What KSL Classifieds is and how the car section works
KSL Classifieds is a free online marketplace run by Brigham Young University's licensing arm, where Utah residents and others can list and browse used cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The car section is organized by type, price range, and location, and you can message sellers directly through the site without sharing your phone number or email until you choose to.
Unlike national sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, KSL is regional — most listings are in Utah, though some sellers ship vehicles or list from neighbouring states. The site does not hold money, verify sellers, or handle the transaction itself. You negotiate price, arrange payment, and complete the title transfer with the seller on your own, the same way you would in a private sale.
KSL charges no listing fee for sellers and no fee to browse or contact buyers. The site makes money from featured listings (a paid upgrade that puts your car at the top of search results) and from advertising.
Key Takeaways
- KSL Classifieds is a free Utah-based marketplace where you can search for used vehicles by type, price, mileage, and location without creating an account.
- To sell a car on KSL, you create a free account, upload photos, write a description, set your price, and respond to buyer messages directly through the site.
- Buyers should always inspect the vehicle in person, ask for the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck), and verify the seller's name matches the title before handing over money.
- Payment methods are between you and the seller — KSL does not hold funds or may provide the transaction, so cash or a cashier's check at the time of sale is safest.
- After you buy, you have 10 days to register the vehicle with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles and transfer the title into your name.
How to search for a car on KSL Classifieds
Go to ksl.com and click "Classifieds" in the top menu, then select "Vehicles" and "Cars" (or "Trucks," "Motorcycles," etc., depending on what you want). You do not need to create an account to search. Use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow by make, model, year, price range, mileage, and distance from your zip code.
Click on any listing to see the full description, all photos, the seller's location, and a button to message the seller. Read the description carefully — sellers often note mechanical issues, accident history, or recent repairs. If something is unclear, message the seller and ask before you drive to see the car.
Many listings include a link to a vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck). If the seller has not provided one, you can run your own using the vehicle identification number (VIN) — it costs $25 to $40 and shows past accidents, title issues, and service records. This step is worth the cost before you commit to a test drive.
How to list a car for sale on KSL Classifieds
Create a free KSL account using your email address. Go to "Post an Ad" and select "Vehicles," then "Cars" (or the appropriate category). Fill in the year, make, model, trim, and body type. Enter the mileage, transmission type, fuel type, and exterior color. Set your asking price — you can change it later if you get no interest or too many lowball offers.
Write a description in plain language. Mention the condition of the interior and exterior, any recent repairs or maintenance, whether the title is clean, and any known issues. Sellers who are honest about problems often get fewer tire-kickers and faster sales. Include your location (city or neighbourhood) so buyers know how far they have to travel.
Upload at least five clear photos — one of each side, the front, the back, and the interior. Photos taken in daylight sell faster than dark or blurry ones. Do not include your phone number or personal details in the description; use KSL's messaging system instead. Once you submit, your listing goes live when ready and appears in search results.
What to do when a buyer contacts you
Respond to messages through the KSL site, not by giving out your number right away. Answer questions about the car's history, condition, and reason for sale. If a buyer wants to see the car, suggest a time and a public location — a parking lot, a busy street, or a mechanic's shop is safer than your home. Never agree to ship the car or accept payment before the buyer has seen it in person.
When the buyer arrives, let them inspect the car, take it for a test drive, and have a mechanic look it over if they want. Be prepared to show the title (the physical document) and your driver's license to prove you own the car and that your name matches the title. If the buyer is financing through a bank or credit union, they will handle the title transfer paperwork — you just sign where they tell you to.
Agree on a price and a payment method. Cash is simplest and safest for both of you. If the buyer wants to pay by check, wait for it to clear before you hand over the keys and title. Once payment is complete, sign the title on the back where it says "Seller's Signature" and write the odometer reading and sale date. Give the buyer the signed title, the keys, and any service records you have.
What to do when you buy a car on KSL Classifieds
Before you meet the seller, run a vehicle history report using the VIN. Look for title problems (salvage, flood, lemon law buyback), major accidents, or service records that suggest ongoing issues. If the report raises red flags, walk away — there are other cars. If it looks clean, message the seller and arrange a time to see the car.
Bring a mechanic with you if you can, or take the car to a trusted shop for a pre-purchase inspection before you commit. A mechanic will spot worn brakes, transmission problems, or rust that you might miss. The inspection usually costs $100 to $200 and can save you thousands in repairs later. Do not skip this step on older cars or high-mileage vehicles.
Inspect the title in person. Make sure the seller's name on the title matches their driver's license and that the title is not marked "salvage" or "flood." Ask the seller why they are selling and whether the car has been in an accident. If anything feels off, do not buy. Agree on a price, pay by cash or cashier's check, and get a signed bill of sale (a straightforward document that lists the car's details, the price, and both signatures) in addition to the title.
Registering your car and transferring the title after purchase
You have 10 days from the date of purchase to register the vehicle and transfer the title into your name. Go to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website or visit a local DMV office in person. Bring the signed title, your bill of sale, your driver's license, and proof of insurance. You will pay a registration fee (the amount depends on the vehicle's age and value) and a title transfer fee.
If you financed the car through a bank or credit union, the lender will handle the title transfer for you — they will send the paperwork to the DMV and hold the title until you pay off the loan. In that case, you just need to register the vehicle and provide proof of insurance. Once the DMV processes your paperwork, you will receive new registration documents and a new title in the mail.
If you miss the 10-day important date, you can still register and transfer the title, but you may face a late fee. Do not drive the car on public roads without registration and insurance, even if you own it — it is illegal and you risk a ticket.
Safety tips for buying and selling on KSL Classifieds
Meet in a public place during daylight hours. Bring someone with you, especially if you are selling and handling cash. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to be back. If a buyer or seller seems evasive, asks you to wire money, or pressures you to decide quickly, do not proceed.
Never give out your Social Security number, bank account details, or personal information beyond what is necessary to complete the sale. Do not accept payment methods you cannot verify — wire transfers and gift cards are hard to reverse if something goes wrong. If you are selling, do not let a buyer take the car without paying in full and signing the title over to them.
If you are buying, do not hand over money until you have seen the title, confirmed the VIN matches the vehicle, and had a mechanic inspect it. Walk away from deals that feel rushed or too good to be true. There are always more cars on KSL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I post a car on KSL Classifieds without a photo?
You can, but cars with photos sell much faster and for higher prices. Most buyers scroll past listings without images. Upload at least five clear photos showing the front, back, sides, and interior.
What if the seller will not let me have a mechanic inspect the car?
That is a warning sign. A seller with nothing to hide will let you take the car to a mechanic before you buy. If they refuse, assume there is a problem and look for another vehicle.
Do I have to use KSL's messaging system or can I give the seller my phone number?
You can share your phone number once you feel comfortable, but using KSL's messaging first keeps your contact details private until you decide to meet. Many buyers and sellers switch to text or calls once they have agreed on a time and place.
What happens if I buy a car and the title is not in the seller's name?
Do not complete the purchase. A title must be signed by the person whose name is on it. If the seller cannot produce a matching title, the car may be stolen or have a lien against it. Walk away and report the listing to KSL.
Can I return a car I bought on KSL Classifieds?
No. KSL is a marketplace, not a dealer. Once you buy a car and sign the title, the sale is final. This is why a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report are so important.