How to Sell a Classic Car on Craigslist

Selling a classic car on Craigslist can be rewarding if done right. With the right photos, honest description, and smart pricing, you can attract serious buyers and close the deal quickly—without scams or wasted time.

So, you’ve got a classic car sitting in your garage—maybe a 1967 Mustang, a 1970 Chevelle, or a beautifully restored 1955 Bel Air. It turns heads, runs smooth, and brings back memories. But now, it’s time to let it go. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just ready for a new project, selling a classic car on Craigslist can be one of the fastest and most effective ways to find a passionate buyer.

Craigslist remains a go-to platform for classic car enthusiasts. It’s free, widely used, and attracts serious collectors and hobbyists who know what they’re looking for. Unlike dealerships that lowball you or online auction sites that take a cut, Craigslist lets you deal directly with buyers—keeping more money in your pocket. But here’s the catch: the market is competitive. Hundreds of classic cars get listed every week. If you want yours to stand out, you need a smart strategy.

This guide will walk you through every step of selling your classic car on Craigslist—from preparing the vehicle to closing the deal safely. We’ll cover how to take killer photos, write a listing that sells, price it fairly, avoid scams, and meet buyers with confidence. By the end, you’ll be ready to post a listing that gets noticed, attracts the right people, and helps you sell your classic car fast and for top dollar.

Key Takeaways

• Take high-quality photos: Clear, well-lit images from multiple angles help build trust and showcase your car’s condition.
• Write a detailed, honest description: Include model year, engine type, mileage, restoration history, and any flaws to avoid misunderstandings.
• Price it right: Research comparable listings and adjust based on condition, rarity, and market demand.
• Use a strong title and keywords: Include make, model, year, and key features to improve visibility in Craigslist searches.
• Meet safely and verify buyers: Choose public locations, bring a friend, and ask for proof of funds or pre-approval.
• Avoid scams and lowballers: Be wary of out-of-state buyers, cashier’s checks, and requests to ship the car before payment clears.
• Prepare paperwork in advance: Have the title, maintenance records, and bill of sale ready to speed up the sale.

Prepare Your Classic Car for Sale

Before you even think about posting on Craigslist, your car needs to be in the best possible shape—both mechanically and visually. First impressions matter, especially when buyers can’t see the car in person right away. A clean, well-maintained vehicle tells buyers you’ve cared for it, which builds trust and justifies a higher price.

Start with a thorough cleaning. Wash the exterior, wax it, and polish the chrome. Clean the interior—vacuum the seats, wipe down surfaces, and remove any personal items. Don’t forget the engine bay. A clean engine shows that the car has been maintained and isn’t hiding oil leaks or rust. If you’re not confident in your detailing skills, consider hiring a professional. It’s a small investment that can pay off big.

Next, address any minor issues. Fix broken lights, replace worn wipers, and top off fluids. If the car has a small dent or scratch, consider getting it touched up. These details may seem minor, but they signal to buyers that the car is road-ready and well-cared-for. If there are bigger mechanical issues—like a transmission slip or electrical problem—be honest about them. Hiding problems will only lead to disputes later.

Gather Documentation

Buyers of classic cars love documentation. It proves authenticity, shows maintenance history, and adds value. Gather everything you have: the original owner’s manual, service records, receipts for parts and labor, restoration photos, and any appraisals. If the car has won awards or been featured in magazines, include that info too.

The most important document is the title. Make sure it’s in your name and free of liens. If you’ve lost it, contact your local DMV to get a duplicate before listing the car. Also, prepare a bill of sale template—many states have free ones online. Having this ready shows you’re serious and organized.

Decide on a Selling Price

Pricing a classic car isn’t like pricing a used sedan. Condition, rarity, originality, and market trends all play a role. Start by researching similar models on Craigslist, Hemmings, Bring a Trailer, and eBay Motors. Look at both active listings and recently sold items to get a sense of what buyers are paying.

Use valuation guides like Hagerty or NADA Classic Car Guide, but don’t rely on them completely. These tools give a baseline, but real-world prices can vary. For example, a numbers-matching 1969 Camaro SS in excellent condition will sell for far more than a restomod with a swapped engine—even if it looks flashy.

Consider getting a professional appraisal if the car is rare or highly valuable. This gives you credibility and helps justify your asking price. Once you have a range, set your price slightly above what you’re willing to accept. This gives you room to negotiate without underselling.

Create a Compelling Craigslist Listing

Now that your car is ready, it’s time to create a listing that grabs attention. Your goal is to make buyers feel confident, excited, and eager to see the car in person. A great listing combines strong visuals, clear information, and a touch of storytelling.

