I’ve bought several vehicles on Craigslist, most recently last month, and I’ve been pleased with each purchase. I’ve also learned some useful things along the way. Here are some tips on using the site to your best advantage:

• Use the search function. Once you have settled on, say, a Honda Accord, punch that into the search function. There is a “minimum” and “maximum” price qualifier that can help you narrow the search. Check Craigslist sites in nearby cities for the same vehicle.

• Check the history. Using the vehicle’s vehicle identification number you can run a history on Autocheck.com or CarFax.com. I bought a month’s worth of checks on AutoCheck for $44.99, a good buy since one VIN search costs $29.99.

• Beware brokers. Many people who earn a living buying cars at auction or on Craigslist, then resell them at higher prices. There is nothing wrong with this, but brokers will know nothing of the car’s history. They may also have done a quick freshening of the vehicle: One I looked at that a broker was selling had three brands of tires, suggesting he likely visited a used tire store to replace some bald tires as cheaply as he could.