Negotiating price with a private seller
Discussion
Hi all,
(Apologies if this sort of Q is asked regularly... I read some older posts but didn't see it)
In terms of negotiating price on a private sale, do you tend to go in with a certain % under asking and take it from there, and if so, what sort of % would you look for? I don't want to appear rude or like I'm chancing it, but obviously I want to get as competitive a price as I can. Eg if I'm interested in a car listed at £37k, would offering £33k be pushing it? Presume that isn't so lowball an offer the seller's going to think I'm just a time waster?
(Apologies if this sort of Q is asked regularly... I read some older posts but didn't see it)
In terms of negotiating price on a private sale, do you tend to go in with a certain % under asking and take it from there, and if so, what sort of % would you look for? I don't want to appear rude or like I'm chancing it, but obviously I want to get as competitive a price as I can. Eg if I'm interested in a car listed at £37k, would offering £33k be pushing it? Presume that isn't so lowball an offer the seller's going to think I'm just a time waster?
Personally I don't think there is a general rule with private sales, everyone has a different way of pricing there cars.
I'd look for comparable cars, and if any are cheaper us them as a lever, the other option is to look at negatives of the car as use them as leverage, mileage need for new tyres,when next service is due etc.
I do always make a lower than asking price offer, but don't always get the price I want, if you approach the discussion right and explain your offer people shouldn't be offended
I'd look for comparable cars, and if any are cheaper us them as a lever, the other option is to look at negatives of the car as use them as leverage, mileage need for new tyres,when next service is due etc.
I do always make a lower than asking price offer, but don't always get the price I want, if you approach the discussion right and explain your offer people shouldn't be offended
I think it's generally accepted that a private seller will put a car up for sale with a price between 10%-20% higher than he/she is willing to take for it. Generally speaking, the higher the value of the car, the lower the markup in percentage terms.
Using your £37k as an example, I think it's perfectly acceptable to go in 10% lower (i.e. £33,300, or £33k to round it down). Your instincts are serving you well.
For lower value vehicles, a 20% markup is more common. For example, if a seller wants £2,500 for their car, they may well advertise it for £3,000.
Using your £37k as an example, I think it's perfectly acceptable to go in 10% lower (i.e. £33,300, or £33k to round it down). Your instincts are serving you well.
For lower value vehicles, a 20% markup is more common. For example, if a seller wants £2,500 for their car, they may well advertise it for £3,000.
ibarro said:
Hi all,
(Apologies if this sort of Q is asked regularly... I read some older posts but didn't see it)
In terms of negotiating price on a private sale, do you tend to go in with a certain % under asking and take it from there, and if so, what sort of % would you look for? I don't want to appear rude or like I'm chancing it, but obviously I want to get as competitive a price as I can. Eg if I'm interested in a car listed at £37k, would offering £33k be pushing it? Presume that isn't so lowball an offer the seller's going to think I'm just a time waster?
Can't speak for anybody else but anybody offering me £33k for a car I've listed at £37k would be considered a time waster and told (politely, but firmly) no.(Apologies if this sort of Q is asked regularly... I read some older posts but didn't see it)
In terms of negotiating price on a private sale, do you tend to go in with a certain % under asking and take it from there, and if so, what sort of % would you look for? I don't want to appear rude or like I'm chancing it, but obviously I want to get as competitive a price as I can. Eg if I'm interested in a car listed at £37k, would offering £33k be pushing it? Presume that isn't so lowball an offer the seller's going to think I'm just a time waster?
iphonedyou said:
Can't speak for anybody else but anybody offering me £33k for a car I've listed at £37k would be considered a time waster and told (politely, but firmly) no.
It's not really timewasting though until they've wasted your time - it could be the start of negotiations and just because they have offered low doesn't mean they can't and won't closer to the price you want. Watch Mike Brewer in action ... 'old out yer 'and, etc, etc...Chris
You buy on condition so if the car in front of you is mint with all the correct history then you pay what you feel it's worth if it has a few fixable small faults you haggle more off.
Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
When selling cars I get trade bids (and WBAC) then advertise at 5% above, deal with a load of difficult private buyers and then end up selling to the trade buyers.