Write a Strong Title

Your title is the first thing people see. It needs to be clear, specific, and packed with keywords. Include the year, make, model, and a standout feature. For example:
“1965 Ford Mustang Fastback – 289 V8, 4-Speed, Restored, Excellent Condition”

Avoid vague terms like “classic car” or “cool ride.” Instead, use details that matter to collectors: engine size, transmission type, body style, and condition. This helps your listing appear in search results when buyers filter by specific models.

Take High-Quality Photos

Photos are your most powerful selling tool. Most buyers will judge your car based on pictures alone. Take at least 10–15 high-resolution photos from different angles. Include:

– Front, side, and rear shots
– Interior (dashboard, seats, steering wheel)
– Engine bay
– Trunk
– Undercarriage (if clean and presentable)
– Close-ups of unique features or flaws

Shoot in natural daylight, preferably early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft. Avoid shadows and glare. Use a tripod or steady surface to prevent blurry images. If possible, stage the car in a clean, uncluttered background—like a driveway or empty parking lot.

One pro tip: take a short video of the engine starting and the car driving. Upload it to YouTube or Google Drive and include the link in your description. This adds transparency and reassures buyers the car runs well.

Craft a Detailed Description

Your description should answer every question a buyer might have. Be honest, thorough, and enthusiastic. Start with a brief intro that highlights what makes the car special. Then, break it down into sections:

– **Year, Make, Model, and Trim:** Be specific. Mention if it’s a GT, SS, or special edition.
– **Engine and Drivetrain:** Include engine size, type (e.g., 350ci small block), transmission (manual or automatic), and rear axle ratio.
– **Mileage:** State the current odometer reading. If it’s been rebuilt or restored, mention that.
– **Condition:** Describe the body, paint, interior, and mechanicals. Use terms like “excellent,” “good,” “fair,” or “needs work” honestly.
– **Restoration History:** Did you restore it yourself? Was it done by a shop? How long ago? What parts were replaced?
– **Modifications:** List any aftermarket parts—wheels, suspension, stereo, etc. Some buyers love mods; others prefer originality.
– **Flaws:** Disclose any rust, dents, leaks, or issues. Hiding problems will only lead to angry messages or no-shows.
– **Reason for Selling:** A short, honest reason (e.g., “upgrading to a newer project”) builds trust.

Use short paragraphs and bullet points for readability. Avoid all caps or excessive punctuation—it looks spammy. And always proofread for typos.

Price It Right and Be Ready to Negotiate

Pricing is one of the most important—and tricky—parts of selling a classic car. Set it too high, and no one will respond. Set it too low, and you leave money on the table. The key is to find the sweet spot where your car is competitively priced but still reflects its value.

Start by analyzing the market. Look at similar cars on Craigslist in your area. Note the asking prices, but also consider how long they’ve been listed. A car priced at $30,000 that’s been up for six months may be overpriced. A similar car at $27,500 that sold in two weeks is likely priced right.

Factor in condition. A car in “excellent” condition should be priced higher than one in “good” condition, even if they’re the same model. Use the Hagerty valuation tool to get a baseline, but adjust based on local demand. For example, convertibles and muscle cars may sell faster in warmer climates.

Once you set your price, be prepared to negotiate. Most buyers will try to lowball you—especially on Craigslist. Don’t take it personally. Have a minimum price in mind and stick to it. If a buyer offers 10–15% below your asking price, consider it—but don’t go below your bottom line.

One smart tactic: mention in your listing that the price is “firm” or “open to reasonable offers.” This sets expectations and filters out tire kickers. If you’re firm, say so. If you’re flexible, say that too.

Avoid Scams and Stay Safe

Unfortunately, Craigslist attracts scammers. Classic cars are high-value items, making them prime targets. But with caution, you can avoid trouble and protect yourself.

Recognize Common Scams

– **Overpayment Scam:** A buyer sends a check for more than the asking price and asks you to refund the difference. The check later bounces, and you’re out the money.
– **Shipping Scam:** A buyer claims they’ll pay via cashier’s check and have the car shipped. They ask for your bank info or shipping details before payment clears.
– **Fake Buyers:** Someone insists on buying without seeing the car, often from out of state. They may send a fake deposit or ask for personal information.
– **Phishing Links:** Messages with links to “secure payment portals” or “verification sites” that steal your login info.

Never accept payment methods you’re unsure about. Cash is safest. If using a cashier’s check, wait for it to fully clear—this can take 5–10 business days. Avoid wire transfers or gift cards—they’re irreversible and often used in scams.

