- Local pickup. By buying from a private seller, you can avoid the hassle of having a car transported to your location and instead pick it up in person.
While buying from a private seller on Cars.com offers many benefits, there are also some disadvantages. For example, private sellers may not provide a warranty or guarantee on their vehicles, which can safeguard you from potential problems in the future.
Additionally, your finance options may be more limited when dealing with a private seller, so you'll need to arrange financing in advance. It's also important to remember that while Cars.com offers screening processes and safety measures to protect buyers, the transaction occurs between you and the seller.
You'll also be responsible for carrying out all the necessary paperwork and ensuring that the car is in good condition before you buy it. Due diligence is essential when purchasing a vehicle from a private seller — but with the proper precautions, you can ensure that your purchase is safe and secure.
The Private Party Car-Buying Process on Cars.com
Like with other online marketplaces, there's a simple process for purchasing a car from Cars.com. This online community offers a wide range of vehicles from private sellers, giving you plenty of options to explore when shopping for your next ride.
Let's walk through the steps you should take to make your purchase as smooth as possible.
Know What You're Looking For
Start by getting familiar with the types of vehicles available on Cars.com. You can browse cars for sale by make, model, year, and more to find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Consider your budget, the types of vehicles you're interested in, and any specific features important to you in your initial search.
Search and Filter for Cars on Cars.com
Once you've determined which type of vehicle you want, use the Cars.com search filters to narrow down your choices. You can filter by vehicle price, mileage, and other criteria like color, body style, and transmission.
The search feature on Cars.com also allows you to search by distance, deal rating, and fuel type. The comprehensive search tool will deliver a list of cars within your budget and criteria.
Contact Sellers to Get Further Details
Once you've found a few cars for sale on Cars.com that fit your needs, reach out to the sellers to get more information about the vehicle. Ask them about the car's condition, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and what type of warranty or insurance comes with the sale.
The seller should be able to provide you with detailed information about the car and photos of the interior and exterior. You can also ask to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before purchase. Treat this transaction like any other purchase, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more information you have, the better.
If Everything Checks Out, Close the Deal
Now that you've found the car you want and have all the necessary information, you can move ahead with the purchase. Finalize negotiations for the price and payment method, and confirm any additional details, such as delivery or pickup.
Take the time to read all documents carefully before signing them. Have the documents sent to you electronically, and always keep copies for your records. Be ready to provide the required paperwork within the time frame specified by the seller, and the sale should go smoothly.
Best Practices for Buying a Car on Cars.com
If you're looking for tips on how to buy used Cars.com vehicles, here are some of the best practices you should keep in mind:
Check Vehicle History Reports
Before you purchase a car, run a vehicle history report to get an in-depth look at the car's background. This can provide critical information about the vehicle's previous owners and any repair or damage incidents it has been through.
Additionally, the report should include any critical recall information. This will help you determine if the car is a good fit for your needs or whether it would be best to look elsewhere.
You can quickly get a current vehicle owner history report from CarFax directly on the Cars.com website. Additional fees may apply for a full report that includes all owners and the complete history and service records for the specific vehicle.
Schedule a Test Drive
Remember to test drive the car before you purchase it. This will give you a feel for the vehicle and ensure it's in good working condition.
You can also bring a friend or family member for an extra set of eyes to look for any potential faults with the car. The test drive will also allow you to ask additional questions about the vehicle before closing the deal. As an informed buyer, you'll prevent unforeseen issues from arising after the purchase.
Take Your Time Reading Vehicle Descriptions
Sellers write the vehicle descriptions on Cars.com and should provide an accurate account of the car's condition and features. Take a few minutes to read these thoroughly and ensure they match your expectations.
If you don't understand something, be sure to reach out by email to ask the seller for clarity. It's better to get all your questions answered before committing to purchasing a vehicle. It will also help you avoid misunderstandings or disputes with the seller after closing the deal.
While you can trust sellers to provide accurate information on Cars.com, it's always wise to research before buying a car. This will help you get the best deal and ensure you purchase a vehicle that meets your expectations in terms of condition and price.
When you're ready to buy Cars.com cars, the process is straightforward. You'll be fully prepared to finalize the deal with the proper research, patience, and attention to detail.
Your Solution to a Safe and Successful Car Buying Experience
Purchasing a car from Cars.com can be a great solution if you're looking for an easy and secure way to buy a vehicle from a private seller. With all the best practices, tips, and information provided here, you should have no trouble finding your dream car quickly and at a fair price.
All that's left is to complete the paperwork and pay for the vehicle. A secure transaction is one of the most significant aspects of buying a car online, so make sure to use a safe process for payment and delivery. Private party Cars.com buyers should always take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their money.
This article was written by Andrew Rohrlich. As a brand and product marketing expert, Andrew Rohrlich has crafted products, experiences and communications for household names like Gap and for multiple automotive technology businesses. For nearly a decade Andrew has studied automotive retail in depth from a customer point of view and aggregated the industry’s best research, thought leadership and know how to provide credible and important information to auto shoppers and sellers.
Start your transaction with Caramel, learn more about how the process works, or reach out to our Support team with any questions.
