More Adventures in Used Car Buying

rml_16

So, I found this ad for a 1993 Camry that's supposedly in pretty good condition (according to the ad). The guy says it needs a CV axle and a distributor cap, but otherwise just has very minor body damage and everything else is good. He want's $1,600, insists he won't haggle but also says he's moving and HAS TO sell the car by the end of the week.

Well, $1,600 for that car IF it's in the condition he claims is a great deal, so I decide it's worth seeing. I have someone who can fix both those things so I only have to buy parts. I text him and ask a few questions, then ask if I can see the car. He texts back hours later telling me that someone is coming today with $1,600 in hand and if I'll right now offer $1,700 he'll tell the other person no and I can come tomorrow and see the car.

1. How the hell do I know he actually has someone offering $1,600?
2. Even if someone is possibly going to offer $1,600, that person has not seen the car yet, so that person may very well change his mind.
3. I am NOT making an offer on a vehicle I haven't seen.

I texted back and told him I am not in a hurry to buy a car and if the deal falls through to let me know and I'll come out and look, but I won't make an offer on a car I haven't seen.

Jerk.

(Oh, and I'm looking for a car for my 17-year-old daughter. We can manage on just my car for a while if we have to.)

auroranflash

That's how the game is played... I'd have responded, "Hm, well, OK, is it alright if I stop by and see it anyway?" Don't let him get to you. I'd also just tell him $1,500 flat because it needs repairs, take it or leave it. That's after you've decided whether or not it's worth the trouble. How many miles, anyway? What major repairs, if any, has it had done? What condition are the brakes in? (this is not too big a deal if you know how to replace them yourself, which is fairly easy).

Doesn't hurt to take a look, I doubt he'd fight you doing that. You're not under any pressure to do anything anyway.

rml_16

Eh. If he calls me back, I'll go see it. Honestly, a 1992 Camry in fair condition is worth $1,500 on KBB, so $1,600 even in need of some repairs is a good deal.

Anyway, I'm not offering anything until and unless I see it. He's the one wanting my money and he's the one supposedly in a hurry to sell. I can wait him out and I'm willing to walk away. He has my number. :-)

I know it's how the game is played, but I'm not an idiot.