How to get a private seller to come down on a car price? Ford Mustang?

This lady my friend knows is selling a 1998 ford Mustang for $3000. I'm going to look at it Monday and I think I might want it. But I want her to come down to $1700. I checked the blue book and it said $1500 should be it from a private seller. So she is selling it for to much. Or could I just pay what I have and then make payments on the rest? But what can I say to make her come down?

Your best bet is to find faults in the car and tell her to slash the price per fault. Then show $1500 cash in front of her, showing the cash always works for me.

If those don't work, just walk away. The car is overpriced. I wouldn't even pay $1700 for that thing.

Cash as in $100s helps. But its unlikely any seller comes down 43%.

Why are you even looking at it if its twice book value?

She either knows nothing about car values, in which case she probably won't agree to your price, or she does know car values and feels there's something special about her car (which might be true), and she won't come down to your price. I suggest you look at the car, test drive it, thoroughly inspect it, and THEN figure out what its worth.

I doubt anyone but an idiot would be willing to come down that much in price. You can ask and she can tell you to pound sand.

She does not know what the car is worth and is probably using comparable from dealers or just making it up or sandbagging You tactic is to play to her greed. If it is an excellent car, cake the blue book, or printout along and tell her you'd be willing to pay, say, 500 over marked… If you could see her way to provide seller financing. (See you haven't turned her off with any insult but offered an inducement. No, you intend to pay cash but save that for later when your figures are closer together to push the deal over the top. Now, maybe she will dicker… About taking payments, maybe not. If not, give her you card or phone number and ask if you can contact your later, or she contact you, if she does not find a buyer. If she does not sell in the meantimel--which most likely she will not--you will have a much softer seller when she calls again or you contact her. Then you can use an all cash offer to get her to sign on. Have the cash ready even if you have to borrow it from your credit union. Having a lender check is another good ploy because you can show what the bank says the car is worth.

Are there other similar cars for sale in your area you can look at? If not you will just have to look at pictures online. A lot of 98's are going to be pretty well worn out and have a lot of miles on them now and that is what the blue book value is based on, an average car. You may find that this car is in very good condition for its age and would be worth the extra money. You may also find that it is a crazy number. Look close and ask what has been done recently. Even things like tires add up. If its got fairly new tires on it that can easily be $500 these days.

Tell her book value is 1500, and you really want the car, but can only pay $1700. If she says no, leave a business card and walk away.