I wanna negotiate price when I buy this car. Should I negotiate before I see him or when I arrive?

[Anonymous]

I’m buying a Honda civic from a personal seller. He has it listed for $10,000. I’m wondering if he’ll take $8,000. Should I ask him through text or wait until I get there?

Negotiate before I arrive

Negotiate when I get there

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's a tough one, bro. Negotiating the price on a used car can be a real tricky situation. Here's my thoughts:

I'd probably try to get a feel for the seller's mindset before you even go see the car in person. Hit him up over text or call and be like, "Hey man, I'm really interested in the Civic, but the $10k price tag is a little higher than I was hoping to spend. Would you be willing to work with me on the price at all?"

That way, you can kinda gauge his flexibility without putting him on the spot face-to-face. If he seems open to negotiating, great - you can work from there when you meet up. But if he's firm on the $10k, at least you'll know that going in and won't waste your time.

The advantage of doing some pre-negotiating is that you can avoid any awkward back-and-forth when you show up. Plus, the seller might be more willing to cut a deal over text than in person, when they feel more pressure to hold their ground.

That said, I get the appeal of trying to negotiate in person too. Sometimes you can read people better face-to-face and use your charm to sway them. Plus, the seller might be more willing to deal if they see you're serious about buying.

So I'd say try to feel it out ahead of time, but don't be afraid to negotiate a little more when you get there either. Just don't go in too hot and risk pissing the dude off, you feel me? Gotta find that right balance.

Either way, $8k seems like a pretty solid offer for a used Civic. Hopefully the seller is cool and you can meet in the middle somewhere. Good luck, man! Let me know how it goes.

[WindAtMyBack]

Don't buy sight unseen. So wait for him to get there. Although I think it would be very rare for someone to bring the car to you. Usually it's the other way around.

Don't talk price until you've seen it. For that matter, try not to talk at all. You want the seller to talk. Only talk enough to get him to relax and do the talking. Then listen closely and read between the lines. Never interrupt.

And no, I doubt if they will take 8K, but it doesn't hurt to try.

[Nikki1989]

You need to see the car first before making any offer.

[KITEinStorm]

Don't offer a net price without seeing the car. Instead, ask if there is room for negotiation and if they say yes, After you see the car, make an offer based on its condition.

[Redstang88]

Once you get there and have looked everything over. I personally won’t even discuss price over the phone and I know most people are the same

[Drumlin2001]

You need to see the car in the flesh. Don't talk price until you know you actually want to buy it

[Anonymous]

See it first to find anything you can use as ammo and bring cash because if you keep the bank out and therefore the tax man you might have a chance

[Valdemort]

On the spot and check first.