Best UK Car Listing Websites 2025: AutoTrader vs Cazoo vs Cinch Compared

Finding the right car starts with choosing the right platform. Whether you're searching for a used car on AutoTrader, considering the convenience of online car retailers like Cazoo and Cinch, or exploring private seller platforms, the UK car buying landscape offers countless options and potential pitfalls.

With dozens of car listing websites, online marketplaces, and car buying apps available in 2025, knowing where to search can save you thousands of pounds, hours of wasted time, and protect you from scams. Should you trust Facebook Marketplace bargains? Is AutoTrader still the best car website? Are online car buying platforms like Cinch worth the premium?

This comprehensive guide compares the UK's leading car listing platforms from traditional marketplaces to modern online car retailers, helping you understand which car buying websites are safe, which offer the best value, and which platforms you should avoid entirely. We'll cover everything from dealer listings to private sellers, price comparison tools to scam prevention, so you can confidently find your perfect car on the right platform.

Quick Comparison Summary

Platform	Best For	Listings	Type	Inspection
AutoTrader	Largest selection	400,000+	Marketplace	Varies by seller
Cazoo	Online buying	5,000+	Retailer	Yes (every car)
Cinch	Quality used cars	10,000+	Retailer	Yes (every car)
Motors.co.uk	Budget options	250,000+	Marketplace	Varies by seller
eBay Motors	Private sellers	100,000+	Marketplace	No
Facebook Marketplace	Local deals	80,000+	Classifieds	No
CarGurus	Price analysis	300,000+	Aggregator	Varies by seller
Gumtree	Local bargains	50,000+	Classifieds	No

The Major Players: Detailed Reviews

1. AutoTrader - The Market Leader

Overview: AutoTrader is the UK's largest car marketplace with over 400,000 listings at any given time. It's been the go-to platform for car buyers since 1977.

Pros:

• Largest inventory in the UK
• Advanced search filters (make, model, mileage, price, location)
• Detailed seller ratings and reviews
• Mix of dealers and private sellers
• Mobile app with saved searches and alerts
• Finance calculator integrated
• Price indicator shows if listing is good value

Cons:

• Can be overwhelming due to sheer volume
• Quality varies significantly between sellers
• Some dealers list multiple times (duplicates)
• Private seller listings may lack detail

Best For:

• Finding rare or specific car models
• Comparing prices across many dealers
• Those who want maximum choice
• Buyers in rural areas with limited local options

Search Features:

• Save up to 20 searches with email alerts
• Filter by distance from postcode
• Exclude already viewed cars
• Sort by price, distance, age, mileage
• "Good price" indicator

Pricing: Free to browse and contact sellers. Some dealers charge admin fees.

Verdict: 9/10 - The default starting point for any car search. Unmatched selection but requires patience to filter through listings.

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2. Cazoo - The Online Car Supermarket

Overview: Cazoo revolutionized UK car buying with a fully online experience. Every car is inspected, refurbished, and delivered to your door with a 7-day return policy.

Pros:

• Every car passes 300-point inspection
• Free home delivery across the UK
• 7-day money-back guarantee
• 90-day warranty included
• Full refund if not satisfied
• MOT and service history clearly documented
• Finance available with soft credit checks
• No haggling - fixed prices

Cons:

• Smaller inventory (5,000-7,000 cars)
• Can't physically view before purchase
• Prices slightly higher than private sellers
• Limited ability to negotiate
• Delivery can take 1-2 weeks

Best For:

• Time-poor buyers who value convenience
• Those uncomfortable with negotiation
• Buyers who want peace of mind
• People in remote areas

Inspection Process:

• 300-point mechanical inspection
• Professional photography
• Refurbishment of minor cosmetic issues
• Full service if due
• Fresh MOT provided

Pricing: Mid to upper price range. Expect to pay £500-£1,500 more than private sellers but with full warranty and inspection.

Verdict: 8/10 - Excellent for peace of mind and convenience, but you pay for the service. The 7-day return policy is genuinely risk-free.

