Buying a Car from Facebook Marketplace? What You Need to Know

Facebook Marketplace has become one of the most popular places for Australians to buy and sell used cars. The appeal is obvious — you can browse local listings, negotiate directly with sellers, and often find a great deal without stepping foot in a dealership.

But buying a car this way does come with risks. That’s why it’s essential to do your research, ask the right questions, and get support from people who know the process inside and out — like our team at CarClarity.

Here’s what to know before buying a car from Facebook Marketplace, and how we can help you feel confident every step of the way.

Why People Buy Cars on Facebook Marketplace

There’s a good reason so many people turn to Facebook Marketplace when car shopping:

• Direct contact with sellers means more room to negotiate.
• Wider variety of cars — from budget hatchbacks to enthusiast vehicles.
• No dealership markups or commissions.
• Local listings make it easier to find a car close to home.

Plus, for some buyers, especially those on a budget or looking for their second (or third) vehicle, Facebook Marketplace can offer more flexibility than traditional car yards.

What to Do Before Agreeing to a Sale

While Marketplace can offer great deals, it’s very much a buyer beware environment. That doesn’t mean you should avoid it — just make sure you’re prepared.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Always Inspect the Car in Person

This is non-negotiable. No matter how convincing the photos or how friendly the seller seems, never agree to buy a car you haven’t seen in real life.

Look out for:

• Obvious damage or wear-and-tear
• Tyre condition
• Registration status
• Unusual sounds during a test drive
• Warning lights on the dashboard

If you're not confident checking these yourself, bring a friend or a mechanic along.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Get clarity upfront by asking:

• Why are they selling the car?
• Is there a full service history?
• Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
• Is there any finance owing?
• Are they the registered owner?

3. Run a PPSR Check

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) can tell you whether:

• The car has been written off
• It’s under finance (i.e. money is still owed)
• It’s been reported stolen

CarClarity can help with these checks as part of our loan process — more on that below.

Can You Get a Car Loan for a Facebook Marketplace Car?

Yes — absolutely.

At CarClarity, we work with a wide panel of lenders who offer loans for private car sales, including those on Facebook Marketplace.

When you're applying for a loan on a car listed by a private seller, there are a few extra steps compared to buying from a dealership. But the good news? We take care of them for you.

Here’s how we help:

We contact the seller on your behalf

Once you’ve found a car, we’ll reach out to the seller to confirm details, gather required documents, and ensure everything lines up for the lender’s requirements.

We assist with vehicle checks

Before the loan is settled, our Settlements team will reach out to the car seller and complete a series of checks so you (and the lender) know the car is roadworthy and above board.

You only get matched with loans you're eligible for

Our online platform shows you real loan options from over 40 lenders, based on your credit profile and the car details. No generic rates or hidden catches.

Support through the entire loan process

Our team is here to guide you through documentation, lender requirements, and answer any questions — from first application to settlement.

Need Extra Peace of Mind?

Buying privately can feel a little uncertain, especially if you’re used to the structure of a dealership. That’s why we offer optional car warranty and insurance products to help cover your vehicle after purchase.

If you want added protection for unexpected repairs, or comprehensive insurance arranged at the same time as your finance, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to find your next car — especially if you’re after something affordable, local, or a little different to what you'd find at a dealership. But it’s important to do your due diligence and have the right support in place.

At CarClarity, we make private car purchases easier by handling the finance, the paperwork, the checks, and the conversations with sellers — so you can focus on finding the right car for your needs.

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