Getting a great deal on a used vehicle - The art of used vehicle negotiation on Craigslist used car

Finding a great used car on Craigslist is only half of the battle. Negotiating a great deal on a used vehicle is a bit more of an art than a science. Many people avoid negotiating all together and would rather pay full price for their vehicle. For all others who would like to get a great deal on a used vehicle, there are a few negotiating tactics that can really help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your next vehicle purchase. Saving a lot of money by negotiating a great deal can really put more money back into your pocket. Craigslist cars for sale are an excellent way to save in this economy.Being a great negotiator starts by understanding the thoughts of a seller. Put yourself into the sellers shoes for a moment and examine what its like to sell a vehicle. From an owners standpoint, he or she would like to receive as much as possible when it selling their car. Depending on the circumstances of the seller, they may hold on to their vehicle until they receive an offer close enough to their asking price. Other sellers may need to desperately sell their vehicle and take just about anything for it. Its up to you as a buyer to figure out whether or not you are dealing with a motivated buyer. Dealing with a motivated buyer will of course allow you to receive the best possible deal. Dealing with a motivated buyer is simple. All you have to do is throw out a low ball offer and they will likely accept. Dealing with a seller that is not motivated may be a bit more difficult. With these types of sellers, you will need to come up with a win-win solution for the two of you. This means that you will need to negotiate a deal. Start by getting an understanding of what the vehicle is actually worth. Check your local newspaper, Craigslist, Autotrader and other publications for similar vehicles. See what the average listing price for comparable vehicles are. Check the vehicle out and see if is any needed repair. Use this as a tool to negotiate a better deal. For instance, if you discover that the brake pads are low and will soon need to be replaced, ask the seller to knock the price down a couple hundred bucks. Explain to the seller that comparible Craigslist used cars in the area are listed for x amount of dollars and that the vehicle will need these repairs completed. With a price in mind, ask the sell what they would take for the vehicle. Never make the first offer. Allow the seller to first speak. Speaking first can end up costing you hundreds of dollars.  Insist that the seller names a price first. Once you establish a price work it up and down with the seller until you come to an agreement.