Tips for buyers and sellers
12-19-2002, 08:41 PM
#1
Race Director
Thread Starter
Tips for buyers and sellers
I have been shopping for a 993 for about 4 weeks now. I have seen some very interesting ads and had some interesting conversations. Based on my experiences and a few recent threads, I thought I'd offer some tips. 
To Buyers:
1) There are plenty of good cars out there. Be patient.
2) If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
3) Don't waste a seller's time. If a car is listed for 60K and you want to spend 50K, move on. IMO, a good rule of thumb is 10% delta or less.
4) Be serious about buying the car. Have money ready to go. Don't "research" by lying about being ready to buy.
5) Keep this in mind. Chronic lowballer's are the same species as plaid-suit used car dealers.
6) Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. If someone doesn't like it, they are probably hiding something.
7) If you decide not to buy a car from someone for whatever reason, tell them. It's rude to leave people hanging.
8) If you have looked at 20 cars and couldn't come to a price agreement, perhaps the problem is you?
9) You will spend more than you thought.
10) If you are too cheap to spring for a PPI, you deserve everything you get.
11) As soon as you buy your car, you will find a much better deal. Don't worry, this is normal. This is how the universe works.
To Sellers:
1) There are plenty of buyers out there. Be patient.
2) Be ready to sell it. Don't suddenly decide you can't handle parting with it. Your potential buyer just missed another great car while you were misleading him.
3) If a potential buyer calls or emails you with questions, answer them. Nothing will make you lose your credibility more than being non-responsive.
4) Somebody will offer you too little at some point. Quit sputtering, get off your high horse, say no thanks and get over it.
5) If you put anything like "serious only", "no games", "no dreamers", "Joyriders need not apply" or anything else equally irritating in your ad, I will personally find you, call you late at night, and in my best Donald Duck voice sing the "Roly Poly Fish Heads" song to you.
6) Your car is not showroom condition, so don't say it is. You will get more serious buyers if you offer details and photos of all the cars faults.
7) A serious buyer will demand a PPI. They are paying hundreds of dollars for it. Get off your butt and take the car in.
8) Understand that all those aftermarket options you invested in have very little effect on the value of the car.
9) Your car will sell for less than you think it will.
10) If 20 people have tried and failed to buy your car, perhaps the problem is you?
11) As soon as you agree to sell your car, someone will offer you full asking price tomorrow sight unseen. This is normal. This is how the universe works.
To both:
1) At some point, someone will **** you off. Get over it. If you are too emotional about the whole thing, you are not ready to play.
2) Is it too much to ask to be polite? Don't you think a ~$50K private transaction is a bit nerve wracking for the other guy too?
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
To Buyers:
1) There are plenty of good cars out there. Be patient.
2) If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
3) Don't waste a seller's time. If a car is listed for 60K and you want to spend 50K, move on. IMO, a good rule of thumb is 10% delta or less.
4) Be serious about buying the car. Have money ready to go. Don't "research" by lying about being ready to buy.
5) Keep this in mind. Chronic lowballer's are the same species as plaid-suit used car dealers.
6) Feel free to ask as many questions as you want. If someone doesn't like it, they are probably hiding something.
7) If you decide not to buy a car from someone for whatever reason, tell them. It's rude to leave people hanging.
8) If you have looked at 20 cars and couldn't come to a price agreement, perhaps the problem is you?
9) You will spend more than you thought.
10) If you are too cheap to spring for a PPI, you deserve everything you get.
11) As soon as you buy your car, you will find a much better deal. Don't worry, this is normal. This is how the universe works.
To Sellers:
1) There are plenty of buyers out there. Be patient.
2) Be ready to sell it. Don't suddenly decide you can't handle parting with it. Your potential buyer just missed another great car while you were misleading him.
3) If a potential buyer calls or emails you with questions, answer them. Nothing will make you lose your credibility more than being non-responsive.
4) Somebody will offer you too little at some point. Quit sputtering, get off your high horse, say no thanks and get over it.
5) If you put anything like "serious only", "no games", "no dreamers", "Joyriders need not apply" or anything else equally irritating in your ad, I will personally find you, call you late at night, and in my best Donald Duck voice sing the "Roly Poly Fish Heads" song to you.
6) Your car is not showroom condition, so don't say it is. You will get more serious buyers if you offer details and photos of all the cars faults.
7) A serious buyer will demand a PPI. They are paying hundreds of dollars for it. Get off your butt and take the car in.
8) Understand that all those aftermarket options you invested in have very little effect on the value of the car.
9) Your car will sell for less than you think it will.
10) If 20 people have tried and failed to buy your car, perhaps the problem is you?
11) As soon as you agree to sell your car, someone will offer you full asking price tomorrow sight unseen. This is normal. This is how the universe works.
To both:
1) At some point, someone will **** you off. Get over it. If you are too emotional about the whole thing, you are not ready to play.
2) Is it too much to ask to be polite? Don't you think a ~$50K private transaction is a bit nerve wracking for the other guy too?
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
12-19-2002, 08:45 PM
#2
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That's pretty much exactly how I feel as well.
Pete, have we exchanged emails? I was looking for almost the same car as you and I might be able to give you some ideas if you are still looking.
Pete, have we exchanged emails? I was looking for almost the same car as you and I might be able to give you some ideas if you are still looking.
12-19-2002, 10:34 PM
#7
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Peter
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance.
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance.
