🚗 Biggest “Red Flags” in a Used Car Ad

Not all used cars are bad — but bad used car ads almost always look the same.

Whether you’re shopping on Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, AutoTrader, or a dealership website, these red flags tell you when a vehicle is hiding problems, fake pricing, or outright fraud.

Here are the biggest warning signs to watch for before you even send a message.

🚩 1. “Runs Great” — But No Other Details

If the entire description is:

“Runs great, no issues, serious buyers only”

That’s a red flag.

Good sellers include:

• Maintenance history
• Ownership details
• Why they’re selling
• What’s been replaced

Vague listings mean they don’t want you asking questions.

🚩 2. No VIN Listed

Every legitimate used car ad should include the VIN.

No VIN usually means:

• Accident history
• Salvage title
• Odometer issues
• Or the car doesn’t legally belong to the seller

No VIN = no deal.

🚩 3. Stock Photos Instead of Real Photos

If the pictures look like they came from Google:

• No license plate
• No driveway
• No real background

It could be:

• A bait listing
• A stolen car
• Or a fake price designed to collect leads

🚩 4. “Price Too Good to Be True”

A $12,000 car listed for $6,500 usually means:

• Rebuilt title
• Engine or transmission issues
• Or it doesn’t exist

Deals happen — scams happen more.

🚩 5. “Needs Nothing” or “Just Serviced”

If it was just serviced and needs nothing…

Why are they selling it cheap?

Always ask for:

• Repair invoices
• Maintenance records
• What was actually done

🚩 6. No Mention of Accidents or Title

If the ad doesn’t say:

• Clean title
• No accidents
• Carfax available

Assume the opposite.

🚩 7. Refuses to Meet at a Shop or Dealer

If the seller won’t let you:

• Get a pre-purchase inspection
• Bring a mechanic
• Meet at a dealership

They’re hiding something.

🚩 8. Won’t Answer Simple Questions

Watch out for sellers who:

• Dodge mileage questions
• Ignore accident history
• Change their story

Honest sellers are consistent.

🚩 9. Recently Cleared Codes

If the check engine light is off but the car feels wrong, the seller may have:

• Cleared fault codes
• Reset the system
• Temporarily hidden problems

Always scan the vehicle.

🚩 10. Salvage, Rebuilt, or “As-Is” Without Explanation

These words don’t automatically mean bad — but they require proof.

Ask for:

• Before photos
• Repair receipts
• Inspection reports

No paperwork = walk away.

🧠 Why These Red Flags Matter

Most bad used car experiences come from:

• Emotional buying
• Rushing
• Or ignoring obvious warning signs

A bad ad usually means a worse car.

🚗 Final Thought

The car itself matters — but the ad tells you everything.

If it looks shady, rushed, vague, or too good to be true… it usually is.

If you want verified vehicles, real pricing, and no bait listings, platforms like CarRefinancing.ca exist to eliminate these red flags by matching you with real dealers and real approvals upfront.