Negotiating Price

[Crave4runner]

So I found a very clean 4runner with low miles and slim to none rust... well it looks that way in the pics. Its a 5 hour drive or a $80 dollar one way flight. Pretty sure if I go Ill end up with this 4runner but I want to get the best price. When is the best time to negotiate the price? Before I make the commitment on going or at the site? Hes asking for 7600 for a 01 with 135k on her and the truck itself looks amazing and very well kept. Fantastic service history also... Plan on this being my daily driver for my 32 mile commute.

So whens the best time to talk about price and if theirs wiggle room.

 

[ThorInc]

I think the key is not to agree on a price until you actually see & inspect the 4Runner in this case. Many will negotiate final price and come to a general understanding and then once the "rough agreement" has been made then try to negotiate again when money is actually about to be exchanged (sometimes effective but usually pisses me off if I am the seller). I would say go with your gut as you have an established communication with the seller and you would be the best judge. Certainly since you will be making a commitment of time, it is unlikely that you will want to leave all the negotiating to the last minute....I always start with the assumption that there is wiggle room built into the price.

 

[kurticus91]

I would try to negotiate some BEFORE you make the trip out there. Since it's a long drive for you he could be very firm on the price once you get there. When I was selling my motorcycle, the guy who wanted to buy it drove a few hours to come pick it up. He tried to negotiate on the price when he arrive but I didn't budge at all. He drove hours to get the bike and he wasn't leaving without it. I set the price and got what I wanted for the bike.

Such a long drive (or a one-way flight) shows that you are pretty committed to purchasing the truck. He can be as firm as he wants when you get there.

 

[Crave4runner]

Good info fellas! With what you guys said... Ill try to talk him down some over the phone before going out there. If hes firm on the price which I high doubt he is... mentions nothing in the ad about a firm price and its on CL.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Do not mention the fact that u have traveled to view this rig when talking price that is a automatic I have u were I want u move. If u could find some leverage in the area with a similar vehicle at a lower price point u may be able to move the price. Good Luck and Godspeed :zoom:

 

[Crave4runner]

The 4runner in question...

 

[donkeyhoatie]

The half-mast, semi-chub antenna is a dead giveaway that the motor in there isn't functional. That's like a $1000 negotiating point right from the start. Maybe even $2000. The aftermarket mats are also a serious ding. Knock off another $500 for that. No rear cargo cover? $1000 more. Keep going until he's paying YOU money to take it off his hands.

Actually, that's a pretty nice looking 4Runner. Hope the rust isn't serious underneath.

 

[fblainen11]

Honestly, that isn't a bad price.
I paid 6700 for my 01 SR5 4wd with leather and 165k.

That was about 2 months ago. It is a fair price and if you won't pay it, someone else will. Its likely the buyer knows what they have. I'd negotiate before if the buyer will negotiate over the phone.

Good luck. I also had a 7 hour drive to pick mine up. Flights were quite a bit higher than $80 one way though. Good luck and that looks like a good deal.

 

[repo]

Get a 2 way ticket and be willing to walk away. Then negotiate when you get there.

 

[bigdonniebrasco]

....."semi-chub antenna".....

Made me spit my coffee !! :repuke:

 

[Hesk11dog]

make sure you get the head rests for the back seat :frog:. Check the dealer service records if you haven't. Can negotiate on some preventative maintenance things if you can show him they haven't been done (i.e timing belt, water pump, rear seals, fluids) even if they are not a failing.

 

[my92t4r]

get it, it got lockerz

 

[99Runnr]

As someone who is selling their truck right now, the following are appreciated;

-Keep consistent contact. Don't say one thing and do another. I'd be much more likely to deal with that guy over the bullshitter.

-Be ready to deal. You have no idea how many people talk the talk, want to come and look, but DO NOT have the money. Or they have something to sell before they buy yours.

-Talk to them, arrange a meeting, show up on time with money or however you plan to work the financial end out. If the truck checks out, throw out your offer. On a truck like that, I'd not expect him to move much. You never know though, make sure he understands your a serious buyer there and then. Ask if he is flexible, see if he gives you a number, then counter from there.

If I get the impression someone is just a cheap ass and won't even call to discuss the vehicle in question, I don't even reply further. People now a days have no decency of your time, they don't read, they inquire extensively about something they can't afford. You stand out from those clowns, prices come down for most sellers.

 

[fblainen11]

get it, it got lockerz

It's just a center locker. They all have it. No rear locker.

 

[Clayton74]

Good info fellas! With what you guys said... Ill try to talk him down some over the phone before going out there. If hes firm on the price which I high doubt he is... mentions nothing in the ad about a firm price and its on CL.

Just ask him before you even head there if he has any flexibility in the price. A guy will tell you up front if and how much he's going to negotiate.

 

[my92t4r]

It's just a center locker. They all have it. No rear locker.

:sad:

 

[LookAtThatDog]

I spy Illinois plates! If its in Chicagoland, I can take a look for you any day this week. Send me a PM if you're interested.

 

[Crave4runner]

i spy illinois plates! If its in chicagoland, i can take a look for you any day this week. Send me a pm if you're interested.

pm sent!