Facebook Cars And Trucks For Sale By Owner (2024)

FAQs

Can you trust buying a car on Facebook? ›

In some cases, scammers advertise cars that they don't own. They might claim to be selling the car for a friend or relative and ask for payment via wire transfer or other untraceable methods. After receiving the payment, the scammer vanishes, and the buyer never receives the car.

Lower Priced Cars on Facebook Marketplace

Like everyone else selling something, dealerships are usually trying to make some money on the sale. Private sellers typically have the same goal of making money on a sale but it's not their biggest worry, which could lead them to list vehicles for lower prices.

Accepting cash or a cashier's check can help avoid scams. During the handover, ensure to count and verify the validity of the money or cashier's check. Escrow payments are a great option too. After receiving the payment, sign over the title to the buyer and provide them with a bill of sale.

Something is off if the car is too cheap. “If it is too good to be true, it usually is,” McCann said. “The low prices entice people to click and inquire, and once you inquire, they are very good at selling you the vehicle and say all the right things to convince you it's a real listing.”

Look Out for These Scam Warning Signs

However, you can avoid getting scammed by looking out for the following red flags. The listing is too good to be true, with an unbelievably (and probably falsely) low price. The same vehicle is listed in multiple locations throughout many states.

While it's great to unload something you don't need or buy something you do, Facebook Marketplace still has drawbacks. Like every online marketplace, scammers lurk there to take advantage of people, steal their money and items, or even trick them into revealing information that could lead to identity theft.

Local pickup items using person-to-person payment methods are not covered by Purchase Protection. Facebook does not offer refunds for any person-to-person transactions. Always be cautious when using person-to-person transactions to purchase Marketplace items, especially if an item needs to be shipped.

Research the fair market value for the vehicle you want to buy. Never buy a vehicle that you can't see in person. If you can't inspect or test-drive a vehicle prior to the purchase, consider it a scam. If the seller demands an advance payment, walk away.

It's advisable to be cautious about sharing your VIN on public platforms, including Facebook Marketplace. Instead, consider sharing it directly with serious buyers through private messages.

"If a seller has multiple listings of the same piece, no profile picture, or they're a new account without ratings, those are immediate red flags."

How can I avoid being scammed when selling a car privately? ›

As for payment, carrying cash, especially a lot of cash, is risky. Facebook Marketplace recommends a secure person-to-person payment method such as PayPal.

Purchasing a car from an unknown person poses a safety risk, especially when meeting face-to-face to complete the transaction and exchange money. There is no purchase protection on vehicles sold via Facebook Marketplace, so it's important to be diligent.

Facebook does not charge individual sellers. These are Facebook users who just want to post a pre-loved item, such as a motorcycle, car, or old toys and clothes.

One of the primary reasons fake ads proliferate on Facebook Marketplace is the exploitation of loopholes within the platform. Scammers often find ways to bypass Facebook's automated filters and moderation systems, allowing them to post fraudulent listings that can deceive unsuspecting users.

The bottom line

Sellers should be honest about pre-existing damage, make sure photos and descriptions match and offer a fair price. Buyers should be aware of scams, consider a VIN report to verify the car's history and take steps to stay safe during the transaction.

How does the Facebook marketplace work for cars? Dealerships as well as private sellers can list their pre-owned certified vehicles on the Facebook marketplace. Buyers can search for used or pre-owned cars, specifically in most of the US.

Try to get information about the car's history — ask about any accidents the car's been in and how many owners it's had. Get the car's vehicle identification number (VIN). Before buying a used car from a private party, have a trusted mechanic check that the vehicle is in good working order.

Cost-Effective Advertising: Facebook offers flexible budget options, allowing dealerships to optimize their ad spend and allocate resources efficiently. With careful targeting and measurement of campaign performance, auto dealerships can achieve cost-effective advertising and maximize their return on investment.