Craigslist, Facebook, or Google Merchant? Where Should Dealers List Inventory in 2025?

In 2025, car dealers have more listing options than ever:

• Craigslist for direct buyers.
• Facebook Marketplace for social-driven sales.
• Google Merchant Center for showing inventory in search.

But with limited time and budget, most dealers ask:

“Which platform actually gives me the best return?”

The challenge?

• Craigslist is pay-per-post, which adds up quickly.
• Facebook Marketplace leads can be low-intent or unqualified.
• Google Merchant requires setup and constant feed management.

If you’re posting everywhere without strategy, you’re wasting time and money.

Choosing the right platforms isn’t just about visibility — it’s about connecting with real buyers ready to take action.

• Craigslist: Still strong for cash buyers and private-party style leads.
• Facebook Marketplace: Great for volume but needs filtering to weed out tire-kickers.
• Google Merchant: Ideal for high-intent buyers searching on Google for cars like yours.

When done right:

• Your inventory reaches buyers at the exact moment they’re looking.
• You spend less per lead by focusing on channels that convert.
• You scale your listings automatically with feed-based posting.

Cost: $5 per vehicle listing (most U.S. markets).
Best for: Independent dealers, older cars, cash buyers.

• Pros:
  Attracts bargain-hunters and cash-ready buyers.
  No algorithm — simple, chronological listings.
• Cons:
  Manual posting can be time-consuming.
  Higher spam and low-quality inquiries.

Pro Tip: Use Craigslist posting automation to save time and keep your listings live 24/7.

Cost: Free to list manually; paid boosted ads for wider reach.
Best for: Volume leads, new and used cars, financing deals.

• Pros:
  Massive audience — 300M+ Marketplace users monthly.
  Easy integration with dealership inventory feeds.
  Works well with retargeting ads (bring back window-shoppers).
• Cons:
  High number of “just looking” leads.
  Marketplace filters aren’t always accurate.

Pro Tip: Pair Marketplace with Facebook Lead Ads to capture qualified prospects with forms that pre-screen them.

Cost: Free to list in Google Vehicle Listings; paid ads for premium placement.
Best for: Reaching in-market buyers actively searching on Google.

• Pros:
  Inventory shows directly in Google search (e.g., “Honda Civic near me”).
  Integrates with Google Ads for full-funnel visibility.
  Attracts high-intent buyers — those ready to buy or visit your store.
• Cons:
  Requires accurate inventory feeds and technical setup.
  Needs ongoing optimization for visibility.

Pro Tip: Combine free Google listings with Google Performance Max ads for maximum exposure.

• Independent dealers with low ad budgets: Craigslist + Facebook.
• Dealers with strong Google Ads strategy: Google Merchant.
• Franchise or multi-location dealers: Use all three, but automate inventory feeds for efficiency.

• Automate your listings: Use inventory syndication tools to post everywhere automatically.
• Track lead sources: Know which platform delivers real sales, not just inquiries.
• Use AI for lead filtering: Reduce time wasted on low-quality Marketplace or Craigslist leads.
• Bundle platforms with retargeting: Show ads to people who viewed your listings but didn’t convert.

Yes — especially for budget-conscious, independent buyers. But use automation to reduce posting time.

Some aren’t — but pairing Marketplace with paid Facebook Lead Ads improves lead quality.

It puts your cars directly in Google search results, often above organic listings. It’s where high-intent buyers are.

If your budget allows, yes — but use a syndication tool so you don’t post manually.

Use UTM tracking and call tracking numbers to see which listings drive actual sales.

The right platform can cut your cost-per-lead in half and speed up sales.

Not sure where to focus?

We’ll analyze your current listings and recommend a platform strategy that works for your market.