how much can I talk them down?
 

Okay, I'm thinking about selling my civic and buying a 5-speed integra (and keeping it almost completely stock). I found a silver '99 teggie GS at a dealership for $6995... 82k miles. How much do you guys think I could talk them down? I already know I'll get like $1000-$1500 trade-in for my car. And if it makes a difference, it's a smaller, privately owned dealership.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

If you got the gift of gab you can prob get them down by 1k.

If you can just sell your car and go there with cash in hand it will be hard for them to resist.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

So you listened to me huh. Maybe $600-$1200

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

Yea, the best way to buy from dealers is to... well, sell ur car first (or have enough money). Then, go to the dealership, check out cheaper cars first, ask them questions about other cars,then eventually come across the integra then take thecar for a drive, look at it, etc. When you get back, tell then it wasn't too great, you've seen better deals, point out flaws, etc. Try to seem uninterested. If you seem interested, they know you want it and will be less flexible with the price. So act like you don't care. Casually ask them if you brought in 5500 cash the next day (or later in the day if you see it in the morning)if they would take it. If they don't, up it to 5800 cash. My friend bought a car from a dealer this way, and saved 2 grand off the sticker price.

P.s. Don't trade in your car!!! The money they give you is nowhere near what you can get from selling it privately. The salesmen even say don't bother to trade it in.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

^dang dude you sound like a pro

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

great advice, man... I'll have to try it.

But chances are, I'll end up trading the car in. I know I'll only get $1000-$1500 for it (at most), but it's going to take way too much work to get it presentable enough to sell it for a decent price (kbb value) privately. It has pretty bad rust spots on the quarter panels (the sides of the rear bumper are zip-tied on), it's missing a side skirt and the door mouldings, it basically needs an entire paint job (there's a lot of chips in the front bumper and there's a good many scratches), and the rear wheel bearings need replaced. I'm going to try to sell it for $2000 for the car alone (or $2500 for the car, body kit, fenders, and headlights) privately for a week or so, but if I can't find a friend that wants the car by next weekend or so (I really don't want to sell my car, go to the dealership, and find out they already sold the teg lol), I'm probably going to trade it in. I'd love to keep the car until spring when I can do the repair work (I have a gallon of auto paint sitting in my room, and my friend is good with auto body) and sell the car for a good price, but unfortunately, 5-speed integras with 100k miles or less (my car has 103k, so buying a car with more miles doesn't make much sense) are almost impossible to find around here. I'm planning on selling my CBR for around $3500 or so to help pay for the teggie too. I really don't want to part with the bike, but it's one less thing to pay insurance on, and the money I get from it will help a lot when it comes to buying the teg. I figure I'll buy another CBR600 (Honda loyalty and a 600 can kill me fast enough lol) after I get out of college.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

It doesn't matter if you trade the car in, just follow my advice. And remember. Don't go to the integra first. Browse around the lot, and knowing those scum bags (car salesmen lol) one will come out and push you around trying toshow youwhat you want. Don't let him know your real intentions, or you could end up having to pay more money.

If you go straight to the salesman and inquire only about the integra, he knows you want the car and you'll pay the sticker price for it. It's a good way to save money.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

i agree 100% with masonn.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

Kelly Blue Book says a 99 GS 5 spd, 2 dr with 82k is worth $6200 from a private party and in good condition (a few minor scratches or dings). $8500 from a dealer in excellent condition (vehicle looks new and has no flaws). I did not select any options. You can go to kbb.com if you need a more accurate number based on what the car has. If the sticker is $6995, it sounds like a real good starting number based on Kelly's numbers. If you follow the advice given by others, you could swing $6200 - $6300 maybe even a little better. The low price could also mean that the car has issues, so be careful.

RE: how much can I talk them down?
 

I know this may be obvious to you but make sure you run a Carfax...I have a free account, someone on the main forum can run it for you too...

Also bring the car to your independant mechanic and get a pre-purchase inspection andcompression test - cost around $80 or so...used car salesman always try to rip you off somehow so just check the car over first as much as you can...

chisox64 and Masonn have good advice...also try to find out the Wholesale value of the car...I think the DMV can tell you, but try to find this amount out...I guess the dealer bought it at an auction and set the price to reflect at least 1k-1.5k profit margin...