How do I go about making an offer on a car that's in poor condition at a dealership?

Question

I'll try to make this as short as possible. There's a 2005 Subaru STI at a dealership near me. It was a car they had to buy back from a customer because it wasn't running right. I asked them what's wrong, and they said there is so much wrong with it, that they don't want to waste any money fixing it, and that if I bought it it would just be an outright sale, no possibility of financing, which is understandable.

Now obviously, I should have walked away at this point, but being as stupid as I am, I took a closer look at the car. CarFax states the car has been in 2 reported accidents, and has had 6 owners. The car itself has 115K miles, and has some mods on it and It also seems to be untuned for those mods, because when I drove it, every single warning light was lit on the dash, and the car would stall out at speed if you let off the gas. The interior was also really stained and dirty, and the car looked like it had been taken through the mud.

Anyways, for some odd reason I'd really like to have this car as a project, and try to revive it. Yes, I know it's a poor financial choice, but that's my choice. I offered them $2K cash for it. The salesman came back and told me the manager wants at least $10K for the car. I think that's a ridiculous price for the car considering the mileage and condition that it's in. I really don't want to pay any more than $4K for it. How can I get the dealership to see eye-to-eye with me and get them to accept an offer?

? · Answer

You made your offer.  They not only declined, but their counter-offer was ridiculous.  Transaction over.  Walk away and find something else to spend your money on.

If they want 5 times what you offered, odds are you'll never find a common ground that makes any sense for you.  Frankly that POS probably isn't worth much more than the $2K you offered being that it's 12 model years old with multiple accidents on it, in rough shape and basically undriveable mechanically in its current condition.

Some projects make sense.  This one doesn't.  Far too many issues unless you can get it for around the $2K you offered, and maybe even too many issues at that price.

TheReal · Answer

In fair condition, this car retails for over $15,000. Trade value is over $10,000. In the condition you described, they likely gave the last owner $8000-$9000 in trade value. Why would they buy a car for $8000, then turn around and sell it for $2000? They've already said they'd sell it for $10,000, and they let you leave. They're done. Your $2000-$4000 in cash is a great down payment, but you're not buying the car for that.

Bobby Jim · Answer

A previous owner beat the poor thing nearly to death. Buying a car with multiple mods on it is never wise, regardless of how many owners and  miles it's had. Move on; you do not want this headache in your garage.

Anonymous · Answer

Walk into the showroom with $3K in cash. Wave the notes at them and say this is all you've got so a decision is needed. If they start to resist, slowly get up and walk away. The chances are they will call you back. If not they are not desperate and are waiting for a mug to walk in.

Anonymous · Answer

too far apart to worry about. move on.

If you were $2000 apart, then maybe you have something to negotiate. But you are $8000 apart. Id say both sides are unrealistic. But even if both sides went up/down $2000, you are still way too far apart to spend time on.

If its still there in a month, call the used car manager. Otherwise, forget it.

Even if its still there, its highly unlikely you could even get it for $7500.

Ian K · Answer

What is your project budget?

Thing obviously needs a ton of work.  Budget accordingly.  Seeing as an STI of that age in good shape is going for $15,000-$22,000, work out a budget.

? · Answer

Then tell them $4K or you walk. Otherwise they have to send it to the auction and take their chances.

Anonymous · Answer

you have already told yourself that this would be a stupid purchase !!! here's my answer - "yourself" is right

ellie · Answer

Idk

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How do I go about making an offer on a car that's in poor condition at a dealership?

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