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Buying a car online is not just a quick and easy decision. There are many websites to buy cars online from which you can choose. In most cases, it also requires financing, but that is just the start of several possible complications. And thanks to the internet, there are several platforms where you can buy a second-hand or new car, which increase the amount of risk. Two of the most popular platforms are eBay and Craigslist, and they will also be the focal points for this particular article. Should you buy a car on eBay or Craigslist cars sale by owner?
If you’re buying your first car, we suggest you use a reputable dealer.
eBay vs. Craigslist: Understanding The Different Platforms
Wondering which is the cheapest state to buy a new car? The best place to start when buying a car online would be to compare them and find what makes them different.
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Buying a car on eBay:
What should you know about buying a car on eBay? eBay Motors acts as the middleman between the buyer and the seller while trying to prevent scams from surfacing.
Unfortunately, the platform is still a victim of regular scamming of people buying a car online, and using caution is always recommended. Basically, there is a degree of monitoring involved, but it’s not a guarantee you won’t get scammed.
Likewise, sellers can make their own lives easier by following this helpful car selling guide.
Buying a car on Craigslist:
When you think about auto Craigslist, think about a more retro style of advertising. However, there is no middleman involved, meaning the seller and buyer work directly with each other. Essentially, this is a basic advertising service, focused on simplicity.
Just like with eBay, you have no guarantee that you will receive what you buy, you just don’t have a third party you can complain to.
The Buying Process:
There isn’t much difference regarding the actual buying process when you buy a car online from eBay vs Craigslist (or a boat for that matter). For both platforms, you will need to get your own financing, unless it is offered by the seller, and there is only one big difference.
When buying on eBay, you’ll get the option to bid on a car instead of making an instant purchase. This can either work for you, or it can go against your plans. So, with eBay, you get more options in terms of how you want to buy the car.
Whenever you buy a car, a pre-inspection is essential to making sure it is in good condition. Wondering how long does a pre purchase inspection take? Read our handy car buyer’s guide. (And don’t miss these tips if you’re buying a car online.)
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With Craigslist there are no bidding options available.
The Range Of Options
If you are wondering whether one platform has more options than the other, you are not going to find a definite answer. Both eBay and Craigslist have an extensive range, and they cater to areas near you.
So, when comparing eBay vs Craigslist on grounds of availability, both are going to deliver an extensive choice range when you buy a car online.
Looking for a cheap truck for sale? Read our blog post to find out which is the cheapest state to buy a car.
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More Prone To Scams
This is a sensitive issue because you have dedicated followers for each platform. But when it comes down to it, Craiglist is the most vulnerable platform, because there is no third party involved. With eBay bosses actively trying to curb a number of scam deals, Craigslist is a platform that doesn’t extend further than putting two people in contact with each other.
The Element Of Trust
It’s easier to find trustworthy sellers on eBay, thanks to the rating system they have in place. This gives you a better idea of whether the seller can be trusted.
As for Craigslist, you have to trust your instincts, which is not ideal if you are prepared to spend thousands of dollars on a car for sale by owner.
If a winner has to be chosen between eBay vs Craigslist, eBay has a slight advantage, if only for the rating system and the third party investigations.
And while many sellers can be trusted on Craigslist, one can’t help feeling that shadow of doubt lingering in the background.
In fact, there are some things you just shouldn’t be buying from either of them. And the complications that come with buying a car, not to mention the risk of losing your money to a shady seller, should be considered thoroughly before any final decisions are made.
There is no doubt that auctions can be a great place to find amazing deals, so it is not surprising that many people are now turning to police car auctions to find bargains and invest in vehicles. Find IAAI or police auto auctions with this handy guide.
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Now, take a quick break, and read: Car Shipping Rates | Why Pay More When You Can Pay Less.
