The Comprehensive Guide to Selling your Car

Chapter 5: The Haggle

Buyers inevitably haggle over the price, it’s all part of buying a car. You need to be firm without being unreasonable. Most people are uncomfortable negotiating. So there opening offers take the form

"I like the car, but...", and then lapse into an uncomfortable silence and not state that the price is too high. You can respond with "How much are you willing to pay?"

"What’s you final price?" This is a direct probe to find out how much you will come down. Don’t give your final price right away, as they will try and bargain down you more. If they don’t sound happy with your response ask them how much they are willing to pay.

"Would you accept...?" The buyer is definitely interested, but may offer a much lower price, as they expect a counter offer.

"I’ll pay ..., take it or leave it" This may be the price they could afford, or they may be bluffing. If the research you did earlier shows that offer is too low, let them walk away. If they are bluffing, they may come back and pay your price.

"The car has ... fault" which could be from the report they got from their mechanic. If the car is roadworthy and the MOT certificate is recent, then the repair is not needed.