Buying a car directly from a private seller can save you money compared to a dealership. But it also comes with more risk. On Reddit, countless buyers share horror stories about shady sellers, missing paperwork, and costly mistakes.
If you’re considering buying from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or even a neighbor, here are the 10 biggest red flags to watch for—straight from experienced car buyers.
1. Title Doesn’t Match the Seller
If the name on the title isn’t the person selling the car, walk away.
“Verify the title name, address, make, model and VIN to the car/seller’s license. If the title is in a different name—do not buy.”
✅ Always confirm the seller is the legal owner. Title “jumping” (when someone sells a car without putting it in their name) is illegal and could leave you without ownership rights.
2. Seller Refuses to Show ID
A legitimate seller should have no problem showing a driver’s license that matches the title. If they refuse, assume they have something to hide.
3. No Vehicle History Report
“Nothing the seller tells you matters. Just take the car to a mechanic for an inspection.”
If they won’t provide a Carfax or AutoCheck report—or if they discourage you from running one—that’s a red flag. History reports can reveal accidents, salvage titles, odometer rollbacks, or flood damage.
4. Seller Refuses a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Never buy a car you haven’t had inspected by an independent mechanic. A private seller who says “you don’t need it” may be hiding major problems.
Pro tip: Some Redditors recommend standing outside at startup to check for smoke, strange noises, or leaks.
5. Dashboard Lights Don’t Turn On
Scammers sometimes cover warning lights with tape or disable them.
👉 When you turn the key to the “on” position (before starting the engine), all dash lights should briefly illuminate. If they don’t, assume something is wrong.
6. Incomplete or Sketchy Paperwork
A proper bill of sale should include:
- Buyer and seller names and addresses
- VIN and vehicle details
- Sale price and date
- Both parties’ signatures
If the seller only wants cash with no paperwork, that’s a deal-breaker.
7. Asking for Cash Only, No Paper Trail
Paying in cash leaves you with no proof if something goes wrong. Many Redditors recommend a cashier’s check instead—it creates a paper trail and is safer for both parties.
8. Seller Won’t Answer Basic Questions
Legit sellers should easily answer:
- How long have you owned it?
- Why are you selling?
- Do you have service records?
Vague or evasive answers usually mean trouble.
9. Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing
If the price is way below market value, ask yourself why. It could be a salvage car, stolen, or hiding serious mechanical issues. Always cross-check with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds pricing tools.
10. Gut Feeling Tells You Something’s Off
Time and again, Redditors emphasize one thing: trust your instincts.
If the seller feels pushy, evasive, or shady—it’s not worth the risk, no matter how good the deal looks.
Final Thoughts
Buying a car from a private seller doesn’t have to be a gamble. By watching for these red flags—and insisting on proper paperwork, inspections, and transparency—you can protect yourself from becoming the next horror story.
At Integrity Carbuyer, we help buyers avoid costly mistakes by reviewing deals, spotting hidden risks, and ensuring fair value.
👉 Before you hand over cash for that private-party deal, upload your quote to Integris and let us flag the red flags for you.