If you haven't already, do a search on Pelican to compare prices from forum members selling their cars to the Craigslist ad price. You also mentioned if there was a reliable car checker service. Wasn't sure if you meant Carfax.com or something else. Carfax will give you 5 reports for $35. So if you amortize it, that's $7 a report. I've probably used it three times this year and believe me, that $7 saved me a bunch of money, either by helping me not buy or negotiate a lower price.