Tips on Buying Cars: questions about buying car, warranty company, dodge stratus

Question
Hi Steve, I want to buy my first car, I think I should get a pre-owned certified, what exactly is the car "certified" for? The car I like is a 2004 Dodge Stratus SE (what do you think about it)? The car is at a dealership  in my town Amityville,Long Island and the internet price is $10,900 with about 35,000 miles. Is this reasonable? I know you can talk dealers down but how  do I do that and how much can you talk them down on the price?  ( I will have my mom there to help me but I want to have more insight on this matter) I plan on paying with the car with cash, what affect will this have on the seller? I have been thinking I should walk in there with $8,000 and see if they will take $7,000 first; is this advisable? Are or may there any other fees I will have to pay there? What are extras and add on's? Will I qualify for these and how do I get them if I can?  Thankyou for your time and expertise!   sincerely, Thea

Answer
Hi Thea,
first off, get the VIN # and get a car fax, that will help you find out if the car was ever in a major accident. As far as pricing, i would cautiously go in and offer $9000, they will try and tell you why there price is good, but stick to your guns, they will probably eventually accept around $9500 which would be fair with those miles. You will haves registration fees, titling and license tags. Add your states sales tax (i believe around 8.5%). other fees i mentioned should not be more then $200.00. If they offeran extended warranty it should be for around 4 or 5 years for no more then $1400. If you can afford it it would be worthwhile, if you want i have a web site of a warranty company i use for my own car...Let me know how all goes, and good luck to you!

STEVE