Advice welcomed

[Elspeth]

I would like to buy my neighbour's Micra for my son. He cannot name an asking price and wants me to make an offer. It is an 02 registration, 1000cc, and has done only 17,000 miles. It has been off the road for some months as he is no longer able to drive. I know nothing about car prices. What would be a fair price for the car? Any help much appreciated.

[scotman]

This might help

http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/prices/

[razza]

He can name an asking price,he hopes you come up with a better price than hes got in his head.

[sara3]

does it have an MOT?

[Elspeth]

Thank you scotman. That is a helpful site.

[sara3]

yes/no?

[scotman]

No problem. It will give you a starting point. Obviously you must judge condition, mileage etc and adjust how much this particular car is worth to you.

[Elspeth]

Good question sara 3. I know it will have been well maintained but didn't as about MOT. I don't want to haggle with my neighbour who is elderly and very sick, just pay him a fair price (without overpaying of course).

[BRIGHT SPARK]

With tax 12 months mot and clean history IMO
about £1000

[joggerjayne]

I agree with razza.

And you want to know how much he's thinking.

So, play ignorant, and say "I don't know much about cars. Would you accept £100?"

He'll say "You're joking, it's worth at least ... "

You then automatically say "Oh. I don't think we could stretch to that."

So, then you have a starting point.

[sara3]

as a guess, if the mileage is genuine and it's been looked after (serviced, regularly driven etc) it could be a good buy. I would have guessed £900-£1k, but it's not my area of expertise.

[Elspeth]

Love your answer joggerjane but he knows that I am a bit more informed than to offer him a silly price. I feel that it would be fairer for him to name a price and then we can negotiate. I know I would have to tax it and am prepared to have it serviced and MOT if necessary. Then I just have the small problem of getting it to the midlands!

[scotman]

Do you know anyone who is knowledgeable about cars who can look it over for you? Judging by the Parker site about £1,000 seems reasonable.

[Elspeth]

I was thinking along the same lines as you sara3 and I appreciate being able to talk it over on the Answer Bank - it clears the mind to get other opinions.

[Elspeth]

scotman, I was wondering about taking it to my local garage who have serviced our cars for many years - they would collect it I think and give it an inspection - that might sol;ve the problem?

[AlBags]

Offer £900 with no history, warranty, etc.
May need exhaust, brakes, etc.

[TWR]

Hi, check Auto Trader, print off a few prices from Private sellers off the likes of EBay & show your Neighbour you are not trying to rip him off ( as a lot would do) check out the full condition of the car, from what you have stated " with respect to the person was he a driver that drove on the clutch? if you can, check how much is left on the clutch cable, I would go for the prices given, check out the Road tax/test/ interior seat condition ( rips etc).