good used car sites?

[housepoor]

Anyone know any good sites? I'm in PA, a few minutes from MD. Just trying to decide if we should keep our current vehicle or find something else.

[AngelinaCatHub]

In my opinion, it is best to purchase a used car from an individual. They have less profit motive than a dealer and most likely more honest in the evaluation of the car. Use carfax to check history and always look at the trans and engine oil. See if BOTH are clean looking. My opinion. 'Hub

[CCsAreEvil]

Well, some individuals have less profit motive, but some do overprice their cars. Sometimes, they add a sentimental cost value to their cars. But, usually they find out it's priced too high when they have a hard time selling it.

I will be buying one soon. I will use craigslist.org (using local metro area). There are a few scammers on there, but most are legit people just trying to sell their cars. Some dealers are tricky and list their cars under "sell by owner". Craigs interface is very basic but does a great job in being useful.

You can also try autotrader.com. People have to pay to list their vehicles on there. And then there's cars.com.

I personally think carfax is a ripoff but it's worth it anyways. I used autocheck last year. It was a little cheaper. Neither is 100% accurate on car histories. But it's better than nothing.

[Dst1]

Given your location I would like closely at Glaves.com. I have no affiliation with them but in my extensive experience they have the most accurate prices for what a vehicle is worth. I would not use KBB or Edmonds even under threat of intense suffering.

One place you should really take a look at is the GSA auto auction. Government cars are well maintained and can offer great value. If you go to one of these auctions you will be bidding with dealers.

Personally, I prefer to avoid deal with private individuals as a buyer. The amount of fraud is huge. Unless you really know you way around a car or can take someone who does, I would avoid them. I like dealers because if something goes bad they have a reputation to protect and they are someone to sue.

I agree that carfax or similar service is invaluable.