Because the car doesn't seem like it's worth that much even though it only seems like a small difference. I typed all the options, color, mileage etc. in Edmunds and got a private seller price of $10,200 in Clean condition. This guy is asking for more then half of what the car cost clean, with no issues (cosmetic or mechanical) and a clean title. I know he bought the car for $2,500-3500 and has put maybe a couple hundred into it but also $1300 a year full cover on a $5000 car is a lot of money just to get about $3000 back from the insurance company because it's salvaged. I dont know I called him back and emailed him, my offer was to pay his $5500 as long as he threw in the control arms if not Im better off throwing $5500 down on a clean, low mile used one.

 

$300 is miniscule and you will not find an rx8 with all the same options for under $12k unless it has high mileage or someone really doesnt want it anymore(not gunna happen great car). Oh, and you are better off putting $5500 on a used rx8 any day. I wouldnt take this car even if he gave you the control arms. The only reason I would buy this car is for parts. Main reason is because if you buy it, get it towed to your mechanic and discover a huge issue, he will not refund any money and now you are eating it. What you can see now for damage and what you will run into while repairing it are two very different things. Dont judge a book by its cover and things are not what they seem play into this car.

 

Well I decided to search around and found a 2004 RX8 with 33,000 miles on it clean title for $12,999 from a Dodge dealer minutes away from me. It has the SAME EXACT options, black leather heated interior, appearance, even window tints, it's just that light silver/purple color. I'm thinking of offering him $12K out the door, $5k down and I'd finance the $7k. Does that sound reasonable? Carfax shows it was in 2 very minor accidents, didn't effect title or anything so it's still clear and it has 1 open recall so Im trying to use that to haggle.

 

I would go lower then 12k. These cars dont sell much and right now, no one is buying cars. I would walk in and dont make any offers upfront. Sometimes they wil make an offerright out of the gate a couple thousand less then sticker. If it is selling for 13k, I would offer $10,500. Worst they can do it say no. You then walk away and go back a week later. If it is still sitting there, they are more likely to bargain with you.

 

You want to low ball the dealership so that they would give you a decent counter offer. Just don't go way to low where they wont take you seriously. Dealerships are having trouble selling cars, so you might be able to get a really good deal.