: Look for signs of neglect, like mismatched paint (which could mean a past crash) or rust underneath. Check the interior for smells like mildew or smoke that might be hard to get rid of.

: If you're buying from a private seller, make sure they have the title in their name and that it's "clean" (not a salvage title). You'll also need a bill of sale with the VIN, price, and "as-is" condition clearly stated.

: Before you even look at a car, check its history using the VIN on sites like Carfax or AutoCheck to ensure it hasn't been in a major accident.

: Popular spots include Facebook Marketplace , Craigslist , AutoTrader, and Cars.com .

: First impressions are everything. Get it professionally detailed or spend a day cleaning it yourself—inside and out. Make sure you have all maintenance records and a clear title ready to go.

: Use sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to find your car's value. A good rule of thumb is to price it within the cheapest third of similar cars in your area to sell it quickly.

: Take at least 25 high-quality photos from multiple angles. Be honest about the condition and highlight unique features like low mileage or recent upgrades.