Craigslist still works in 2025—but only if you know what to watch for.
Many Craigslist users encounter listings that appear legitimate at first glance. The price may seem fair, and the description might claim there are no issues with the vehicle. But once viewed in person, signs of past damage, such as mismatched paint or uneven bodywork, can raise concerns. In some cases, running the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) reveals that the car carries a salvage title, which the seller failed to disclose.
Scenarios like this underscore the importance of understanding how Craigslist operates in 2025, particularly when purchasing or selling high-value items such as vehicles. Being aware of common red flags and knowing how to verify key details can help protect both buyers and sellers during the transaction.
This site remains a go-to destination for used car deals, particularly in local markets like Milwaukee. You can still find everything from a cheap new car to a vintage 1971 Ford F-250 on Craigslist, if you know where to look and what red flags to watch out for.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this guide, we’ll cover:
How to avoid Craigslist scams when buying or selling a car.
How to spot hidden issues like salvage titles and undisclosed damage.
Why Craigslist is still popular in 2025, and how to use it smarter.
Overview
Craigslist Still Works—But It Hasn’t Changed
If you’ve used Craigslist before, you’ll notice that it still looks the same. Same simple layout. Same gray background. Same blue links. The Craigslist logo has remained unchanged for over a decade.
This throwback design isn’t just for nostalgia. It’s part of what makes the site still load fast, even on slow connections. But the outdated look also means Craigslist lacks tools that help car buyers and sellers stay safe. There’s no built-in way to check a salvage title, filter for verified sellers, or report listings easily. That leaves a lot of room for confusion—or worse, scams.
And yet, the numbers don’t lie. Craigslist still generates 142 million monthly visits. That includes plenty of people searching Craigslist Milwaukee, where the site consistently ranks high in search results and serves as a hub for local vehicle listings. Whether you're hunting for a 2024 Toyota RAV4, an older pickup, or a cheap new car, Craigslist remains a reliable source for buyers seeking local inventory.
Top Craigslist Car Scams (and How to Spot Them)
Scammers haven’t gone anywhere in 2025, and Craigslist continues to provide them with a platform to operate. If you're buying or selling a car here, the red flags may not be immediately apparent. That’s why it helps to know what tricks people are still using.
Here are the most common scams you’ll run into:
Wire transfer requests: If someone asks you to send money before you see the car, walk away. No real deal starts with a wire transfer. Scammers like this method because it’s difficult to trace and almost impossible to recover your money.
Prices that feel too low: A 2024 Toyota RAV4 listed for thousands under value is a steal. It’s not. Most of the time, it's bait. Once you reach out, the car's suddenly gone, and the scammer pushes another “similar” car or asks for a deposit to hold it.
Fake shipping or escrow services: Be cautious of sellers who claim to ship the car using PayPal, Zelle, or a third-party service. These are often counterfeit setups designed to make you feel safe, while they take your money and vanish.
Reused or stolen photos: Some listings use images pulled from other classified sites or dealership ads. Reverse image searches can help. If you spot the same car on another site with different contact info, it’s likely a scam.
Pro Tip: Want to see real examples? This article on Craigslist scams illustrates how these scams play out in the real world.
How to Spot Salvage Titles and Hidden Damage
Some sellers are upfront. Others? Not so much. A car might look great in the listing, but that doesn’t mean it’s free of problems. It could have hidden damage or a salvage title, and unless you ask the right questions, you won’t know until it’s too late.
Here’s a simple checklist to protect yourself:
Always obtain the VIN: Request the car’s Vehicle Identification Number. Use it to run a history report through services like Carfax or AutoCheck. This will indicate whether the vehicle has been declared a total loss, rebuilt, or issued a salvage title.
Study the photos carefully: Low-quality or oddly cropped images can be a warning. Zoom in on reflections, gaps between body panels, or mismatched paint. These may indicate past repairs that the seller didn’t mention.
Check other sites: Search for the same photos or description across websites like Craigslist, OfferUp, or Facebook Marketplace. Scammers often reuse the duplicate listings.
