How to buy a car online from a private seller on KSL Cars

Since the first retail transaction was completed online in 1994, the internet has transformed how people shop — whether for seasonal gifts or weekly groceries. The pandemic created even more demand for online shopping, especially in industries that historically relied more on in-person experiences. 

Auto dealerships embraced the evolving online market and focused on adding more purchase-focused functionality to virtual showrooms. But what about vehicles that are listed for sale by owner? KSL Cars is your biggest online car lot. Browse listings today

Get prequalified

First things first. You can’t buy a caviar-colored roadster on a tuna-can of a car budget. And sellers don’t love inquiries from buyers who aren’t serious. Determine how much you can afford by getting prequalified before you start shopping.

Private sellers appreciate buyers who have reliable funding available. It establishes trust between private parties and expedites the purchase process.

Search smarter

Once you’ve been preapproved for an auto loan, you can narrow your search on KSL Cars using specific filters, including Price Range, Seller Type and Location. You don’t have to drive 500 miles just to be the man who drove 500 miles to fall down at a Ford’s door … unless you want to. 

Alerts

Can’t find the exact make and model you want on the search results page? Use Saved Searches and Alerts so you’re the first to see that Prius priced under $15,000. Alerts can be set on KSL.com and delivered via email, while push notifications are possible using the KSL Classifieds app. Check out Prius listings

Contact the seller

When adding listings on KSL Cars, sellers have the option to use Messages to communicate with others rather than making their personal contact info visible on the listing. Communications are limited to KSL Marketplace members with verified email addresses and sent through our secure platform. This feature is accessible anywhere you see the paper airplane icon on KSL.com or within the KSL Classifieds app. 

Use Messages to quickly communicate with private sellers. Prewritten queries such as “Is this vehicle still available?” make it possible to send a question with a single tap or click. Or, craft your own body content with more specific questions. “Can I take that bodacious Beamer for a spin on Saturday at 2?” Find a BMW for sale

If the seller hasn’t enabled Messages, you can still contact them using their preferred method on the listing.

Schedule a test drive

Yes, you can buy and finance a car online. But a virtual test drive isn’t recommended. You will need to put on some shoes and leave the house for this part of the purchase process.   

Finalize the sale

Getting prequalified for an auto loan isn’t the same as actually originating the loan. Additional documentation is required to complete the vehicle financing process, all of which can be signed electronically.

Start and end your quest for the perfect used vehicles on KSL Cars. Then drive off into the sunset in the Solstice you set your Saved Search on.