Safety Centre

Buy and sell safely

CarsnSale is an advertising platform — we do not handle payments or take part in the sale. These are the checks that keep South African car buyers and sellers safe.

For buyers

Meet in a safe, public place

View the vehicle during daylight at the seller's home or business address, or at a police station safe-trading zone. Take someone with you and tell a third person where you are going.

Check the paperwork against the car

Match the VIN and engine number on the vehicle to the registration certificate (NaTIS). Ask for the licence disc, service book and a valid roadworthy certificate. Walk away if the seller's name is not on the papers.

Never pay before you have seen the car

No deposit, no "transport fee", no courier. Scammers ask for EFT or instant-money transfers for a car you have not inspected. Pay only once you have the vehicle and signed change-of-ownership forms.

Confirm the car is not stolen or under finance

Get a police clearance and a finance-settlement letter from the bank if the vehicle is still financed. A car under an unsettled loan cannot legally be transferred to you.

For sellers

Verify the buyer before handing over keys

Ask for a copy of the buyer's ID and confirm it matches the person in front of you. Accompany any test drive and keep a copy of their licence.

Confirm funds have cleared

Instant EFT notifications and proof-of-payment screenshots can be faked. Confirm in your own banking app that the money is available before releasing the vehicle.

Complete the change of ownership

Submit your NCO (notification of change of ownership) to your licensing department immediately, otherwise fines and liability stay with you.

Protect your personal information

Share your address only with serious buyers, and never send copies of your ID or bank statements to someone you have not met.

Scam red flags

The price is far below market value for the year and mileage.
The seller refuses a physical viewing or insists on "shipping" the vehicle.
You are asked for a deposit to "reserve" the car or to release it from a courier.
The seller will only communicate over WhatsApp and avoids phone calls.
Payment is requested to a third party, a different name, or in cryptocurrency.
The registration papers are "with the bank" or unavailable at the viewing.

Report a suspicious listing

Every listing has a Report this listing link. Our moderation team reviews reports and removes listings that are misleading, duplicated or unlawful. If you have lost money, open a case at your nearest SAPS station immediately.

Browse listings

What our badges mean

Verified dealer — the dealership submitted valid company registration and identification documents that our team checked.
Verified listing — our team reviewed supporting documentation for that specific vehicle.
A badge is never a guarantee of the vehicle’s condition. Always inspect the car and its papers yourself.