I am looking for a very inexpensive, but safe, car for Big Guy. He is coming home for the summer in 2 weeks and will need wheels to go to work. II've been looking on Craig's List, but am skeptical. Has anyone purchased a car from there? Thanks for any insight.

You're never fully dressed without a smile!

Okaaayyy?

I understand Mazdas are, uhm, durable.

What make you think that a used car salesman from NJ (they purchase the cars at auction and know little about them anyway?) would be more honest than a neighbor?

there is always a Carfax report. I did it one as my wife did not believe me when I told her a car she was looking at in a gas station was in a massive collision and should be trashed. Yes it was listed as salvage on the carfax.

I've sold a couple of cars on Craigslist. Craigslist can be a wonderful way to score a deal, but you are right. If it seems to good to be true, it probably is. If I had to give some advice, I would probably suggest the following:

1. Only look at ads that provide a phone number that you can call. If they only respond to emails, that could be an indicatioin of a "red flag." Also, with a phone number you can check the area code to see if the car is a "local" car.

2. Prepare questions regarding the vehicle to ask the owner. Listen to the owner's responses.

3. If you can, take someone with you to look at the car. A second set of eyes is always a good thing.

Good luck. Hopefully, you will find a great deal!

I agree with EdAudit. Carfax reports can provide you a lot of information.

I got a nice Mazda for sale... minor cosmetic work necessary...

Thanks Irishguy. Your suggestions are helpful. How can I get a carfax report when it's a private owner? Do I pay for this service? I am really ignorant when it comes to this stuff.

Only sold, never bought, but the above advice is good. Just do your homework.

May I suggest a nice (older) Buick?? Not stylin, but they're tanks, repairs are pretty cheap, mpg is respectable, and they also handle great in the winter!

^^^ Especially if that 'someone' has a little mechanic experience or is good working with cars.

And not your brother...

Can't he take the bus?

Following up on Irishguy's list, and it may be something you've already thought of, but make sure you meet any prospective sellers in very public places - grocery store parking lot, etc. Do not let them come to your house and don't go off somewhere private that they suggest.

I think you can get carfax reports online, can't you? Seems to me I've seen that advertised.

I think you need the VIN for that.

Vinny?

My Cousin?

smoke free too?

Minion, If you go C-L, make sure you get a carfax on whatever you're considering buying, (www.carfax.com) and see if you can take the car to a trusted mechanic or a service who does car inspections for a fee (they are usually independent and honest since it's their business but make sure they aren't familiar with the seller as well - yellow pages can provide you with some names). And, look the car over. If it looks like it's had some carppy body work, doesn't drive right, leaks (stains on the ground under it), etc. then consider moving on. Some new car dealers are more reputable as they sell their junk to auctions where independent lots buy them but you'll pay more at a new car dealer used lot.

Car fax if I recall, is a subscription for 30 days, pull as many on whatever vin you want.

I thought on CarFax, you could order a one time report or you could subscribe for 30 days. I believe the 30 day subscription is a better value. All you need is the VIN.

As far as going to someone's house or meeting in a public place, I've had potential buyers do both. Some have just come to my house while others have requested to meet in a very public place. Whatever you do, just be careful. If it doesn't feel right, that is probably an indication that you should move on.

Good luck!

Timely for you:

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/warning-signs-that-a-used-car-is-a-rebuilt-wreck.html

Perhaps you could cut the bottom out of a cardboard box, and draw two headlights on one end.

Can AG lend a BigWheel

That's confiscatory.