How to Buy a Used Car From a Private Seller in California
The steps from first message to DMV transfer, and where private-party buyers get burned.
Sac Auto List is a local marketplace for used cars. Private sellers and Sacramento-area dealers post their cars, and you contact them directly.
Sac Auto List is new. Listings show up here as soon as sellers post them and they pass a quick review. If you have a car to sell, you can be one of the first.
Search by price, make, mileage and more. Or post your own car with photos and an honest description.
Send a message from the listing. Sellers answer by email or phone. You deal with them directly.
See the car, drive it, get it inspected. Price, payment and paperwork are between you and the seller.
Post it in a few minutes. You set the price, buyers contact you, and you decide who to meet. We review each listing before it goes live.
We are building a place for Sacramento-area dealers to show inventory. Tell us about your lot and we will be in touch as we open dealer listings.
The steps from first message to DMV transfer, and where private-party buyers get burned.
A walk-around and paperwork checklist, with the things that matter in Sacramento heat and freeway miles.
Who pays for the smog certificate, how long it lasts, and what to do if the car fails.