Maybe it's my limited car-buying experience, but I don't see how $6300 is a low-ball offer. My first car (the one I drove up in) I ended up paying $1600, when the initial asking price was $1800. I actually didn't try to negotiate the price down at all on that car, because it was already a great price, but when we went to finalize the sale, the seller had me give them $1600, and told me to always negotiate on the price of a car.
I later bought a motorcycle. The seller's initial asking price was $2500, but I didn't make an offer on it when I went to go look at it. A few days later the seller contacted me and said I could have it for $2300. I countered with $2150, which he accepted.
All of my vehicle-buying experience suggests that the agreed-upon price of a car will end up being greater than 10% lower than the initial asking price of a vehicle, which is why - to me - my initial offer of $6000 and final offer of $6300 seemed reasonable. Of course, you did mention that you've sold a few hundred cars, so I probably just have a bad sample.
And no, I wasn't frustrated because you didn't accept the offer. I was frustrated because I spent around $50 in gas and the better part of a day driving up to look at a car that wasn't as clean as I would have expected a car described as "VERY VERY clean" to be.
For clarity, you were polite and friendly, and I don't think that you're trying to sell a bad car, but I wanted any potential buyers to have a better idea of what kind of car it was before they committed the time and money involved in driving up to see it.
Maybe it's my limited car-buying experience, but I don't see how $6300 is a low-ball offer. My first car (the one I drove up in) I ended up paying $1600, when the initial asking price was $1800. I actually didn't try to negotiate the price down at all on that car, because it was already a great price, but when we went to finalize the sale, the seller had me give them $1600, and told me to always negotiate on the price of a car.
I later bought a motorcycle. The seller's initial asking price was $2500, but I didn't make an offer on it when I went to go look at it. A few days later the seller contacted me and said I could have it for $2300. I countered with $2150, which he accepted.
All of my vehicle-buying experience suggests that the agreed-upon price of a car will end up being greater than 10% lower than the initial asking price of a vehicle, which is why - to me - my initial offer of $6000 and final offer of $6300 seemed reasonable. Of course, you did mention that you've sold a few hundred cars, so I probably just have a bad sample.
And no, I wasn't frustrated because you didn't accept the offer. I was frustrated because I spent around $50 in gas and the better part of a day driving up to look at a car that wasn't as clean as I would have expected a car described as "VERY VERY clean" to be.
For clarity, you were polite and friendly, and I don't think that you're trying to sell a bad car, but I wanted any potential buyers to have a better idea of what kind of car it was before they committed the time and money involved in driving up to see it.
$6300 for a $6700 car is NOT a lowball offer. $5000 would be lowball, but frankly, it's a business transaction. If the seller is unwilling to accept less, they can put "FIRM" in the listing.
Me, personally, I'd usually be inclined to consider 10% off of about anything I list for sale. If I get 100% great, if I get 90%, I'm still happy.
$400 off isn't even close to being lowball. if your that tight on your price then put firm after your number. also racersdad : if that car sits in a warehouse without being driven much the ima battery will discharge. and throw a code.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.