Meet Safely

When meeting potential buyers, prioritize safety. Always meet in a public place—like a police station parking lot, busy mall, or bank. Bring a friend or family member. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Let the buyer inspect the car, but don’t let them drive it without proof of insurance and a valid license. If they want a test drive, go with them. Keep your phone handy and avoid sharing personal details like your home address.

Ask for proof of funds. A serious buyer should be able to show cash, a cashier’s check, or pre-approval from a bank. If they’re hesitant, that’s a red flag.

Close the Deal Smoothly

Once you’ve found a serious buyer, it’s time to finalize the sale. This step is crucial—mishandle it, and you could lose money or face legal issues.

Complete the Paperwork

Start with the title. Sign it over to the buyer, filling out all required fields. Some states require a notarized signature or odometer disclosure—check your local DMV rules.

Provide a bill of sale. This document records the sale date, price, vehicle details, and both parties’ information. It protects you if the buyer doesn’t register the car right away. Keep a copy for your records.

If the car has a lien, make sure it’s paid off and the lienholder releases the title before the sale. You don’t want to sell a car you don’t legally own.

Handle Payment Securely

Cash is the safest option. Count it in front of the buyer and use a counterfeit pen if possible. If using a cashier’s check, verify it at the bank before handing over the car.

Avoid personal checks—they can bounce. If the buyer insists on financing, suggest they get a loan first and bring a cashier’s check to the meeting.

Once payment is confirmed, hand over the keys, title, and any documentation. Remove your license plates (you’ll need them for your next vehicle) and cancel your insurance.

Notify the DMV

In most states, you’re required to notify the DMV when you sell a vehicle. This protects you if the buyer gets a ticket or causes an accident before transferring the title. Fill out a “Notice of Sale” form and submit it online or by mail.

Keep records of the sale for at least a few years. If the buyer ever claims you misrepresented the car, you’ll have proof of what was disclosed.

Promote Your Listing for Maximum Exposure

Even the best listing won’t sell if no one sees it. Craigslist allows you to repost your ad every 48 hours. Use this to your advantage.

Refresh Your Ad Regularly

Reposting bumps your listing to the top of the search results. Do this every few days, especially on weekends when more people are browsing. But don’t spam—Craigslist may flag or remove repetitive posts.

Use Social Media and Forums

Share your Craigslist link on Facebook groups, classic car forums, and Instagram. Groups like “Classic Car Enthusiasts” or “Muscle Cars for Sale” have thousands of active members. Cross-posting increases visibility and attracts serious buyers.

Respond Quickly to Inquiries

Buyers often contact multiple sellers. If you reply fast—within a few hours—you’re more likely to get the sale. Be polite, answer questions clearly, and offer to send more photos or schedule a viewing.

Avoid long email chains. If a buyer is interested, suggest a phone call or in-person meeting. This speeds up the process and helps you gauge their seriousness.

Final Tips for a Successful Sale

Selling a classic car on Craigslist takes effort, but the payoff is worth it. Here are a few final tips to ensure success:

– **Be patient:** The right buyer may take weeks to find. Don’t rush into a low offer.
– **Stay professional:** Even if a buyer is rude or unreasonable, stay calm and polite.
– **Know your car’s value:** Confidence in your pricing helps you negotiate from a position of strength.
– **Keep emotions in check:** It’s hard to let go of a car you love, but remember—you’re passing it on to someone who will appreciate it just as much.

With the right preparation, a great listing, and smart safety practices, you can sell your classic car on Craigslist quickly and safely. And who knows? That next owner might send you a photo of it at a car show—proof that your baby is still turning heads.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to sell a classic car on Craigslist?

It varies, but most well-priced, well-photographed listings sell within 2–6 weeks. Rare or highly desirable models may sell in days, while others might take longer depending on market demand and location.

Should I lower the price if no one responds?

Not immediately. Wait at least 2–3 weeks and repost your ad. If you’re still getting no serious inquiries, consider lowering the price slightly or improving your photos and description.

Can I sell a classic car without a title?

It’s difficult and risky. Most buyers won’t consider a car without a clear title. Contact your local DMV to get a duplicate title before listing the vehicle.

Is it safe to meet buyers alone?

No. Always meet in a public place and bring a friend. Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Safety should always come first.

What if a buyer wants to pay with a personal check?

Be cautious. Personal checks can bounce. If you accept one, wait for it to fully clear at your bank—usually 5–10 business days—before handing over the car.

Do I need to disclose every flaw in the car?

Yes. Honesty builds trust and prevents disputes. Disclose rust, mechanical issues, or cosmetic flaws in your listing. Buyers appreciate transparency and are more likely to follow through.