Set a walk-away number first
Before you message the seller, decide the most you will pay and write it down. That number is for the moment the car looks nicer in person than it should at the asking price.
Work back from the advert: market price for similar cars, minus near-term work you can already see. That is a cleaner argument than asking for money off because everyone likes a discount.
Build the offer from evidence
- Comparables: same model, age band, mileage and trim.
- MOT advisories: tyres, brakes, corrosion, leaks from the last one or two tests.
- Repair costs as numbers: two tyres roughly £200 fitted beats it needs tyres.
- History risk: finance, write-off and stolen markers checked before any deposit.
A ServiceByReg report covers the risk markers so you are not negotiating on a car you should not buy at all.
Give the number and the reasons. Let silence work. Buyers often talk themselves back up to the asking price.
Dealer vs private seller
Dealers often have more room in extras such as a fresh MOT, tyres or a service than in the screen price. Private sellers usually respond better to one clear, quick offer than to repeated lowball messages.
Do not pay a deposit to hold the car before the history, VIN and paperwork are checked. For a fuller negotiation walkthrough with example wording, see MOTCO's guide on how to negotiate a used car price.
Common questions
How much below asking should I offer?
There is no fixed percentage. Start from market value minus documented work, then open a little below your target so you have room to move.
Do MOT advisories really lower the price?
Yes, when you turn them into a specific cost. Vague needs some work is easy to dismiss.