Used Cars for Sale in Berkeley

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Car buyers love PrivateAuto because we streamline the process of buying a car.

- [Full banking integration](https://privateauto.com/blog/what-is-privateauto-pay) for instant money transfers, 24/7/365
- Verified sellers help you avoid scams
- In-app messaging and scheduling keeps your personal info safe
- [Apply for financing](https://privateauto.com/financing/cars) right in our app
- Electronically sign the [bill of sale](https://privateauto.com/blog/bill-of-sale-for-car-sellers) right in our app
- Makes buying and paying for a pre-owned car as easy as ordering takeout

Already have a car in mind? Use [DealNow](https://privateauto.com/dealnow) to fast-track the process. Even if the car is on another platform, such as [Facebook Marketplace](https://privateauto.com/blog/facebook-marketplace-vs-private-auto) or Craigslist, you can invite the seller to hop on to PrivateAuto, bypass the listing process, and get the deal done with our transactional infrastructure.


How PrivateAuto Helps You Buy a Car

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Here’s how the PrivateAuto process works:

1. Create a PrivateAuto account
2. Browse vehicle listings near you and communicate securely with sellers
3. Schedule test drives with sellers using our easy calendar booking system
4. Apply for financing within the PrivateAuto app and get approved (optional)
5. E-sign documents from your PrivateAuto phone app
6. Pay for your car by sending up to $1M instantly and securely with PrivateAuto Pay, our banking integration

So easy.

Buying a Used Car on PrivateAuto: the Process

Browse These Other Popular Vehicles

Browse Popular Cars

Essential Resources for Used Car Transactions

PrivateAuto is the [only transactional marketplace](https://privateauto.com/what-is-a-transactional-marketplace) for buying and selling cars privately. 

Other marketplaces are actually “meeting places” because they are non-transactional; they don’t actually provide the tech infrastructure to get a deal done. See the following comparisons:

- PrivateAuto vs CarGurus, AutoTrader, and other non-transactional marketplaces
- PrivateAuto vs KSL Cars, Craigslist, and other classifieds
- PrivateAuto vs Bring a Trailer and other auction sites
- PrivateAuto vs Carvana and other dealers

PrivateAuto provides a marketplace, secure communication, a payment gateway, and many other features that allow a private party to easily buy or sell a vehicle. No exposing of personal information to strangers. No bloated costs. No inconvenience. Just pure transactionality.

What is PrivateAuto?

PrivateAuto Pay is our revolutionary payment gateway.

- Instantaneous transfers 24/7/365
- Transfer up to $1M
- Free

There’s nothing like it. PrivateAuto Pay gives you [escrow-like safeguards](https://privateauto.com/escrow-service-for-used-car-transactions) in the palm of your hand and lets you [purchase a vehicle remotely](https://privateauto.com/blog/buying-a-car-long-distance-from-a-private-seller).

What is PrivateAuto Pay?

There are three primary reasons why [buying from a private seller](https://privateauto.com/blog/how-to-buy-a-used-car-from-a-private-party) is often a better option than buying from a dealer.

1. More inventory. There are more used cars available from private sellers than from dealers, meaning you have more selection.
2. Better value. Dealers need to buy low and sell high to stay in business. On average, you’ll get a better deal by cutting out the middleman. What’s more, dealers often charge “documentation fees” that further inflate your out-of-pocket costs.
3. Quality. Many private-sale cars are being sold by first-time owners. This means you’re buying from someone who knows the vehicle’s history and has hopefully maintained the car well. Dealers, in contrast, usually have little connection to the vehicles they sell.

We’ll admit that dealerships can add some convenience to certain aspects of the transaction process. Traditionally, private-party car sales have been rather complicated. That’s why we created PrivateAuto. We give you dealer-like convenience in the palm of your hand, so you can get a private-party transaction done from beginning to end.


Why is it better to buy a car from a private seller?

The best time of year to buy a car from a private seller is typically the winter months, specifically January and February. This is because fewer people buy cars during the winter, so sellers may be more motivated and willing to negotiate on price. 

If you’re looking to buy a used car in the spring, summer, or fall, there’s no compelling reason to hold off until winter; the difference in price is likely to be marginal at best.

What is the best time of year to buy a car?

If you want to sell your used car, you can [create a listing on PrivateAuto](https://privateauto.com/sell) and set your own price. When buyers contact you, we allow you to interact with them without disclosing your personal information. We help you get the deal done, from easy test drive scheduling to instant payments. 


How can I sell my car?

In most states, you’ll need to get new license plates from your local DMV. California and Minnesota are exceptions, because they mandate that sellers leave the license plates on the car when it changes owners. [Read our state-by-state guide to license plates](https://privateauto.com/what-to-do-with-license-plates-after-selling-car) for more details.

Will I need to get new license plates after buying a used car from a private seller?

Each state sets its own license plate fees, and there is a wide variance between states. [Our complete guide to license plate costs](https://privateauto.com/blog/how-much-do-license-plates-cost) gives the facts.

How much do license plates cost?

The three most important factors when considering used cars for sale are the following:

1. Vehicle mileage
2. Vehicle age
3. Vehicle maintenance history

A well-maintained high-mileage older vehicle may well be in better condition than a lower-mileage, newer vehicle that was abused and poorly maintained. Ultimately, you want to find a car that has been taken care of. Obviously, you’ll also want to find the latest-model, lowest-mileage used car for your budget.


What is more important, car age or mileage?

Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping for a used car in Berkeley, CA? Browse our selection of used cars for sale in Berkeley get a screaming deal on your next ride.

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