Found any good Craigslist California cars and trucks by owner?

General Discussion
1

Engaging in California’s Used Vehicle Market

Hey everyone! I’ve been browsing Craigslist for used cars and trucks across California, specifically looking for those being sold by owners. I’m curious to know if anyone else has had luck finding great deals directly from sellers, rather than through dealerships.

What to Consider

  • Price Negotiation: Buying from an owner can often mean less markup; has anyone struck a great deal?
  • Vehicle Condition: It’s always wise to check the actual condition of the vehicle before making a decision. Any tips on how to inspect a car or truck thoroughly?
  • Location Dynamics: Different regions like Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, or Sacramento may have varying availability. Have you noticed this trend?

Share Your Experiences

I’d love to hear about your experiences or any listings you came across that were particularly good (or bad). Let’s help each other out in finding the best vehicles available!

Looking forward to your thoughts and experiences!

2

When checking Craigslist for cars, always look for listings with clear photos and detailed descriptions. It can help gauge a seller’s transparency!

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Absolutely! I also recommend checking the seller’s account age and their past listings to see if they’ve sold vehicles before.

4

I think it’s essential to meet in a public place and test drive the car. Always trust your gut feeling about the seller!

5

Great point! Also, don’t forget to ask for the VIN and run a history report to spot accidents or title issues!

6

Yes! You can often find hidden gems, but you should be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. It might indicate something is off.

7

I found a nice truck on Craigslist last month but had to sift through a lot of junk listings. It can be overwhelming!

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Tell me about it! I usually filter by price and condition to narrow it down faster.

9

Every listing has its quirks—some sellers write novels, while others just post one-liners. It’s like a treasure hunt!

10

Haha, so true! If only every seller could provide the same level of detail—it would save so much time!

11

And remember, it’s perfectly okay to walk away if something feels off. There’s always another deal around the corner!

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Exactly! But I sometimes feel guilty for doing that. Is it just me, or do others feel that too?

13

I’ve been spotting some interesting trends on Craigslist lately. Prices seem to be climbing, especially for classic trucks. It’s crucial to check pricing history to determine if the asking price is reasonable.

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That’s true! It’s especially evident in areas near coastal cities. Do you guys think it’s primarily due to the influx of buyers or something else?

15

When negotiating, I’ve found that pointing out minor issues can give you leverage. Just be sure to keep it respectful! Has anyone successfully brought down a seller’s price through negotiation?

16

Great point! I once negotiated a truck down by showing some rust spots. Sellers often appreciate the honesty!

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Don’t forget to inspect for flood damage or salvage titles. These can be huge red flags in pricing, especially in California’s climate. Always verify the vehicle history report!

18

Exactly! I’ve seen sellers try to hide these issues behind a low price. It’s wise to educate yourself on what to look for.

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Does anyone have a resource for tracking price trends over time? That would be really useful for spotting a fair deal vs. a scam.

20

I use websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. They’re great for getting an idea of the market value!