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I do a lot of window shopping on Craigslist. I actually consider it one of my favorite forms of entertainment. Doing the homework and researching a particular type of car is half of the fun when car shopping (yes, I consider it fun). I have found that certain groups of sellers exist with different motives and expectations. It’s important to know who you are dealing with when purchasing a new-to-you car. I’m going to outline the top 8 types of folks you will encounter when you begin shopping for your next car or truck.


The Enthusiast/Technician

This is the category you and I fall into. The Enthusiast/Technician will summarize their personal history of the car as well as note any significant work done with the previous owners. This is usually done in “good” and “bad” categories. The transparency of this type of seller makes them very appealing to buyers because it seems as if the car is cared for and the seller has a brain in their head. This type of seller may ask more than market value if the car is something special or if there are emotional ties to it. A lot of the time, he or she is just ready for the next project.

Motives: To sell their car because they have completed it and gotten bored or are just burnt out from always working on it.

Their expectations: To pass a loved car to the next steward or pass a hated car to a mechanic or dismantler.

Your expectations: Doing a lot of research on the specifics of the model in question is paramount with these sellers. They know their stuff and so should you if you plan on understanding what you are getting into. This is especially true when the car has been modified far from stock. Don’t expect a bargain basement price unless the car is totally butchered.


The Honest Joe

The Honest Joe is usually the 1st or 2nd owner of the car in question. They don’t usually love their cars like the Enthusiast but consider it to be more like an appliance. They usually sell newer and lower mileage cars. They have usually done their research and ask a reasonable amount for their car in order get rid of it.

Motives: To sell the car they no longer need or want.

Their expectations: To haggle a bit on price and get the transfer paperwork done in a timely fashion if the car is not being sold for cash.

Your expectations: Probably the easiest and most accommodating type of seller. He or she will probably have maintenance records, literature, and 2nd key that came with the car. This is the type of seller you hope for when shopping.


The Dealership

car2The Dealership is just that: a full retail establishment that details and photographs cars they took in on trade or purchased at an auction. They will list their cars with a complete list of options and variety of photos. Some of the more reputable dealers will actually do some reconditioning such as brakes, tires, oil change, scratch/dent repair, and windshield replacement. You will pay a premium for vehicle sold by dealers because of this. Also, if you trade in a car, you will not likely get as much in lieu of convenience.

Motives: To sell a car for as much as possible to be profitable and pay overhead.

Their expectations: Selling the car for more than the amount paid plus reconditioning costs.

Your expectations: You can trade your car in and drive away in a new or used car in an afternoon with little to no work. Dealing with car salesmen can be stressful and frustrating. Plan on paying more than private party prices.


The Pinch Hitter

The Pinch Hitter is somebody who is selling a car for somebody else. A common example is somebody selling for their mother or son who might not have the means to do so. This kind of seller can be very knowledgeable about what they are selling or know nothing at all. A lot of the time, vehicle history can be unknown because the seller does not have firsthand knowledge and does not care to investigate. Good deals can be had if the seller is just trying to get rid of the car quickly and the car checks out to your standards. Sometimes, negotiation on price can be difficult because the seller acts as a proxy and relays the information to the actual owner. This gives the selling party time to formulate a negotiation tactic.

Motives: To help out a friend or family member who is not able or comfortable selling their car.

Their expectations: Act as a liaison to the owner of the car, relaying bids and doing the transfer paperwork.

Your expectations: The pinch hitter generally has no emotional ties to the car up for sale; therefore, they are willing to entertain all reasonable offers. Impromptu haggling is usually not effective in this scenario.


The Embellisher

The Embellisher is a person that vastly exaggerates the redeeming qualities of their car or uses euphemisms to downplay its

This cabbie actually holds the world record for mileage on his 240D - 2.8 million miles This cabbie actually holds the world record for mileage on his 240D - 2.8 million miles.

problems. This is usually pretty easy to spot. For example, “This Mercedes-Benz 240D gets 45+ MPG and will run for a million miles with basic maintenance”. These types of statements are upsetting to me. Occasionally, they will take it a step further and cut/paste directly from Wikipedia in order to convince you. Also, be aware of the downplayed negatives. When I purchased my Mercedes 450SEL I was told it had “surface rust”. Shortly after, I replaced the driver’s side floors and firewall.

Motives: To sell a car they own usually because they are strapped for cash and/or have buyer’s remorse.

Their Expectations: To sell the car for what they purchased it for and/or however much they have invested in repairs. Sometimes, they think their car is so great it exceeds market value and will not budge from whatever figure they are asking.

Your Expectations: Some good cars can be had from these types but take their claims with a grain of salt. Do your own research. Your best bet is to do a thorough inspection and agree on a reasonable price. Dealing with them can be difficult so don’t be discouraged when you walk away empty-handed.


The Ill-Equipped Seller

The Ill-Equipped seller is one that does not put in the necessary effort to effectively list a car. The cars they list are at or near the bottom of the food chain (the bottom being wrecking-yard bound). Their listings generally include poor or no photos with very little information. This kind of seller usually puts in the same amount of effort in the maintenance of their car so that should be expected if you choose to pursue them.

Motives: To sell their car with as little effort as possible.

Your expectations: Most likely a waste of time.

Their expectations: A like-minded individual who will buy their car.


The Junkyard Dog

The Junkyard Dog is the automotive equivalent of a hoarder. They have 4 or 5 of the exact same car in various states of disrepair. Usually parked in tall grass or under a fir tree, these are usually parts cars that might or might not run. The junkyard dog sometimes posts BOGO (buy one car get one free) ads. Many times, he or she will offer extra parts with the car they have accumulated.car3

Motives: Usually the junkyard dog’s significant other wanting to clear the junk from the lawn.

Their expectations: To reluctantly thin the herd for the right price.

Your expectations: To understand that the junkyard dog is not DYING to sell his cars. It can be beneficial to suggest a package deal with him to get him comfortable. It is a good idea to leave on a positive note because this seller may have hard to find parts you will need later on.


The Widow

The Widow is a very special kind of seller and should be handled with care. She lost her husband and sees him in the car car1she’s selling. It is very important to be empathetic to her because selling the car is a method of grieving. Patience is also necessary because she may not be willing to sell yet, even at full price. I once knew a widow who couldn’t sell her husband’s 1955 Chevrolet Belair until the 5th attempt.

Motives: To finish grieving by finally saying goodbye.

Their expectations: To sell to somebody who will love and care for the car.

Your expectations: I wouldn’t feel comfortable haggling on price in this scenario. I would count on the asking price being the selling price and making my peace with it. These kinds of cars usually have excellent history and have been cared for. Usually older people drive them sparsely and lightly.

There you have it; the majority of people you will encounter in the automotive marketplace. Do you have any more observations or stories about Craigslist sellers? Make your comments below.

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About the Author: Greg Duffield

Greg Duffield is a Mercedes-Benz Master Technician from the Portland, OR area. Because keeping a high-mileage 450SEL and ML350 on the road is not enough, he is always interested in another old/cheap car project.


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Written by :
Greg Duffield

Greg Duffield is a Mercedes-Benz Master Technician from the Portland, OR area. Because keeping a high-mileage 450SEL and ML350 on the road is not enough, he is always interested in another old/cheap car project.


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