OVNO - How near do they mean?

[kitcatkitten]

I'm looking to buy a used car, which I have never done before and wanted some advice from those of you who have. If an advert says "ONO" or "OVNO", how near do they mean? could I expect to be able to negotiate 10% off the advertised price? or more or less? I'm sure there aren't any rules about it but in your experiences what do you reckon?
TIA
Cat

[Ethel]

If you are a cash buyer start at 25% below asking price and work up. :)

[kitcatkitten]

Thanks, that sounds good!
does cash include bank transfer? or literally just hard paper cash? i'm so excited. all i can think about now is cars!

[R1Geezer]

ONO, OVNO, no offers.

all a complete and utter waste of time. Most things are way ott price wise anyway, if someone is interested they'll make an offer. Take no notice of what they say in the ad.

stand back if you want to buy a car you are in the strong position do not be tempted unless it's right at the right price
don't just buy the first thing you see, remember there are thousands and thousands out there, get a goodun!

also check out some of the advice here:
http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Questi on593827.html

[Ethel]

Cash includes cheques. Cash excludes credit card and finance.

[mattzo23]

In my experience you can usually get them between �75 and �50 below the asking price sometimes you can get more off I always buy used cars so have a lot of experiance in this.

Stay strong infront of the seller and keep control. The minute you lose control of the sale is the moment you pay too much.

You tell them what you want to pay not what they want you to pay. Only take the deal if the price is what you expect but dont give them the asking price. If you cant get them low enough trust me on this WALK AWAY if you do this 80% of the time they will then accept your deal because at the end of the day they want a quick sale.

[obNOXious]

Eye up the area they live in and the person's situation if you can. Get chatting to them and see what info you can glean from them about how desperate they are for the money if it's a private sale and then however good the car is make an insulting offer. Very few people get genuinely offended and you can always work up to the price you are happy to pay for it and if you're inexperienced in buying make sure that all of the paperwork is present,and ideally take someone with you who is more experienced. Physical money is far more alluring to a seller than cheques, a lot of private people won't accept them anyway. Tempt them, and don't look in love with it, even if it's the car of your dreams, keep mentioning all it's underlying all it's faults however minor and look undecided at all times, you'd be amazed how low a price you can actually buy things for as most people advertise way above what theyre prepared to accept. I've traded cars for a living amongst other things for many years and the golden rule is start very very low:)
Good luck.

[kitcatkitten]

thanks so much guys. i feel fairly prepared now. i am seeing the car of my dreams on saturday morning so as you say, i'd better not show it!