The amazing deal you spotted on car for sale on Craigslist or some other sale site often comes with problems you won't find until down the road, so to speak. When buying a car from a private seller, you run the risk of buying a car that has recalls, improper repairs, or might even have been stolen.
Always run a Carfax report, and consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the car – the cost will be worth it, especially if it saves you from buying an inferior vehicle. And never buy a car sight unseen.
Related: 8 ways to avoid getting scammed when buying a car online