Selling a car on Craigslist, question.

[redsmetz]

I'm selling both my car & my son's car on Craigslist, but I've got a question about listing something about mine.

My 2001 Toyota Corolla occasionally has the Check Engine light come on and it always shows a code 420 for the catalytic converter efficiency. My mechanic has said it probably needs the converter replaced (about $500), but another mechanic who handled fixing something on my door mentioned that on his daughter's Toyota (different model though) it actually was the sensor itself that needed replacing (about $150 fix). I haven't mentioned it in the ad yet, but I'm thinking I should just say it up front. When someone calls me (from the sign in the car) or emails me from Craigslist, I'm telling them this when talking about the car.

As I said, I'm inclined to go ahead and just add it up front. I'm guessing many of you will say likewise, but I thought I'd check with the wise folks here.

Also someone did email me today expressing interest and asked for the VIN #. After researching that, I saw that it's a fairly commonplace question and it was noted someone could just get it from a car if they were physically by it.

[Joseph]

Be honest. Tell people what you would want to know if you were buying a used car from someone. Let them know anything that you are aware is wrong, but be clear also that the car is in 'as is' condition meaning if the transmission falls out next week after they buy it, you aren't responsible.

The VIN# will allow someone to get a carfax type report if serious. So you should be willing to provide that if asked also.

Good luck!

[redsmetz]

Thanks, Joseph, I went ahead and added it and also mentioned the "glitchy" radio on/off volume switch too. I'd be telling folks about it anyway, so you're right, best to put it up front and let folks decide to proceed. My starting price anticipates some negotiating as it is.

[JaxRed]

I haven't sold a car in a long time, but if I did I'd be inclined to sell it to a Car-Max, just to avoid all the hassles.

[RBA]

Craigslist worked out well for me. Carmax and other car lots were offering way less than my car was worth. The only thing bad is I wish I had the car back.

[Jefferson24]

I recently bought a Mitsubishi Galant off Craigslist. It ended up needing about $250 dollars worth of parts and labor because of a squeal in the engine. The guy told me it was just a new belt that needed to be broke in, I knew better. I negotiated the price down $900 from his asking price based on the squeal and the age and miles of the tires.

Just be honest and prepare to negotiate a little.

[redsmetz]

I recently bought a Mitsubishi Galant off Craigslist. It ended up needing about $250 dollars worth of parts and labor because of a squeal in the engine. The guy told me it was just a new belt that needed to be broke in, I knew better. I negotiated the price down $900 from his asking price based on the squeal and the age and miles of the tires.

Just be honest and prepare to negotiate a little.

Since I knew I'd never not tell someone about this stuff, I figured it was best to just put it there. That saves calls.