I often get comments regarding the prices I consider reasonable when reviewing listings.

Previously, I bought an M5 by negotiating from 68 to 59, and a Z4 from 169 to 152, and both were the cheapest among similar listings. I'm not saying this to boast about "how well I negotiated"; the process was completed without hurting either seller's feelings, and I stayed in touch with both of them for years. Also, although these two cars were niche, one seller was a dealer, and the other was selling an E87 116i during the same period, so we're not talking about an exceptionally rare type of seller.

Here are my bargaining methods and principles:

• Pay attention to where I say "worth buying if lowered to this price" and where I say "its value is this much" in the reviews; these are different things.
• Don’t make a price offer via message. Not only will no one take you seriously, but such informal behavior can irritate the seller, potentially causing them to increase the price.
• Chase cars that are already reasonably priced. Don't bother with listings you love but find overpriced right away; put them aside and patiently wait for the price to drop.
• Don’t get stuck on a single listing; always have at least one alternative. This will both ease your mind psychologically and strengthen your hand in negotiations.
• If your tone and approach are respectful and polite, don’t worry as long as you don’t jump to "what's the lowest you'll go" in the second sentence.
• Courtesy, manners, and respect are values that are declining in Turkey; if you exhibit these, the seller who values and misses these traits will lower their defenses naturally.
• Negotiation is the final stage of interaction between buyer and seller; don’t discuss price without at least sitting down for coffee and having a friendly conversation with the person.
• Don't give a price before the seller; politely insist that they make the first offer. When giving your offer, explain your reasoning sincerely.
• If you can’t speak the same language as the seller or communicate effectively, don’t bother; move on to the next car.