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If
You Know Their Rules ...
You Can Play Their Games
Make
your inspection
Do your inspection as outlined in this segment and keep notes.
Remember, every problem, every sign of wear, every scratch,
becomes fuel for your negotiation.
Take as much time as you can afford. Wear the seller out with
your attention to detail. But keep reminding him or her you're
a real buyer and the cash is in the bank just waiting for
you to write a check. You might want to insert comments like:
"I like cash deals, how about you?"
"I really want to get that money out of the bank
before mg wife (or husband or whomever) decides to spend it
on the house. " The message will get through.
If
the car passes your inspection, make arrangements to have
it evaluated by a professional. As we suggested earlier, leave
your car for ransom if that appears practical and safe. On
your way to the mechanic, you might, as we explained earlier,
want to stop in at a couple of used-car lots to check the
going market value of the car. Let's say that their estimates
average about $9,100. Chances are they believe they can get
a couple of dollars more at auction. Once the inspection is
complete, sit down with the seller and let him or her know
what you found. Go over the mechanic's report and the estimated
repair costs. Be sure you point out all the problems. But
do so in a positive way. Never blame the seller. Use phrases
like:
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