Facebook Marketplace offers plenty of bargain cars, but drivers must take care (Image: Getty)
A top used car expert has urged drivers to follow three tips to avoid being scammed when from .
The social media platform’s retail platform features a haven of interesting , with many being sold at bargain prices by genuine sellers. However, drivers must take care to .
In particular, Daryl, an who has teamed up with the car finance company , suggested that drivers always check the seller’s profile to see if they are honest.
He advised: “Scroll through their Marketplace history to see what else they’ve sold – stalk them!
“If they’ve listed multiple cars in a short time, they might be a trader posing as a private seller.”
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Drivers should check the seller’s profile to make sure they are not a dealer in disguise (Image: Getty)
All listings posted to Facebook Marketplace will feature the seller’s profile, which features all of the other items that are currently on the market and recent sales.
By checking this, drivers can quickly tell whether the car they are interested in buying is being sold by a private motorist or a more professional trader in disguise.
Carmoola also suggested that drivers check to see when the seller created their Facebook profile, taking caution around those who only recently set up their account with the platform.
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The expert also suggested checking the number plate online to see the model’s MOT history (Image: Getty)
Before going to look at the car, Daryl urged potential buyers to check the number plate with one of the many online checking services, looking for warnings signs such as failed MOTs or a long list of advisories.
He continued: “It’s free to do through the GOV.UK website and can reveal some shocking details—like if the car has repeatedly failed MOTs for serious issues or hasn’t been tested in years.
“If a seller isn’t upfront about the car’s past, this quick check might save you from a dodgy deal before you waste your time.”
Finally, if the driver is happy to buy the vehicle, Daryl recommended that they take their time when negotiating for a price, which could help them to cut hundreds of pounds off the cost.
He added: “Silence is powerful – even if this means ‘ghosting’ the seller. After making an offer, pause. Silence can make the other party uncomfortable and lead them to make concessions.
“If you give something up, always ask for something in return. This maintains balance and value in the deal. For example, if they ask you to pay cash, negotiate a lower price to even the playing field.”