Tips on Buying Cars: used car pricing, honda civic lx, doc fee

Question
Hello Sir,

I am looking to purchase a used 2002 Honda Civic LX from a dealership. The sticker price is 12995. What should I start my negotiating offer at? I looked up the TMV. I just want to know if I should start at something outrageous like 9000. Also, he computed cost for a another car I was looking at. The Doc fee was 299, I read that its suppose to be around 35-99. Is the doc fee taxes also or should they be added afterwards? Lastly, he has a charge for plates of 165, is that sufficient, I live in Connecticut and are they taxed or not?

Thank You.

Answer
Hi Trajah
Trying for a $ 4000. discount on an advertised car at $ 13.000 will most likely never happen, but if your salesperson is willing to present the offer to management then its a starting point for negotiation, check  autotrader.com  for your area and compare a fair price...

The Documentation fees will differ with dealerships there is no set fee to charge
Without going into to much detail most dealerships will tell you it covers paper work and if you dont want to pay the DOC fees the dealer could drop the price of car by the amount of the doc fee and leave the preprinted doc fee on the contract as is...

RE licence plates
Most dealers dont profit from licence transfers or registration, check with your local licence transportation office to match fees your being charged...
Regards
 Ray