As far as what to offer,
Get the WBAC price (ideally an understanding of real trade bid), then also a real retail price (shiny showroom with all protections and warranties etc) and aim for something closer to trade then retail.
e.g.
Trade bid £33k,
Private retail £37k
Dealer retail £39k
Ideal private buy £35k
As far as what to offer,
Get the WBAC price (ideally an understanding of real trade bid), then also a real retail price (shiny showroom with all protections and warranties etc) and aim for something closer to trade then retail.
e.g.
Trade bid £33k,
Private retail £37k
Dealer retail £39k
Ideal private buy £35k
Depends on the seller also. They might need a quick sale and desperate to get rid, so may take a low offer. Others might just want to hold out for their asking price. You'll never know until you start that conversation with them.
Theirs no rule, every car purchase is different and it's down to your approach and their willingness to negotiate.
Theirs no rule, every car purchase is different and it's down to your approach and their willingness to negotiate.
ZX10R NIN said:
You buy on condition so if the car in front of you is mint with all the correct history then you pay what you feel it's worth if it has a few fixable small faults you haggle more off.
Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
No rules but if you can’t find fault with the car and it’s well priced compared to similar cars in garages in don’t think you can expect that amount off but it depends how desperate the seller is. You need to be realistic, check how much the car is on WBAC . But if you are offering less than that I would be concerned why the seller is selling cheaper to you than he could get anywhere else might be a lemon. Good luck . Let’s know how you get on and what discount you achieve? Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
ClubsportStr said:
ZX10R NIN said:
You buy on condition so if the car in front of you is mint with all the correct history then you pay what you feel it's worth if it has a few fixable small faults you haggle more off.
Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
No rules but if you can’t find fault with the car and it’s well priced compared to similar cars in garages in don’t think you can expect that amount off but it depends how desperate the seller is. You need to be realistic, check how much the car is on WBAC . But if you are offering less than that I would be concerned why the seller is selling cheaper to you than he could get anywhere else might be a lemon. Good luck . Let’s know how you get on and what discount you achieve? Basically there's no hard & fast number you can haggle off a car private/dealer/main dealer it'll depend on the car.
When I bought my CLK63 it was exactly as described with all the right paperwork, I paid exactly what the seller was asking & he gave me £100 to help towards the fuel bill back from Kirkcaldy to near Brands Hatch.
On the other hands I negotiated healthy discounts off of very nice cars because there are a fair few for sale, it really does depend on the car you're looking for.
Whatever you offer, provide justification, on the basis of the car in front of you - ie not personal circumstances such as “it’s all I can afford”, or “I don’t like red”.
It’s all very well comparing with other cars available but each will differ, and if the others are better value, why aren’t you looking at them?
The Mike Brewer approach of low-balling for the sake of it is insulting and, unless the seller has made a mistake in pricing the car, is likely only to succeed when taking advantage of people in a less fortunate situation. You might argue there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you really want the car be careful because if a low offer goes down badly it could sour the process thereafter.
As you can probably gather I feel quite strongly that you can negotiate fairly and successfully if you do your homework and are respectful but realistic.
It’s all very well comparing with other cars available but each will differ, and if the others are better value, why aren’t you looking at them?
The Mike Brewer approach of low-balling for the sake of it is insulting and, unless the seller has made a mistake in pricing the car, is likely only to succeed when taking advantage of people in a less fortunate situation. You might argue there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you really want the car be careful because if a low offer goes down badly it could sour the process thereafter.
As you can probably gather I feel quite strongly that you can negotiate fairly and successfully if you do your homework and are respectful but realistic.
Doofus said:
bearman68 said:
Dam, it's not that hard is it. Do your research, decide what it's worth to you, and offer accordingly. That way, if anyone gets offended, so be it.
This.It's not a bloody game, and it's not a bloody dance.
If it were a bargain already would you still expect a discount?
bearman68 said:
Dam, it's not that hard is it. Do your research, decide what it's worth to you, and offer accordingly. That way, if anyone gets offended, so be it.
Indeed - I don't understand why a seller would be "offended" or "insulted". It's nothing personal, it's just an offer - take it, leave it, or negotiate.Chris
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