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12-19-2002, 10:50 PM
#8
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[quote]Originally posted by Berkley:
<strong>Peter
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance. </strong><hr></blockquote>
No kidding...
<strong>Peter
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance.
</strong><hr></blockquote>No kidding...
12-19-2002, 10:57 PM
#9
Race Director
Thread Starter
DC, you have mail.
Vinny, glad you're up for singing. A duet will irritate them even more.
DJ, No problem, put it anywhere you want. I wouldn't mind seeing if we get some additions to the list first though.
Berkley, Unfortunately, some people have the communication skills of farm implements. Just picture them as sour-faced, balding trust fund losers with infant-like genitalia and you won't be mad any more. Works for me.
Vinny, glad you're up for singing. A duet will irritate them even more.
DJ, No problem, put it anywhere you want. I wouldn't mind seeing if we get some additions to the list first though.
Berkley, Unfortunately, some people have the communication skills of farm implements. Just picture them as sour-faced, balding trust fund losers with infant-like genitalia and you won't be mad any more. Works for me.
12-19-2002, 11:08 PM
#10
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Member
You guys crack me up...
I have some super stories to tell about buying cars... I wont bore you with them now, but let me say this:
I once had to SEND a disposable camera to a guy AND send a self addressed stamped return envelope - for him to send it back - so I could get a picture of a car I had interest in. He did not have any & would not go take any without me doing so!
The photos were AWFUL, but I did buy the car... There is so much more to tell on just that ONE car purchase. It was NUTS.
I dont have any stories about all the cars I have sold. I most of the time I oversell, then find people dont believe a car could be THAT nice (mine are), and then I freak people out w/ videos & stacks of copied records, etc.
I WISH I could buy a car from me (or Phil, I think he is just as nutty as me I bet). <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />
I have some super stories to tell about buying cars... I wont bore you with them now, but let me say this:
I once had to SEND a disposable camera to a guy AND send a self addressed stamped return envelope - for him to send it back - so I could get a picture of a car I had interest in. He did not have any & would not go take any without me doing so!
The photos were AWFUL, but I did buy the car... There is so much more to tell on just that ONE car purchase. It was NUTS.
I dont have any stories about all the cars I have sold. I most of the time I oversell, then find people dont believe a car could be THAT nice (mine are), and then I freak people out w/ videos & stacks of copied records, etc.
I WISH I could buy a car from me (or Phil, I think he is just as nutty as me I bet). <img src="graemlins/r.gif" border="0" alt="[king]" />
12-19-2002, 11:17 PM
#11
Phlat Black Guru
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Michael,
Thank you,
I am currently pulling my hair out, because I cannot get final lease figures to a rennlist member. Manufac. will not release invoice until car is on the gound!
But it will be a very easy transaction, no games, no selling all the goo, and glue, and stuff
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Thank you,
I am currently pulling my hair out, because I cannot get final lease figures to a rennlist member. Manufac. will not release invoice until car is on the gound!
But it will be a very easy transaction, no games, no selling all the goo, and glue, and stuff
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
12-19-2002, 11:41 PM
#12
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[quote]Originally posted by Berkley:
<strong>Peter
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance. </strong><hr></blockquote>
I my Friends have been guilty of something very similar.
I asked the advice of a fellow rennlister. He responded back with some specfic questions regarding the matter. With in those questions, was the answer to my question.
I did not email back, like I should have. My problem was solved. I must say, for the past two days I have felt like a POS. I tried to email...blocked....I tried to PM....Ignore. I asked a fellow lister to forward a message, of apoligy...no reply
So to, and you know who you are
I apologize
<strong>Peter
You left out one "tip". When a fellow Rennlister takes the time to try to contact you to provide bonafide leads, a polite response with some hint of appreciation is in order....rather than a four word response that lacks courtesy and reeks of arrogance.
</strong><hr></blockquote>I my Friends have been guilty of something very similar.
I asked the advice of a fellow rennlister. He responded back with some specfic questions regarding the matter. With in those questions, was the answer to my question.
I did not email back, like I should have. My problem was solved. I must say, for the past two days I have felt like a POS. I tried to email...blocked....I tried to PM....Ignore. I asked a fellow lister to forward a message, of apoligy...no reply
So to, and you know who you are
I apologize
12-20-2002, 12:57 AM
#13
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Peter, one more for buyers:
12) Pay for your access to Carfax. If you ask the board to run a Carfax for you....well, don't even bother. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />
Good summary by the way.
12) Pay for your access to Carfax. If you ask the board to run a Carfax for you....well, don't even bother. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />
Good summary by the way.
12-20-2002, 01:10 AM
#14
Race Director
Thread Starter
[quote]Originally posted by Kevin Reilly:
[QB]Peter, one more for buyers:
12) Pay for your access to Carfax. If you ask the board to run a Carfax for you....well, don't even bother. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />
QB]<hr></blockquote>
Good one Kevin.
Although it is irritating that Carfax will only sell you one unlimited access every 6 months. I did that once and then had to travel for work half the month I paid for.
[QB]Peter, one more for buyers:
12) Pay for your access to Carfax. If you ask the board to run a Carfax for you....well, don't even bother. <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[nono]" />
QB]<hr></blockquote>
Good one Kevin.
Although it is irritating that Carfax will only sell you one unlimited access every 6 months. I did that once and then had to travel for work half the month I paid for.