Ask about maintenance records: Even if the car isn’t salvaged, skipping preventive maintenance can lead to big repairs. Ask for service records. If the seller avoids the question, that’s a red flag.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying from another city or state, shipping the car may seem like a simpler option, but don’t skip the steps above. And when it’s time to move the vehicle, AmeriFreight Car Shipping connects you with vetted vehicle carriers for safe car transport across the country.
Seller Tips: Build Trust and Close the Deal Safely
Selling a car on Craigslist can be quick, but only if buyers trust you. They’re already on high alert for scams, so your listing and your behavior need to convey honesty and safety from the start.
Here’s how to make that happen:
Fix the basics first: Buyers notice more than you think. If your car smells bad, has flat tires, or the dashboard lights are on, they’ll assume you don’t care. Quick fixes and light preventive maintenance can go a long way.
Be honest about the damage: If the car has dings, issues, or a salvage title, be sure to mention this upfront. Hiding it won’t just cost you the sale—it could get you flagged or reported.
Meet in public places: Lots of cities, including Milwaukee, now have police department parking lots where people meet for Craigslist deals. These areas are equipped with cameras, which help reduce the risk of theft.
Use simple payment methods: Most sellers prefer car for cash deals. However, count the bills in front of the buyer and check for counterfeit bills. You can also meet at a bank for added safety and instant deposit.
Have documents ready: Bring the title, bill of sale, and any maintenance records. A buyer feels more at ease when things are organized. If you're missing records, at least be clear about what's been done.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to fix everything or make the car perfect. But if buyers feel like you’re hiding something, they’ll move on. Want more help getting your vehicle ready to sell? Check out our Craigslist car selling tips for more ideas.
When Craigslist Isn’t Enough: Exploring Other Options
Craigslist still works for many car buyers and sellers, but it's not without its imperfections. Some people become frustrated with the lack of filters, the absence of user profiles, and the limited tools available to spot scams or salvage titles. If you've tried it and feel like something's missing, you're not alone.
Here are a few websites like Craigslist that offer more features and better peace of mind:
Facebook Marketplace: Built into the app, this one’s all about local deals. Sellers have profiles, and buyers can see mutual friends or public posts for added confidence.
Autotrader: Focused on vehicles only. It offers pricing guides, VIN checks, and dealership listings, which may be suitable for those seeking higher-priced but more secure sales.
OfferUp: This mobile-friendly app uses identity verification, ratings, and chat features to build trust. Great for local deals and car for cash exchanges.
CarGurus: Offers value analysis and alerts you if the price is below market. It helps spot a cheap new car that isn’t hiding major issues.
These sites give you more control over who sees your listing and how you communicate with them. You’ll also find better tools for buyers to check for hidden problems, like preventive maintenance gaps or title issues.
Pro Tip: If you're still unsure where to list or shop, visit our expert guide to the 20 Best Used Car Sites for comparison options.
Final Thoughts: Preparation Is What Matters
Whether you're buying or selling through Craigslist, the risks are real, but so are the rewards. You can still find a great deal on a new car, such as a rare 1971 Ford F250 on Craigslist, or sell your current ride for cash. But it all depends on how prepared you are.
Use this guide as a reference to avoid scams and be prepared when buying or selling on Craigslist. For more help on getting the best deal and staying safe, check out our comprehensive guide on buying cars from Craigslist and how to source used cars more effectively.
How AmeriFreight Car Shipping Can Help
If your deal involves relocating a car to or from another city or state, shipping may be a more sensible option than driving it yourself. That’s where AmeriFreight Car Shipping comes in. We help buyers and sellers move cars safely and securely. Our more than 20 years of experience in auto transport services solidifies our position in the industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to do if a Craigslist car seller asks for wire transfer?
Walk away from the deal. Legitimate sellers don’t request wire transfers, especially before the car is viewed in person.
How to spot undisclosed damage on a used car from Craigslist photos?
Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, or reflections that reveal dents; ask for additional photos if anything seems unclear.
How to properly test drive a used car from Craigslist?
Meet in a public place, bring someone along if possible, and test the car in varied conditions, including city streets, highways, and parking lots, while listening for noises or performance issues.
