If you’re buying a car off Facebook Marketplace in NYC, start with the paper trail and the seller’s identity. Don’t move forward until the title, VIN, and seller name make sense together. I’m Jorge, a Chevrolet salesperson at Open Road Chevrolet in Union, New Jersey, and I write my own site to help buyers sort out car decisions plainly.
What to check before you meet
- Ask for the VIN before the meeting.
- Match the VIN on the car to the paperwork.
- Ask who is on the title.
- Check whether the seller can actually sign it over.
- Bring a second set of eyes if you can.
What I’d watch for in a private sale
Meet in a public place during daylight. If the seller avoids simple questions, that’s a reason to slow down. If the title story is unclear, walk away. You do not need to force a deal just because the car is available.
Simple questions to ask
- Why are you selling it?
- Has it been titled in your name?
- Is there anything wrong that you already know about?
- Do you have service records?
When to get outside help
If the car seems worth a closer look, arrange a pre-purchase inspection before you hand over money. That is the cleanest way to catch issues you cannot see on a quick meetup. If the seller will not allow that, I’d take that seriously.
If you want, send me the listing and I can help you compare it against a current option from our inventory page at current inventory. I can also help you think through what to check first on a trade or a second choice before you make a move.