What's the best way to negotiate a private party used car price?

Question

Why is edmunds.com so much lower than kbb.com?

Should I low-ball and work my way up? Is the average between kbb and edmunds fair?

II’m looking at a used 2005 Honda Civic.

Answer 1

I wouldn't go much over the trade in value of the car. Whoever is selling it, has tried or will try to trade the car in, so they know the car is worth that much and are looking to get some extra money out of it. So as long as you are over the trade-in they will be more apt to take your offer. When you make the offer, don't leave it hanging, set a time frame for them to either accept or reject. No more than 3 days. If they can do better then they will, and you can look elsewhere. There are a bunch of cars out there for sale.

Each used car has to be taken on its own. The maintenance that it has received, how it was driven, the repairs that have been done. Was it garaged or parked outside? A lot of things to consider. So the amount you offer would have to be based on that one particular car and what you know about it or can tell. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Dear Honda-

First, I don't even mess Edmonds. The one that you pay attention to is the Kelly Blue Book. So don't waste your time with the other.

Next have the vehicle checked out by Honda, if the person will let you take it there for an independant opinion.

If there are any issues that need to be addressed after the complete safety inspection and diagnostic is done, then the person selling the car needs to compensate the price of the vehicle based on the cost of those issues.

Check the tires and be sure they are in good condition. If not and they need repalcement, then the owner of the vehicle needs to compensate for that cost too.

Finally, DO NOT TAKE POSESSION OF THE CAR WITHOUT A SMOG CERTIFICATE.

The seller is required by the State of California to have that certificate in hand at the time of sale. The certificate is good for only 90 days so be sure to check the date or the DMV will make you smog the vehicle and pay for any repairs to get the vehicle into compliance.

After getting the car, regardless of what you have been told, have the oil and filter changed and the vehicle completely tuned up. Have the cooling system serviced and the transmission serviced.

I would strongly recommend that you start a relationship with your local Honda Dealership and allow them to perform the necessary work. This aspect is very important because the Dealership will develop and archive your repair records and update you for any factory recalls for warranty work.

This sounds like lots of work, and to some they would say that I am being overboard, but with used cars that have no factory warranty, this is cheap insurance that the vehicle is in good condition and is going to be reliable for many years to come.

Good Luck, and I hope I helped you out!

Answer 3

well, no two appraisals will be the same...

They probably use different criteria.

Also, you can only use their values as a guage. You want to try and be somewhere below the Private party price.

But if it is a really nice, above average car, you might have to go a bit more.

I would ask the seller for their rock bottom price up front. If it is below or near the private seller price, I might respect the fact they did not try to play any games and pay them that figure. Nobody wants to give out their low price, because while it might be as fair as fair can be, people will still tend to try and negotiate.

But most people don't act like car salesman, so if you just show them the numbers you have and tell them what you think is fair, you guys should probably be able to settle on a figure.

However, if they are not budging, don't be afraid to walk away and tell them to call you if they change their mind. Watching sure money walk away is always a motivating factor for a seller to come down.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush...

Good luck.

Answer 4

You can bring estimates of both, and lowball and work your way up. Bartering will only work if the other party is willing to however. They might be set in stone for how much they want. They also can do research and see estimates of what the cars go for. Look for flaws, any modifications, etc. Any modification done to an automobile (aftermarket) will reduce the price, it doesn't matter. Now, some people will pay more for a fixed up car, but the actual value is dropped.

Answer 5

Forget the "private party" price guides. All they are is a ball park figure. When looking for a used car don't pay anymore than the wholesale or trade in price. Especially if you are buying from an individual.

Answer 6

Do your study and investigate the specific marketplace importance for the automobile. Make him a fair present established at the cash you have got to spend. NEVER pay retail for a used automobile. Your present will have to be someplace among the wholesale importance and the individual occasion importance. Unless the automobile is close best you should not be classifying it as "well" both. If it is normal, then name it normal. It should be rather blank to be referred to as "well"