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3. Cinch - Quality Over Quantity

Overview: Cinch (owned by Constellation Automotive Group) offers a curated selection of quality used cars with a similar online-first approach to Cazoo.

Pros:

• Every car inspected and refurbished
• 14-day money-back guarantee (better than Cazoo)
• 90-day warranty (extendable)
• Free delivery
• Part-exchange available online
• Finance options with instant decisions
• Detailed 360° interior/exterior photos
• Handover specialists explain car features

Cons:

• Inventory of around 10,000 cars (smaller than AutoTrader)
• Slightly higher prices than dealers
• Can't test drive before purchasing
• Some rural areas not covered for delivery

Best For:

• Buyers who want quality assurance
• Those switching from another car (part-exchange)
• People who value the 14-day return period
• Buyers seeking stress-free experience

Inspection Process:

• Detailed multi-point inspection
• Professional valet and clean
• Any issues fixed before listing
• Comprehensive photo documentation
• Full service history verification

Pricing: Similar to Cazoo - mid-range pricing with warranty and inspection costs built in.

Verdict: 8.5/10 - The 14-day return period and quality focus make Cinch a strong choice. Slightly better value than Cazoo with more generous return policy.

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4. Motors.co.uk - The Value Alternative

Overview: Motors.co.uk is often overlooked but offers over 250,000 listings from dealers and private sellers with slightly lower prices than AutoTrader.

Pros:

• Large inventory (second to AutoTrader)
• Often cheaper than AutoTrader
• Good search functionality
• Dealer and private seller options
• Less overwhelming interface
• Price analysis tools
• Finance options available

Cons:

• Less sophisticated search than AutoTrader
• Fewer reviews and ratings
• Some duplicate listings
• Mobile app not as polished
• Less traffic means slower responses from sellers

Best For:

• Budget-conscious buyers
• Finding deals missed on AutoTrader
• Those who've exhausted AutoTrader searches
• Buyers in major cities with many listings

Verdict: 7/10 - A solid secondary option. Always worth checking if you've found a car on AutoTrader to see if the same dealer has it cheaper on Motors.

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5. eBay Motors - Private Sellers & Bargains

Overview: eBay Motors UK connects buyers directly with private sellers, often yielding the cheapest prices but with higher risk.

Pros:

• Often the cheapest prices
• Many private sellers
• Auction format can yield bargains
• Buyer protection for qualifying purchases
• Large community with feedback systems
• Can message sellers directly
• No dealer admin fees

Cons:

• Higher risk of issues
• No inspection or warranty
• Private sellers may lack documentation
• Must physically view and inspect
• No finance options
• Scams exist (though rare)

Best For:

• Experienced car buyers
• Those confident inspecting cars
• Bargain hunters
• Buyers with cash ready

Safety Tips:

• Check seller feedback carefully
• Always view in person
• Bring someone knowledgeable
• Get independent inspection
• Pay through PayPal for protection
• Meet in safe, public location

Verdict: 6/10 - Great for experienced buyers hunting bargains, but novices should be cautious. Always get an independent inspection for eBay purchases.

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6. Facebook Marketplace - The Scam Minefield (Use With Extreme Caution)

Overview: Facebook Marketplace has exploded in popularity for car sales in the UK, with thousands of local listings. However, it's also become a hotspot for scams, cloned cars, and fraudulent sellers. Proceed with extreme caution.

Pros:

• Huge local inventory (80,000+ UK car listings)
• See seller's Facebook profile and history
• Free to list and browse
• Direct messaging with sellers
• Often very competitive prices
• Convenient for local searches
• Can see mutual friends (adds trust)
• Easy to share listings

Cons:

• EXTREMELY HIGH SCAM RISK - possibly the highest of any platform
• Many cloned/stolen cars listed
• Fake seller profiles are common
• No buyer protection whatsoever
• No verification of sellers
• Difficult to report scams effectively
• Many "too good to be true" listings
• Sellers often disappear after deposits paid
• No inspection or warranty
• Limited search filters compared to AutoTrader
• Cash-only transactions typical

