Used Cars: Honda, good cars, honda accord

Question
Hi Robert,

I believe I e-mailed you a few weeks ago regarding the same subject, thanks for the great advice.

1.  Is the price online subject to negotiation?  I have salespeople telling me, the price is negotiable but only very little, like a few hundred dollars.  Is that true?

2.  I am willing to purchase a 2002 Honda Accord SE Coupe with 53K for around 13,500.  Is this a wise decision?

Thanks so much for your assistance

Mike

Answer
1. Price is always negotiable on MOST cars, some high demand new vehicles will sell at sticker price, but almost all used cars can be negotiated down.  Most are listed 500-1000 dollars more than what the owner expects to sell it for (which is why if I were to list a vehicle for sale, i would list it for 500-1000 more than what I want to get for it).  Don't ask the salesman if they are negotiable, they will instantly know that you are not a confident and experienced buyer.  Assume they are negotiable and make an offer for lower than what you want to spend.  They will counter (or just say no).. from that, work your way up closer to your max budget until you both agree on a price.  If they won't do your price, leave, there will be more cars in other places.  Depending on the price and type of car, some vehicles may come down 2,3, even 4 thousand dollars (mostly at dealers, which sometimes put cars out for WAY more than they are worth).  Research, find out what the car is worth, figure out how much you want to spend, and start by offering less than that...

2. They are good cars, depending on the condition of the car, I'd say 12,000-13,000 out the door would be a good price.  For just the car 12,000-12,500... once again depending on condition, you may not get them lower than 13,000 on an accord.. they are a high demand car with high resale.  It really depends on the area, in our area cars are listed at almost 2,000 over their value (and if the dealer realizes you know what its worth, you can get them down that 2,000 - its hard though), just 30 miles north of here they are listed closer to 500-1000 over the value and they are much easier to get down in price.  Supply vs. demand.. thats all... fewer dealers here so higher prices, more dealers there... lower prices...  I tried to give you a decent idea on a fair price... I'd consider 13,000 out the door in great condition to be a really good deal.. anything close to that would be acceptable.