(Alternate approach to the cash one above). Then leave. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply and are available on request. This keeps all pressure on the seller to either accept your offer or attempt to justify why it is too low. How to negotiate with a private seller of a used car? This is the amount you can expect to pay for a used car from a private party, and it is calculated using the vehicle’s make, model, features, mileage, and condition. Negotiation works best if you are easily able to walk away from a deal (or at least make the other party think you will).
Ideally, you’d like to get it for a better price, so you have money left over for that weekend away you promised yourself. Buying privately can often save you thousands, however, there is no warranty on the vehicle (unless it is the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty). Check the value of the new version of the vehicle to see how the used price compares. This is when you ask for their best price. If a feature doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to, feel free to use this as a negotiation tool, even if you weren’t planning on using the feature in the first place. Even if you’re positive this is the car for you, search forums and review sites online to hear how other owners feel about their vehicle. This is why it's important to have alternative vehicles on your shopping list. Some consider the asking price to be a first offer, but you can do better. The best way to negotiate is to refuse to negotiate. Here’s the low-down on bartering your way to a bargain. Part of a good negotiation strategy is to always get the other party to make the first offer. Environmentally Friendly Car Care Products, How to Negotiate a Private Party Used Car Sale, Private Party Used Car Sale Tip #1: Research the Car, Private Party Used Car Sale Tip #2: Determine the Value, Private Party Used Car Sale Tip #3: Inspect the Car, Private Party Used Car Sale Tip #4: Ask Questions, Private Party Used Car Sale Tip #5: Make the Offer. Walk away and look for another vehicle if you don't hear back or if your offer is not accepted on the spot. This trend line shows you how much negotiating flexibility you may have with each listing. Ask a mechanic to check the vehicle for any major problems. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. All recommendations are based foremost upon a good faith belief that the product, service, or site will benefit car buyers. He also suggests selling your used car beforehand to an independent seller, rather than trading it in a dealership. Depending on the urgency to sell the vehicle, a seller may be more receptive to lower offers. What happens next is telling. Make sure to point out all the flaws such as scratches, dings, weird noises, stains, etc. For example, you want to know what a car in good condition looks like versus one in fair or poor condition. Sometimes, the seller will say yes. How to haggle for a new car; Top tips for getting a great deal; How to haggle for a used car; Your next step; How to haggle for a new car . So while you never should take a deal you are not comfortable with, you need to keep an open mind and be willing to accept a price that is fair to both sides. When buying from a private party, negotiation is usually easy, and it takes little time to settle on a price acceptable to both the buyer and the seller. Make sure you’ve worked out what you can afford and have done plenty of research into the car you’re planning to buy – including the list price. The different entities of TAL and the Suncorp Group of companies are not responsible for, or liable in respect of, products and services provided by the other. Since used cars are all sold "as-is" it's up to YOU to discover any problems BEFORE you buy. If a buyer is serious, he should counter with a higher offer. We've listed all relevant models here.