Common Facebook Marketplace Car Scams:

1. The Deposit Scam

• Seller posts legitimate-looking car at bargain price
• Claims to be selling urgently (emigrating, divorce, etc.)
• Asks for deposit to "hold" the car
• Disappears once deposit is paid
• Car may not even exist

2. The Cloned Car Scam

• Car is stolen and given a fake identity
• VIN plates swapped from a legitimate car
• Looks perfect but is actually stolen
• You lose car AND money when police recover it

3. The Finance Outstanding Scam

• Seller has outstanding finance on car
• Sells it to you without disclosing
• Finance company can legally repossess from you
• You lose car and have no recourse

4. The Fake Profile Scam

• Scammer creates fake Facebook profile
• Steals photos from legitimate listings elsewhere
• Posts car at very low price
• Pressures quick sale before you can verify
• Profile disappears after payment

5. The "My Friend is Selling" Scam

• Person claims to be selling for a friend/relative
• Can't answer detailed questions about the car
• Doesn't have documentation ready
• May not actually own the car
• Difficult to trace real owner

How to Stay Safe on Facebook Marketplace:

Before Contacting:

• Check seller's Facebook profile thoroughly
• Look for profile history (new profiles = red flag)
• Check if they have mutual friends
• See if they've sold other items successfully
• Reverse image search the car photos
• Compare price to market value (too cheap = scam)

When Messaging:

• Ask for VIN number immediately
• Request additional photos with today's date visible
• Ask detailed questions about service history
• Gauge their knowledge of the car
• Insist on viewing in person
• Never agree to pay deposits before viewing

Before Viewing:

• Run HPI check using the VIN
• Verify V5C shows current keeper
• Google the address (legitimate?)
• Ask for phone number and verify it
• Tell someone where you're going
• Arrange to meet in daylight
• Bring a knowledgeable friend

At the Viewing:

• Meet at seller's actual home (not a car park)
• Verify seller's ID matches V5C
• Check VIN on car matches V5C and HPI check
• Look for signs of VIN plate tampering
• Insist on seeing full service history
• Check keys are original (not cut copies)
• Take photos of everything including seller's ID

Payment Protection:

• NEVER pay deposits via bank transfer
• NEVER pay without seeing the car
• NEVER use Western Union, PayPal Friends & Family, or similar
• Meet at seller's bank to do transfer safely
• Use a banker's draft if possible
• Get full receipt with seller's details
• Only pay when V5C is signed over

Absolute Red Flags - Walk Away Immediately:

• Seller won't provide VIN
• Asks for deposit before viewing
• Price is 20%+ below market value
• Won't meet at their home address
• Can't provide V5C in their name
• Pressures immediate decision
• Car is "at a garage" or "with a friend"
• Won't allow independent inspection
• New Facebook profile (less than 6 months)
• Vague or evasive answers
• "Cash only, no time wasters"

Best For:

• Honestly? Almost nobody. The scam risk is too high for most buyers
• Very experienced buyers who can spot red flags instantly
• Those buying cheap cars (under £2,000) locally
• People with mechanical knowledge to spot issues
• Buyers who can afford to lose the money if it goes wrong

Worst For:

• First-time car buyers (AVOID)
• Anyone buying expensive cars (£10,000+)
• Buyers who can't inspect cars thoroughly
• Those unfamiliar with car documentation
• People who are easily pressured

Real-Life Scam Statistics: According to Action Fraud, Facebook Marketplace vehicle scams increased by 200% in 2024, with average losses of £3,500 per victim. The platform has no verification process, making it a haven for fraudsters.

Safer Alternatives to Facebook Marketplace: If you're considering Facebook Marketplace, ask yourself: "Why not use a safer platform?"

