Not to rain on your day Chris but if they are all priced like and thats what they will sell them for then they have set the value. It may be too high for you but if thats what they are all asking then maybe your ambitions are too high. Get a Civic hatch Si.

 

or even a miata or civic del sol.......keep lookin bro you will find something.

 

now if that aint ever an over priced car , civic hatch is market value like 1600-1800. ppl stil try to get 4k for them.

 

Maybe shoot a PM to Speedworksracing (Josh) to see if he can get you one. I believe he is part owner in BAS Specialty Cars. Worth a try.

 

Ok then overpay for a piece of shit focus. Lol. The reason the civics hold their value is because they are quality cars. Again, market price is set by what they are selling for. Just because kbb or nada say 1800 doesn't mean that's the price you will pay. Fair market value is often far off of the "blue book " price. I got an extra $2000 over blue book for my Audi when I totalled it because of that. Good luck man.

 

I am confused, didn't we do this same thread a few months back when you were shopping for a used Civic. I see a pattern here, you want the "market value" of the car you want to match the low price you want to pay.

For the record that is not how it works. Market value is the medium price people are willing to pay as evidenced by recent sales prices.

If you expect to search AutoTrader or any other sales tool and find the price you want to pay that is below "Market Value" you should be very afraid of that car.

May I suggest the following process:

1) Find a car you think you would like to purchase.

2) Contact the owner and ask pertinent questions such as, has the car ever been wrecked?, Can they verify the mileage? (thru dealer service records etc), do they have the service records/receipts?

3) If the car is to your liking make arrangements to see it and drive it.

4) If after driving it the car is one you want to purchase, make them an offer but be prepared to justify your offer. An example would be quoting the blue book value for the car based on the condition it is in, then provide adds and or deducts for items that are aftermarket add on and or worn items. (you may want to offer a few bucks more for an aftermarket stereo and deduct a few bucks for worn tires that will need replacing soon)

5) This is an important one.................do not fall in love with the car and if you do don’t let the owner know this. You do not want this to be an emotional purchase, if it becomes one you will get burned. If you want to make them an offer do so and be prepared to negotiate up a few hundred dollars (have a bottom line in mind).

6) If you want to get the best price possible find a car that has been for sale for a while, make an offer and when they refuse your offer walk away, but leave your number and tell them you are willing to purchase the car for X if they change their mind please call you. Not always but in most cases they will call you, if your phone rings you have won!!! Stand you ground on your price and they will talk themselves into it. It takes patience and a poker face.



Good Luck!