Works with Craigslist
Check a Craigslist listing in 3 steps
- 1
Copy the link
5 sOn Craigslist: copy the address of the ad page, on your phone or computer.
- 2
Paste it into Carvizia
2 sOne bar, no VIN or form to fill in.
- 3
Read the verdict
≈ 1 minExact engine, common problems, upcoming maintenance and how much to negotiate.
Everything the listing doesn't tell you
A full report for every Craigslist listing, ready in about a minute. Extracts from the sample report: Ford F-150 King Ranch 2017.
A clear verdict
Reliability score and decision at a glance.
The exact engine's common problems
Identified for the listing's precise engine, with their severity and cost.
- Cam phaser rattle$2,500 – $3,500Critical
- 10-speed harsh shifting$1,500 – $3,500Critical
- Plastic oil pan leak$800 – $1,200High
Maintenance coming up
This engine's next service items, costed in the report.
A price to negotiate
The market value and costed arguments to put to the dealer.
Inspection checklist
- Rattle on a cold start
- Harsh or late 10-speed shifts
- Oil around the oil pan
Taxes and fees
Sales tax, title and registration fees, estimated for this car and state.
Recalls
Official NHTSA recalls for the model, to check against the car's VIN.
What to watch on Craigslist
Curbstoners
Unlicensed dealers posing as private owners to sell cars with hidden problems.
What to do
Check that the name on the title matches the seller's ID.
Sold as is
No warranty in a private sale: any problem after the sale is yours.
What to do
Know the engine's common problems and get an inspection before you pay.
Scams
Too-good-to-be-true prices, shipping offers, payment by gift card or wire transfer.
What to do
Meet in person, see the car and the title, and never pay in advance.
Frequently asked questions
About checking a Craigslist listing.
Can Carvizia read a Craigslist ad?
Yes, paste the ad link. If the ad has expired or can't be read, enter the details by hand or upload screenshots.
How do I spot a curbstoner?
Several cars for sale under the same phone number, a title in someone else's name, or a seller who only meets in parking lots are common warning signs.
Does the report replace a mechanic's inspection?
No. It tells you what this model is known for and what to look at; a pre-purchase inspection confirms the condition of this particular car.