How to Buy a Car on Craigslist
If you have just bought a car on Craigslist that is not in working condition, or you need to ship off to different location, you may need to hire an auto transporter. According to Craigslist, offers to ship a vehicle by the seller are often a scam. Check out Craigslist’s guide to avoiding scammers for more information. The safest alternative is to prepare and ship the vehicle yourself with a transport company you can trust.
Craigslist Auto Transport
You have a variety of different options when transporting a vehicle purchased off Craigslist. Your car can be towed, driven or loaded into a car-carrying trailer, from large multi-vehicle transport trailers, to single-car “hot-shot” transport. For more information visit our page on service options for auto transport.
If the car is not in working condition, the option of driving it is obviously out of the question. Keep in mind, you may also incur additional transportation fees, especially if the wheels and tires are not highway ready or there is difficulty loading it onto a trailer or tow dolly.
Craigslist Auto Transport: Select a Carrier
Once you have selected the type of service you want to use to transport your vehicle, use uShip to find a company you are comfortable with. Make sure that you confirm each company’s legal carrier status and credentials by checking their USDOT or MC numbers, found on their uShip profile, and against records at The Department of Transportation.
You should also inquire about insurance and review their profile for feedback and comments. Our guide on choosing an auto transporter may be useful as you make your selection. You should make sure that the transportation company knows that they will be picking the vehicle up from the Craigslist seller’s home or business, and that punctuality and professionalism are a priority.
Craigslist Auto Transport: Tips
If you are unable to be present during the move, you will need someone you trust to complete and sign off on the pre-shipment or post-shipment inspections. Transportation companies will assess your vehicle and give you a condition report, which is very important if you have to make an insurance claim later on. The driver will also inspect the car to ensure that it is prepared for transport before he loads it.
Keep in mind, properly preparing your car for transport is the easiest way to ensure that your vehicle will arrive safely at its destination. Either take the time to properly prepare the vehicle, or ask the seller what their plan is for preparation.
