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Car Advice Please!

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sugar

TRIBE Member
OK, I need some advice:

I have been trying off and on since August to sell my car. I am just so sick of having this on my back (I don't drive - long story - NEVER buy things for people with bad credit).

So, last Tuesday I showed it to a couple who seemed quite interested and serious. They have never owned a car before, and are understandably cautious. They were VERY thorough in their inspection, and noticed a couple things that could mean potential costs to them down the line. They are both PhD students, expecting their first child, so they obviously don't want many expensive surprise costs to pay in the near future. They consulted with their "friend" who apparantly knows *something* about cars, and he suggested that there were too many potential problems, but if they did buy it, they should only pay $7000. I listed it for $9500 (which, if you compare it to similar vehicles out there, is quite a good price). I am just so sick of this, and I want to be rid of it! I still owe $8500 on the loan, and with each passing month I am paying $300 for something I don't use. Do I just bite the bullet and offer them $8000? ARGGGGG!
 
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J

joey

TRIBE Member
i think they are trying to low ball you allison. i bet they think you're a cute little girl who wont know any better and they can take advantage. Dont go lower then $8500.
 
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kuba

TRIBE Member
In all honesty, I would bite the bullet and get rid of it. The problem is that you haven't been advertising it very aggressively (which I understand) but at the same time, how much have you already spent on this car per month?

Not worth hanging on, I would just bite the bullet.
 
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green_souljah

TRIBE Member
I flip about 3 or 4 cars a year, basically by picking them up out of Auto Trader in the city, driving them up north, and selling them.

What I do to ease uncertainty is this:

Give them the option to take it to any garage (within reasonable driving distance of course) and get a safety inspection done on the car, which they pay for ($50)

When they bring the car, and list, back to you, tell them that you will get all the necessary repairs done (chances are you were going to certify it anyways) and subtract the $50 off the asking price.

You would be blown away how many times that convinces the skeptical that you are a great person selling a great car.
 
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K

kuba

TRIBE Member
actually, fuckit. 8500 is fair. you make nothing, you lose nothing, but you give away your problem.

tell your buyer to take the car to a mechanic that you both agree on/to, and have the mechanic say what COULD BE wrong with the car.
 
S

sugar

TRIBE Member
It's a 2002 Ford Focus wagon with 71,000km.

The problem is that he looked under the car and said it's rusty. I have no idea about cars, but I'd assume a car in Canada would encounter rust? The exterior and doors, hinges, etc have no rust. Also, I had the alternator replaced last month, under the warranty I have. He sees this as a problem, while I see it as the opposite, because it is now brand new.

Sorry if I sound really duh about this. I am clueless about cars. Can someone just bomb it for me?
 
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B

Bumbaclat

TRIBE Member
joey said:
i think they are trying to low ball you allison. i bet they think you're a cute little girl who wont know any better and they can take advantage. Dont go lower then $8500.
Click to expand...


yea! show them that you're not a cute little girl! :p
 
T

thom100

TRIBE Member
joey said:
i think they are trying to low ball you allison. i bet they think you're a cute little girl who wont know any better and they can take advantage. Dont go lower then $8500.
Click to expand...


exactly , a "friend" that knows "something" isn't a great way to come in with a low offer.
I'd stick with your $8500 so you can just walk away from the situation and not owe any more money. You're still dropping the price by a grand off your listing price.
 
L

litespeed

Well-Known TRIBEr
sugar said:
I had the alternator replaced last month, under the warranty I have. He sees this as a problem, while I see it as the opposite, because it is now brand new.
?
Click to expand...




an alternator isn't even a major part of an engine... sounds like a dumb machanic. who's probably jsut trying to help his friends take you for a bit of a ride.


you should suggest taking it to someone who is impartial. if they're serious they'll be fine with that.
 
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groovespinna

TRIBE Member
most cars that drive in the winter have a certain amount of surface rust. it isn't really a problem. either he knows fuck all, or he knows you do. either way, stand firm.
 
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I_bRAD

TRIBE Member
Standard technique. You ask high, they offer low and you meet somewhere in the middle. Looking at the auto trader 8500 seems very fair, and 7G is a huge lowball!

rust schmust.
 
K

kuba

TRIBE Member
Allison- I'm pretty sure you don't come across as someone who knows a lot to the sellers, so like others have said, they're trying to get a great deal.

Just take it to a mechanic in the hood and pay him 50 bones to inspect the car in front of you 3, and go from there.

I had to post this to keep the post/view count almost even.
 
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