KSL Classifieds is Utah's largest online marketplace for used cars, run by Deseret News Media

KSL Classifieds is a free classified ads site where private sellers and dealers list vehicles for sale across Utah. You can search by make, model, price, location, and mileage without creating an account. The site does not hold money, verify sellers, or may provide transactions — it is a bulletin board, not a broker. Buyers and sellers negotiate directly and complete the sale on their own.

The platform has been operating since the late 1990s and is the default place Utahns look for used cars. Most listings are private sales, though some dealers also post there. Unlike national sites such as Autotrader or Cars.com, KSL is regional and free to list on, which is why you will see more local inventory and fewer dealer markups.

Key Takeaways

  • KSL Classifieds charges no listing fee for private sellers and no search fee for buyers; you can browse thousands of vehicles without an account.
  • The site does not verify seller identity, inspect vehicles, or hold payment, so you are responsible for checking the car and the seller's legitimacy before handing over money.
  • Most private sales on KSL happen between individuals who live within an hour of each other, so location filters help narrow results to cars you can actually see in person.
  • Completed sales are not tracked by KSL, so you will need to handle the title transfer and registration yourself through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.

How to search for a car on KSL

Go to ksl.com, click the Classifieds tab, and select Autos. You can search by make and model, set a price range, choose a distance radius from your zip code, and filter by year, mileage, and body type. The search results show thumbnail photos, the asking price, the vehicle's age and mileage, and the seller's city. Click any listing to see the full description, all photos, and the seller's phone number or email.

Most listings include the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can use to order a history report from Carfax or AutoCheck before you contact the seller. Searching by location is important because many sellers will not ship a car — they expect you to pick it up or arrange transport yourself. If you see a listing that interests you, call or text the seller's number directly. KSL does not manage the conversation or the transaction.

What to check before you contact a seller

Read the full listing description carefully. Honest sellers will note mechanical issues, accident history, service records, and reasons for selling. If a listing is vague, has only one photo, or uses language like "as-is" without detail, that is a signal to ask more questions before you drive to see it. Request the VIN and run a history report through Carfax or AutoCheck — these reports cost $20 to $30 and show whether the car has been in an accident, had a title branded (salvage, flood, lemon law buyback), or had multiple owners in a short time.

Ask the seller whether they have service records, whether the car has ever been in an accident, and whether all systems (air conditioning, heating, lights, brakes) work. A seller who has owned the car for years and has records is generally lower risk than someone who bought it at auction three months ago. If the seller is evasive or unwilling to answer, move on — there are thousands of other cars on KSL.

Meeting a seller and inspecting the car

Arrange to meet in a public place during daylight. Many police departments in Utah allow you to use their parking lots for private vehicle sales — this gives both parties a sense of security. Bring a mechanic or a knowledgeable friend if you are not confident in your ability to spot problems. Test drive the car on a variety of roads: highway, city streets, and hills. Listen for unusual noises, check that the brakes feel firm, and make sure the steering is responsive.

Inspect the interior for tears, stains, and odors. Look under the hood for leaks, corrosion, or loose hoses. Check the tire tread and the condition of the battery. If anything concerns you, ask the seller directly or have a pre-purchase inspection done by a trusted mechanic — this usually costs $100 to $200 and can save you thousands if the car has hidden damage. Do not hand over money until you are confident in the car's condition and the seller's honesty.

Negotiating price and payment

The asking price on KSL is almost always negotiable, especially for private sales. Research the car's market value using Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides — enter the exact year, make, model, mileage, and condition to see what similar cars are selling for in your area. If the asking price is higher than the market value, make a lower offer. Most sellers expect some back-and-forth. Be respectful and reasonable; if you offer $5,000 less than asking on a $15,000 car, the seller is likely to ignore you.

Once you agree on a price, discuss payment method. Cash is safest for both parties because there is no risk of a check bouncing or a payment being reversed. If you are paying with a cashier's check, the seller may ask to hold the car until the check clears. Never wire money to a seller you have not met in person, and never send payment before you have seen and inspected the car. If a deal feels rushed or the seller is pressuring you, walk away.

Completing the sale and transferring the title

Before you hand over money, ask the seller for the vehicle title (the pink slip), the keys, and any service records. Verify that the seller's name matches the name on the title. In Utah, the seller must sign the title in the presence of a notary public or at the Division of Motor Vehicles office. You will also need to sign the title as the new owner. Both of you should fill out the odometer reading and the sale price on the title.

After the sale is complete, you have 10 days to register the car with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Bring the signed title, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale (a straightforward form you can read from the DMV website or write yourself with the car's details, the sale price, and both signatures). The registration fee varies based on the car's age and value. You can register in person at any DMV office, by mail, or online through the Utah DMV website. Until the title is transferred to your name, you are not the legal owner.

Red flags and how to avoid scams

Be cautious of listings with prices far below market value, sellers who are unwilling to meet in person, and requests to wire money or use payment apps before you see the car. Some scammers post stolen photos from other listings or use fake VINs. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify the seller's identity by asking for a driver's license and checking that the name matches the title.

KSL does not monitor transactions, so if you are scammed, your only recourse is to report it to local police and the Utah Attorney General's office. There is no buyer protection or money-back may provide. This is why meeting in person, inspecting the car thoroughly, and verifying the title before you pay are so important. Trust your instincts — if something feels off about the seller or the car, do not proceed.

Selling a car on KSL

To post a listing, go to ksl.com/classifieds, click Post an Ad, and select Autos. You will need to create a free KSL account with your email address. Fill in the vehicle details: year, make, model, mileage, body type, transmission, and engine size. Write a clear description that includes the car's condition, any mechanical issues, service history, and reason for selling. Upload at least five clear photos — one of each side, the front, the back, and the interior. Photos with good lighting and no clutter sell faster.

Set your asking price based on Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides for your car's condition and mileage. You can list your phone number or email for contact, or use KSL's messaging system to keep your number private. Your listing will appear when ready and stay active for 30 days. You can renew it for free or delete it once you have sold the car. KSL does not charge listing fees, does not take a commission, and does not hold payment — you handle all communication and the transaction directly with the buyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to meet a stranger from KSL to buy or sell a car?

Meeting in a public place during daylight and bringing someone with you reduces risk significantly. Many Utah police departments allow you to use their parking lots for private sales. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to return. Trust your instincts — if the seller or buyer makes you uncomfortable, do not proceed.

What if the car breaks down a week after I buy it?

In Utah, private sales are typically sold "as-is" with no warranty unless the seller explicitly offers one in writing. Once you sign the title and take possession, the car is yours and you are responsible for repairs. This is why a pre-purchase inspection and a history report are so important before you buy.

Can I return a car I bought on KSL if I change my mind?

No. KSL is a classified ads site, not a dealership. Once you and the seller agree on a price and sign the title, the sale is final. There is no return period or cooling-off period for private vehicle sales in Utah. This is another reason to inspect the car thoroughly and take your time before you commit.

How long does it usually take to sell a car on KSL?

It depends on the car's price, condition, and how competitive the market is. A well-priced car with good photos and a clear description may sell in a few days. A car with mechanical issues or an above-market price may take weeks or never sell. Renewing your listing every 30 days keeps it visible to new searchers.

Do I need to use a title company or lawyer to buy a car on KSL?

No. You can handle the title transfer yourself through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. A title company or lawyer is not necessary for a private sale, though some people use them for peace of mind. The DMV website has all the forms and instructions you need.