If you’re looking to buy second-hand garden furniture, used sports equipment, or a bargain pre-loved kid’s bicycle, platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree immediately spring to mind. But when it comes to buying something as valuable and costly as a vehicle, is it really wise to shop via online peer-to-peer marketplaces?
We’ve all heard our fair share of horror stories involving professional scammers taking advantage of unsuspecting online shoppers. On the other hand, there are genuine private sellers selling high-quality used vehicles on Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree.
According to Mike Schlebach, founder of Screan, “The key to finding these bona fide gems is knowing how to shop safely and smartly online.”
The benefits
- Large selection of vehicles available: Because platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace are so widely used, there’s usually a wide range of popular vehicles available for sale in your area. This gives you a relatively good chance of finding a make and model that suits your needs.
- No dealership mark-up: A big pro of buying a vehicle directly from a private seller is that you don’t have to foot the bill for the dealership’s cut, making vehicles more affordable.
- Prices are usually negotiable: Most private sellers are open to negotiation. A confident and knowledgeable buyer can often negotiate a better price based on the vehicle’s condition, age, mileage, and market value.
The risks
- Scams, including dangerous ones, are common: Unfortunately, online peer-to-peer marketplaces are a breeding ground for scammers, fraudsters, and swindlers. Common scams include sellers vanishing the moment payment has been made without handing over the vehicle, demanding deposits to secure cars that don’t exist, selling stolen vehicles, and even luring buyers to secluded locations to rob or hijack them.
- Dishonest sellers: In addition to outright scams, indiscriminate private sellers may lie about a vehicle’s history or deliberately hide defects.
- You’re not protected by the Consumer Protection Act: “When you buy from a dealership, you get consumer protection as per the CPA,” explains Schlebach. “But when you buy privately, it’s mostly voetstoots.” In other words, should you discover a major hidden defect after the sale, there’s no way to get the seller to buy back the vehicle or pay for repairs.
How to buy a car safely via Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace.
Schlebach offers the following advice to prospective buyers thinking of purchasing a vehicle from a private seller online:
- Meet private sellers in a safe public place: Unfortunately, some scammers post fake listings online to lure buyers to secluded locations where they then rob or hijack them. “Do not go to a private residence to view a car,” says Schlebach. “Always meet the seller at a public place like a petrol station or even outside a police station.” Opt for well-lit spaces, preferably with CCTV.
- Use the VIN number to check the car’s history: “Using the VIN number, the vehicle manufacturer can give you a fairly detailed history of the vehicle, including when it was last serviced at the dealership,” says Schlebach. Alternatively, online services like VinDocs are able to supply a similar history, including whether the vehicle has been in an accident or been reported as stolen.
- Have someone knowledgeable carry out a pre-purchase car inspection: Because the average layman doesn’t know what to check when buying a second-hand car, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable friend, family member, or automotive professional check the vehicle over and take it for a spin before you make a decision. (Don’t have any car guru friends? Find out how Screan’s pre-purchase car inspection service solves this problem.)
- Don’t part with a cent until you have the car in hand and the paperwork signed: View any seller who requests a deposit or payment up front with suspicion. “Only make payment once both parties have completed and signed the transfer papers and you have the vehicle and the licence papers in hand,” advises Schlebach. “Then you can go to the traffic department and get the vehicle transferred into your name immediately.”
- Never carry large sums of cash: “Cash is unsafe,” says Schlebach. A scammer could take the cash and walk without handing over the vehicle, or even arrange to have you robbed en route to the meeting. Instead, opt to pay via instant EFT once the vehicle has been handed over to you.
Use Screan’s pre-purchase car inspection service to protect yourself from the risks of buying a used vehicle online.
Screan’s vehicle inspection service mitigates the risks associated with buying a car via platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. When you book a Screan, one of our experienced, independent car inspectors will contact the seller, travel to the appointment, and use our 60+ point checklist to thoroughly assess and test drive the vehicle on your behalf. You’ll receive a detailed report and hi-res 360° images of the vehicle, enabling you to safely make an informed decision, risk-free.
Find out more about how Screan works or book a pre-purchase car inspection now.
