When you’re looking to buy a used car privately it’s important to know a few tips before the negotiations begin. You may then get a cracking deal and save yourself hundreds of pounds.
One of the first rules is not to seem too eager. When you’re looking at a car do not appear as though you’ve fallen in love with it (even if you have). You have to stay calm and keep that poker face on, that way they’re less likely to take you for a ride.
Always start off with a price that’s significantly lower than their asking price. This then gives them the chance to come down a little and perhaps even meet you halfway. If they don’t budge at all it’s better to leave it, they may then phone you later when they realise they were asking for too much.
You should also pretend you know about cars even if you don’t, so have a little look under the engine, rev the throttle, and feel the exhaust for oil. Once you’ve done your checks have a final price in your head, and haggle until they come down, if they don’t move on because they’re asking to much.