Tips on Buying Cars: please help, 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
Hello Trajah,
Fist you did not tell me the mileage...Let us assume the miles are about 35-40,000 miles. I would start at $9600 add a doc fee of about $100.00 and check with your motorvehicle bureau what Conn. charges. Whatever the state charges, i would add about $25.00. I would not pay more the $10,100 plus all fees and taxes...Let me  know if any more info is needed...GOOD LUCK!


STEVE