Want to buy a used SUV on Craigslist, anything I should be mindful of?

I'm looking to buy a 2015/2016 Toyota RAV4 or Honda CRV from a random stranger on Craigslist. I'm not good with cars, so is there anything specific I should check and make sure nothing is wrong with the vehicle? Or would a 2015/2016 still be considered so new that there should be no major concerns?

You should be aware that Craigslist is a notorious den of thieves. If you see a price that is too good to be true, you will know the vehicle is not actually for sale and the seller is probably in Nigeria, pretending to be a friendly woman from somewhere in the US.

There are also tens of thousands of flood vehicles from the hurricanes that are worthless and sold for attractive prices, with the lying sellers saying they are in mint condition.

Before you make any commitment, make sure of the following:
1) get a firm insurance quote from your agent
2) verify the title is clear (do *not* rely on Carfax for this!) and the seller is the owner listed on the title
3) have the vehicle inspected (a "pre-purchase" inspection) by your own mechanic. Don't believe anything except what he tells you.

John,

Only consider vehicles, regardless of age, which the seller and show you PROOF of all full and complete service and maintenance records. If the seller can't provide such the risk could be high.

You would also be wise to have the vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic before considering purchase.

First, I would go to a CarMax type superstore and drive 2 one after another. To try and determine which one you want.

Then, with late model cars, your biggest concern is ANY paint or body work. Ideally, you want a car with NONE and running it by a body shop to be sure isn't a bad idea.

Get the vin and call the service department for clarity on the remaining factory warranty period.

And take a long test drive.

Price matters. You should pay no more than private party value and ideally half way between trade in and private party value.

Don't be surprised if there are not a ton of available choices. Its very difficult to sell such an expensive car on your own.

Hire a mechanic to look the car over before you even consider buying it.

If you are not good with cars stay away from craigslist. Trying to buy a 10,000 plus car on there you are just begging to be taken. These anwerers are trying to help you but I say there's no way you even have the kind've money to buy such a car cash.

You should be mindful of any car on CL
Do not part with any cash until you have seen the actual vehicle and had it inspected by a trained mechanic. Also make sure you have the title documents and they're in the name of the person selling it.
Any claim that they are selling it for someone else or the title is elsewhere, Walk away.

Get the VIN number so that you can look it up on Carfax to see if it has been in a flood or wreck and to find out how many owners the car has had.

Avoid it. Use your mind on this.

Read the scam warnings on the Craigslist web site and on the page where the car is listed. NEVER buy a car sight unseen and ALWAYS get it inspected by a trusted mechanic BEFORE you hand over any money. Be sure the seller has the title to hand over to you and that the name on the title is his name, not someone else's.