# Fair pricing to sell a used car as-is? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 31, 2014, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490 "2014-07-31T14:44:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/1 "2014-07-31T14:44:24Z")
I have a 1999 Honda with 125k miles. No dents or significant scratches. A little bit of rust. Interior has been kept up well. There’s some fading, but no tears or holes. It did not pass the Marlyand state emissions inspection. The code that came up, I was told, indicated a problem with the catalytic converter. To replace that, I was told by someone else, would be over $2000. I don’t have that, and don’t need to invest in this car. It’s not my main transportation. I can’t afford to keep insuring it. It’s doing no one any good in my driveway. The car, with all it’s features - but able to pass inspection according to Kelley’s would be around $2300 in a private sale. Edmunds includes the option of “Rough” condition, and gives a price of $1620. I want this sale to happen quickly but also need to get as much as I can out of it. Would it be out of line to ask $1200? $1000? I intend to be right up front about it not passing emissions. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21825_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/2 "2014-07-31T15:37:32Z")
How about “$1200 OBO” - it lets a potential buyer know you’re willing to dicker. Just decide ahead of time what the lowest offer you’ll take will be. Have you considered donating it? I understand some organizations will take vehicles that can be repaired. You won’t get cash, but you’ll get a tax write-off. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/3 "2014-07-31T16:04:20Z")
Meant to mention in the OP that my plan is to leave the ad active on Craigslist through the weekend, and if there’s no response donate it through the American Diabetes Association. My son’s car needs new tires. If I can get enough cash for that out of this. I’m floundering a little because while I am a confident and capable woman who can change tires and spark plugs and understand matters automotive, the buying and selling of cars has been something I was happy to let other people handle. My husband, whose car this was, was an excellent negotiator. If he listed the car for $1200 somehow the buyer would give him $1400 and a pair of tickets to a baseball game. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/4 "2014-07-31T16:48:27Z")
Check your local laws, there may be no such thing as an “As Is” sale in your state. There isn’t in mine, for example. > **[Massachusetts RMV Regulations for Selling Cars | DMV.ORG](https://www.dmv.org/ma-massachusetts/buy-sell/state-regulations.php#Selling-a-Used-Car)** > > Find Massachusetts RMV regulations for buying and selling vehicles. > [@](#): > > The Used Vehicle Warranty Law: You, the seller, are required by law to inform buyers about any known defects that impair the safety or substantially impair the use of the vehicle. This law applies to any vehicle being sold for use on the road, no matter its age or condition. If the buyer can prove a defect exists and that you, the seller, didn’t disclose it, the buyer can cancel the sale and request a refund. ---
**Author:** ![Dead\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Dead\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dead_Cat)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/5 "2014-07-31T17:35:01Z")
I’m not expert but I think even the “rough” condition price given in price guides assumes the car is road-legal, which it appears yours is not. I also think you ought to disclose the known issue, or you could face problems down the line. On the other hand, $2,000 seems a huge sum just to replace a bad exhaust, even including the catalytic converter. I’d be thinking of a figure more like $500. As such, your best bet may be to take it to a car dealer, explain the issue, and they may be happy to give you $1,200 for it, because if they can fix the issue for (say) $200, they can still sell it on at a profit. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/6 "2014-07-31T18:10:47Z")
$2000 strikes me as way high to replace a converter on a Honda. Offhand, I’d expect it to be in the 600-1000 range. With complete vehicle info (model, submodel, engine size) I could tell you what I’d charge for it. Assuming the repair cost is in that neighborhood, 1500-2000 may not be too much to ask. ---
**Author:** ![HipGnosis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/76d3ee/32.png) [@HipGnosis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HipGnosis)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/7 "2014-07-31T18:17:23Z")
I had a very similar experience last yr. First, take it to a car parts place that does free check-engine-light code readings (which are most, I think). I’m pretty sure there’s no code for catalytic converter. It’s probably an oxygen sensor. They are relatively cheap, but they usually have to be replaced by an exhaust shop because they get totally corroded on. Then google “1999 honda {model} catalytic converter” You may have to include the engine size. Dealer prices are insane on most converters - so there is an ‘aftermarket’ market. You seldom get any cash when you donate a vehicle - just a tax deduction that doesn’t do anything for you until you file your taxes next year. And I hear they are getting very stingy with the deductions. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/8 "2014-07-31T18:28:55Z")
