What changed with Craigslist
Ten years ago, Craigslist was the default free platform for used car sales. Today, most of that activity has moved to Facebook Marketplace. Craigslist still has users, but the volume and average buyer engagement have both dropped.
The paid fees Craigslist added for vehicle listings also pushed many casual posters elsewhere.
Where Craigslist still works
It tends to work better in:
- Smaller metros without strong Facebook groups
- Markets with older buyer demographics
- Specialty vehicles where buyers search across platforms
- Lower-priced inventory under $10,000
Dealers in those markets report Craigslist bringing a few calls per week. Not transformative, but also not nothing.
Where it doesn't work as well
In larger metros with active Facebook groups, Craigslist usually underperforms. A Raleigh or Charlotte dealer is often better off focusing that same posting time on Facebook Marketplace and local groups.
The reposting reality
Craigslist listings expire and get pushed down fast. To stay visible, dealers either repost manually or use a posting tool. The math only works if you can automate some of it.
If a staff member has to spend an hour every morning reposting vehicles, you need to decide whether the resulting leads justify the labor.
What this looks like in North Carolina
Craigslist activity varies widely across NC. Eastern NC counties and smaller Piedmont towns still have active Craigslist users. Bigger metros like Charlotte and Raleigh have mostly shifted to Facebook Marketplace.
Specialty inventory like work trucks, utility vehicles, and older used cars still moves on Craigslist in rural NC markets because buyers there know to check it.
Where UsedNC.com fits
Craigslist eats time. UsedNC.com doesn't. Your inventory syncs automatically, so you're not restarting listings every few days.
If Craigslist is working for you, keep it in the mix. UsedNC just adds a layer where the effort is front-loaded once and the listings stay active.
Learn more about listing on UsedNC