• AutoTrader - Better seller verification, reviews
• eBay Motors - Buyer protection available
• Gumtree - Similar local focus but with better reporting tools
• Cinch/Cazoo - Full protection and inspections

If You MUST Use Facebook Marketplace:

The Paranoid Buyer Checklist:

1. Treat EVERY listing as a potential scam until proven otherwise
2. Never skip the HPI check (£20 could save you £5,000)
3. Meet at seller's home only (verify it's actually theirs)
4. Verify seller ID matches V5C
5. Check VIN plates haven't been tampered with
6. Bring someone knowledgeable with you
7. Trust your gut - if something feels off, walk away
8. Get independent mechanic inspection (worth £100)
9. Only pay when you're 100% satisfied
10. Report suspicious listings to Facebook (though they rarely act)

How to Report Scams:

• Report to Facebook (low response rate)
• Report to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040
• Report to local police if you've lost money
• Share on local community groups to warn others

The Harsh Truth: Facebook Marketplace can work for car sales, but it requires extreme diligence. For every legitimate seller, there are multiple scammers. The platform offers no buyer protection, no verification, and minimal scam prevention.

Our Recommendation: Unless you're very experienced and buying a cheap local car, avoid Facebook Marketplace for car purchases. The marginal savings aren't worth the significant risks.

Verdict: 3/10 - The scam risk is simply too high for most buyers. While legitimate cars do exist on the platform, the lack of any buyer protection, rampant fraud, and Facebook's poor scam prevention make it our least recommended platform. Use only if you're extremely experienced and cautious.

Bottom Line: That "amazing deal" on Facebook Marketplace is probably a scam. If it seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

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7. CarGurus - The Price Intelligence Platform

Overview: CarGurus aggregates listings from dealers across the UK and uses algorithms to rate if cars are good value, overpriced, or great deals.

Pros:

• "Deal Rating" shows value instantly
• Aggregates multiple sources
• Price history tracking
• Shows how long cars have been listed
• Clean, modern interface
• Alerts when prices drop
• Links to dealer websites

Cons:

• No private seller listings
• Doesn't include all dealers
• Some listings outdated
• Must go to dealer sites to contact
• Limited to dealer stock only

Best For:

• Buyers focused on getting value
• Those who want price transparency
• Deal hunters looking for reduced cars
• Comparing dealer prices

Verdict: 7.5/10 - Excellent as a research tool alongside AutoTrader. The deal ratings are genuinely useful for spotting overpriced cars.

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8. Gumtree - Local & Budget-Friendly

Overview: Gumtree remains popular for private car sales, especially older or budget vehicles under £3,000.

Pros:

• Free to list and browse
• Many private sellers
• Local focus (easy to view)
• Often the cheapest prices
• Good for older cars
• Direct contact with owners
• No dealer fees or pressure

Cons:

• Higher scam risk
• No buyer protection
• Limited search functionality
• Many incomplete listings
• No inspection or warranty
• Cash transactions preferred
• Must do all due diligence yourself

Best For:

• Buying cars under £3,000
• Local searches only
• Experienced buyers comfortable with risk
• Those with cash ready

Safety:

• Meet in daylight at public locations
• Bring someone with you
• Get HPI check before viewing
• Verify seller identity
• Never pay deposits online
• Insist on proper documentation

Verdict: 5/10 - Use only if experienced and buying cheaper, older cars locally. The lack of buyer protection makes it risky for expensive purchases.

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Specialized Platforms Worth Knowing

Collecting Cars

Focus: Classic, rare, and enthusiast cars Auction-based platform with verified sellers

Car & Classic

Focus: Classic and vintage vehicles Trusted community for older cars

PistonHeads Classifieds

Focus: Performance and enthusiast cars Knowledgeable community, detailed listings

Honest John Classifieds

Focus: Editorial-backed car advice Smaller inventory but trusted advice

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How to Use Multiple Platforms Effectively

The Strategic Approach:

Week 1: Research Phase

1. Start with AutoTrader - Get a sense of market prices and availability
2. Check CarGurus - Understand if prices are fair
3. Browse Cinch/Cazoo - See what's available with warranties

