Is craigslist a good place to look for a used tacoma?

I live in GA, and I'm looking to buy a tacoma. I just wanted to know if craigslist/personal buyers are legit places to look for cars, or if I should just look through dealerships? I want a custom truck, but I also want it to have a good record (carfax, no accidents, etc.) and I think dealerships are usually the safer bet.

 

I think original owners are the best sellers. Everyone else, you have to thread extra carefully. In my area, craigslist sellers are dominated by used car dealers and private parties with salvaged titles. Some of the dealerships in my area offer certified used cars; they come with a decent warranty and go through multipoint inspections by mechanics. You pay a pretty penny too, but you get more peace of mind. Good luck.

 

I've bought and sold several vehicles off CL private party. I love getting a good deal. My advise is if you choose to buy private party:
1- Take potential vehicle to a trusted mechanic (call and ask first) and tip em for taking a look at potential vehicle.
2- Have a paperwork checklist ready (does your state require bill of sale, leave old plates and registration, check vin on title and dash).
3- As a rule of thumb, never buy a vehicle at night.
4- Be emotionally prepared to turn down a vehicle if it's not fitting your needs/wants.
There's more advise, but craigslist has been fine for me.

 

Im not sure if this will help but here is some tips:

1.) Don't be afraid to offer a lower price (especially if you do some homework on value) It seems many people want to add extra into cost on basic normal wear and tear

2.) Pay in cash. If the seller is demanding paypal, WALK AWAY. super easy to get burned with pay pal and with that amount of money I really wouldn't trust pay pal to get it back

3.) Make sure the title is in hand. I get leery when no title is available (even if a beat up car) who knows whats wrong with that.

4.) Its ok to walk away. If your gut is saying no (or even unsure) walk away no point getting it.

I have use craigslist for other buying vehicles (potentially) And I have always used my gut (with some research) to see if worth it.

 

Selling on CL I do the transactions at my bank. I let them look over the bills and cashier's checks. I'll sign the title over only at my bank, once the money has been approved. The test drive ends at the bank.

 

Just remember to have a mechanic check it out

 

Bought Mine off craigslist 5+yrs ago and offered 6k less then asking price and he took it. I stood strong on my offer and was a cash buyer, which helps. I did run a carfax and knew the history of the truck (because my bro worked as a mechanic at the Toyota dealer it was purchased and serviced from). It was also the original owner with 38k on the odometer

Bottom line is Craigslist is fine, just be cautious and aware.