Ok guys i see that some of u guys are master negotiators. I would like too know how 2 feel the guy out on the phone. So i dont go there and just end up wasting my time. What do u guys do to get the best deal and any tips or tricks that u can add would be great.

 

Ask about everything that's wrong. Ask how much that will cost. Be negative about all the problems. The seller will start to realize it's not worth what he wants. Add up all the problems and say "wow!!!! I have to spend 2400 after I buy it??? "

 

i normally cant tell over the phone. i show up with cash in hand of how much they are asking for. i look over everything before and after a test drive. i find everything that i can thats wrong with it and point it out to them. i usually low ball the person but not enough to insult them. i slowly work from there as they bring the price down. once we are close to an agreement and he wont go lower. i just say i only brought this much with me and if you agree with it i will take the car right now. has worked fine so far i normally get cars for about 1000-2500 cheaper. for my jeep the guy was asking 5500 i got it for 2900. i them took a lot of mods off that i didnt like and sold them and made some money back.

 

The second I hear "its like new" or "there is nothing wrong with it" , especially when talking about a 10+ year old Jeep I know I will have to dig for every stupid thing thats wrong by myself when I get to see the car. Its ususally a good sign when the seller admits and tells you a at least about a few flaws over the phone. Also "It had a thousand things done recently" but there is no receipts. And definately stay away from " It runs rough right now, but all it needs is a tune up or filter or something stupid like that. If it was that simple the seller would have replaced it himself so there would be no need to even mention it.

 

Don't buy it if you can't drive it beforehand.

If its not running or has issues get as cheap as possible. If you can't get it cheap enough. Walk away.

Don't buy into ANY BS about the title. If it's not clean and clear and present, walk away. Make sure to check that any leins have been released/signed off too.

Use the Kelly blue book private party value as a starting point. Maintenance on the vehicle really doesn't add value. If there is no receipts for repair work or "the rebuilt engine put in 10k ago" then use your best judgement.

Most of all if you are feeling ANY uncertainty about what you are buying. Walk away. There are other fish in the sea. Lol