Week 2: Active Searching

1. Set up alerts on AutoTrader for your criteria
2. Check Motors.co.uk for any AutoTrader crossovers
3. Monitor eBay for private seller bargains

Week 3: Narrowing Down

1. Compare same car across multiple platforms
2. Use CarGurus to verify you're getting good value
3. Consider Cinch/Cazoo if you find the right car with convenience

When to Buy:

• AutoTrader/Motors: When you find a good dealer with reviews and want to negotiate
• Cazoo/Cinch: When you want convenience and don't mind paying slightly more
• eBay/Gumtree: When you're experienced and hunting a bargain

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Platform-Specific Search Tips

AutoTrader Pro Tips:

• Use "Distance" filter to expand search radius gradually
• Sort by "Price: Low to High" to spot bargains
• Check "Days since listed" - new listings get most attention
• Save searches and enable notifications
• Use "Exclude" feature to hide already-viewed cars

Cazoo/Cinch Pro Tips:

• Set up stock alerts for specific models
• Use soft credit check before committing
• Read delivery reviews for your area
• Compare warranty terms carefully
• Ask for additional photos of any concerns

eBay Motors Pro Tips:

• Filter by "Buy It Now" to avoid auction stress
• Check seller location before viewing
• Read full description for hidden issues
• Ask for service history photos
• Negotiate via messages before viewing

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Red Flags Across All Platforms

Listing Red Flags:

• No service history mentioned
• Limited photos (less than 10)
• Price significantly below market value
• Vague descriptions
• Seller won't provide VIN
• Recent price drops (may indicate issues)
• Listed on multiple sites with different prices
• Stock photos instead of actual car

Dealer Red Flags:

• No Google reviews or very poor ratings
• Not FCA registered (for finance)
• Pressure tactics in messages
• Unwilling to provide inspection time
• Admin fees above £300
• No physical address listed
• Avoid independent inspections

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Cost Comparison: Same Car, Different Platforms

Example: 2021 Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost, 20,000 miles

Platform	Average Price	Warranty	Delivery	Inspection
AutoTrader (Dealer)	£12,950	6 months	Collect	Varies
Motors.co.uk (Dealer)	£12,750	6 months	Collect	Varies
Cazoo	£13,495	90 days	Free	300-point
Cinch	£13,395	90 days	Free	Full
eBay (Private)	£11,800	None	Collect	None
Facebook Marketplace	£11,200	None	Collect	None
Gumtree (Private)	£11,500	None	Collect	None

Value Analysis:

• Cheapest Price: Facebook Marketplace (£11,200) - HIGH SCAM RISK, avoid
• Best Safe Price: Gumtree (£11,500) - but no warranty or inspection
• Best Value: Motors.co.uk dealer (£12,750) - warranty included, can negotiate
• Best Peace of Mind: Cinch (£13,395) - 14-day returns, warranty, delivery
• Best Convenience: Cazoo (£13,495) - similar to Cinch but 7-day return

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Which Platform Should You Choose?

Choose AutoTrader if:

• You want maximum choice
• You're willing to do thorough research
• You can physically view cars
• You're comfortable negotiating
• You want to compare many options

Choose Cinch/Cazoo if:

• You value convenience over price
• You want a warranty and inspection
• You can't easily view cars in person
• You want a stress-free return policy
• You're time-poor

Choose Motors.co.uk if:

• You've exhausted AutoTrader
• You want slightly better value
• You're still researching options
• You want dealer backing

Choose eBay/Gumtree if:

• You're experienced with cars
• You want the absolute cheapest price
• You can inspect cars thoroughly
• You're buying locally
• You have cash ready

AVOID Facebook Marketplace if:

• You're a first-time buyer
• You're buying expensive cars (£5,000+)
• You can't spot scams easily
• You can't afford to lose the money
• Recommendation: Use safer alternatives instead

Choose CarGurus if:

• You want price intelligence
• You're researching value
• You want to spot overpriced cars
• You use it alongside other sites

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The Hybrid Strategy (Best Approach)

Most successful car buyers use this method:

1. Research on AutoTrader (understand market)
2. Verify value with CarGurus (check pricing)
3. Find candidates on AutoTrader/Motors (dealer options)
4. Check Cinch/Cazoo (convenience options)
5. Monitor eBay (bargain opportunities)

This approach gives you:

• Market knowledge from AutoTrader
• Price confidence from CarGurus
• Options across dealers and online retailers
• Backup with eBay bargains

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Platform Safety & Scam Prevention

Legitimate Seller Signs:

• Full dealer or personal details
• Happy to provide VIN
• Multiple clear photos
• Detailed description
• Responsive to questions
• Willing to allow inspections
• Reviews or history

Scam Warning Signs:

• Too-good-to-be-true prices
• Seller requests deposits before viewing
• Asks for payment via bank transfer only
• Won't provide phone number
• Car located far away
• Pressures immediate payment
• No documentation available

Protection Tips:

• Always view cars in person
• Get independent HPI check
• Pay with protected methods (credit card, PayPal)
• Meet in public places
• Bring someone with you
• Trust your instincts
• Never send deposits to unverified sellers

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Mobile Apps: Which Platform Has the Best?

AutoTrader App: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best overall - smooth, fast, excellent filters, saved searches

Cazoo App: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good - easy checkout, track delivery, clear photos

Cinch App: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good - similar to Cazoo, part-exchange feature works well

eBay Motors: ⭐⭐⭐ Decent - integrated with main eBay app, bidding works well

Facebook Marketplace: ⭐⭐ Poor - easy to browse but scam warnings are inadequate, poor seller verification

Motors.co.uk: ⭐⭐⭐ Average - functional but not as refined as AutoTrader

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The Verdict: Our Recommendations

For First-Time Buyers:

Primary: Cinch (peace of mind) Secondary: AutoTrader (selection) Avoid: Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree (scam risk too high)

For Experienced Buyers:

Primary: AutoTrader (best selection) Secondary: eBay (bargains) Research: CarGurus (value analysis)

For Convenience Seekers:

Primary: Cinch (14-day returns) Secondary: Cazoo (7-day returns) Backup: AutoTrader (alternatives)

For Bargain Hunters:

Primary: eBay Motors (lowest safe prices) Secondary: Gumtree (local deals) Verification: CarGurus (value check) Avoid: Facebook Marketplace (too many scams)

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Final Thoughts

No single platform is perfect for everyone. The UK car buying landscape offers excellent choices across the spectrum:

• AutoTrader remains the gold standard for selection
• Cinch and Cazoo excel at convenience and peace of mind
• eBay and Gumtree offer cheaper prices for experienced buyers (with caution)
• CarGurus provides invaluable pricing intelligence
• Motors.co.uk serves as a solid backup option
• Facebook Marketplace should be avoided due to extreme scam prevalence

The smartest approach? Use multiple platforms in combination. Research on AutoTrader, verify value with CarGurus, check for deals on Motors, and keep Cinch/Cazoo as your stress-free backup plan. Avoid Facebook Marketplace unless you're extremely experienced and buying very cheap local cars.

Whatever platform you choose, always:

• Get an HPI check
• Inspect cars in person (or rely on Cinch/Cazoo inspections)
• Verify seller credentials
• Compare prices across platforms
• Trust your instincts

Happy car hunting!

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Quick Reference Checklist

Before Choosing a Platform:

• Determine your budget
• Decide: dealer vs private seller
• Consider: convenience vs price
• Assess your car knowledge level
• Check if you can view cars locally

When Using Any Platform:

• Set up saved searches with alerts
• Check seller ratings/reviews
• Verify VIN and vehicle history
• Compare prices across platforms
• Read full descriptions carefully
• Ask questions before viewing
• Get independent inspection (except Cinch/Cazoo)

Red Flags to Watch:

• Price too good to be true
• Limited photos
• Vague descriptions
• Seller pressure tactics
• No documentation
• Won't allow inspection
• Requests unusual payment methods

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Last updated: January 2025. Platform features and pricing may change.