If you have CarMax in your area, they’ll give you a “no-haggle” price for the car. I’d go get that, and then see if you could price it up from there a bit and see if you got any bites. (Back when I was buying another car, I was really surprised when CarMax appraised my old shitty beater at $1400; I was thinking that if I got $750 for it, I’d count myself lucky.) ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/9 "2014-07-31T19:09:06Z")
> [@HipGnosis](#): > > I’m pretty sure there’s no code for catalytic converter. It’s probably an oxygen sensor. They are relatively cheap, but they usually have to be replaced by an exhaust shop because they get totally corroded on. There is code for catalyst efficiency. It is virtually always caused by a faulty converter. Any good repair shop can replace an oxygen sensor. > [@](#): > > Dealer prices are insane on most converters - so there is an ‘aftermarket’ market. Yes, dealer prices for most converters tend to be really high. However, field experience has shown that for many cars, aftermarket converters are not quite up to the task – the catalyst efficiency code will reappear within a year. ---
**Author:** ![dauerbach](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c2a13f/32.png) [@dauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dauerbach)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/10 "2014-07-31T19:23:38Z")
Nah, by “as is” he meant that he would not repair anything. It was clear he was going to tell the buyer about any problems he knew of. You can try to sell it in one of the Maryland counties that do not require inspections. These are the ones that do: Anne Arundel County Baltimore City Baltimore County Calvert County Carroll County Cecil County Charles County Frederick County Harford County Howard County Montgomery County Prince George’s County Queen Anne’s County Washington County Or, if you have a relative living in one of the non emissions counties, see if you can re register at that address. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/11 "2014-07-31T20:18:58Z")
Okay new question. Let’s just say for argument’s sake that someone hastily posted the car for $1200. And now people are clamoring to look at it, promising me cash right now. I’m at work, the car’s at home. Even if only half of the people who’ve said “I want to see it first. I’ll be waiting for you when you get there” actually do show up that will still be 4 or 5 people. How do I choose who to sell it to without my house getting egged or hurting anyone’s feelings? I did manage to say no to the guy who wanted me to drive it to Virginia. Had no answer when I said “If I drive it there and sell it to you, how will I get home?” ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/12 "2014-07-31T20:30:06Z")
They’ll get angry, sputter a bit and move on. You’re just selling a car not breaking up with them. But if you’ve got that many people clamoring for it, you may have priced it a little too low. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/13 "2014-07-31T20:47:12Z")
> [@gwendee](#): > > Let’s just say for argument’s sake that someone hastily posted the car for $1200. And now people are clamoring to look at it, promising me cash right now. I’m at work, the car’s at home. Even if only half of the people who’ve said “I want to see it first. I’ll be waiting for you when you get there” actually do show up that will still be 4 or 5 people. > > How do I choose who to sell it to without my house getting egged or hurting anyone’s feelings? You auction it and sell to the highest bidder. ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/14 "2014-07-31T20:54:30Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > They’ll get angry, sputter a bit and move on. You’re just selling a car not breaking up with them. Will you be my new therapist? > [@Kimballkid](#): > > But if you’ve got that many people clamoring for it, you may have priced it a little too low. I realize that…now. But until yesterday I was thinking I didn’t want to bother with all this so I’d just donate it, so I’m still coming out ahead. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/15 "2014-07-31T21:03:29Z")
> [@gwendee](#): > > Will you be my new therapist? Sure, now just lie back and GET OVER IT!! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/16 "2014-07-31T21:10:52Z")
How do you choose who to sell it to? You start with whoever replied first. If they try to barter tell them you are firm on your price and you know it’s a hot price because you have x more buyers waiting to look at it. ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2014, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/17 "2014-07-31T23:20:07Z")
Er, sounds like it might be a bit late now, but I would have mentioned that in most places Hondas are just about the fastest movers there are in the used car market. Pricing them to sell quick doesn’t require much of a discount, as you’re learning. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/18 "2014-08-01T15:58:03Z")
> [@bump](#): > > If you have CarMax in your area, they’ll give you a “no-haggle” price for the car. > > I’d go get that, and then see if you could price it up from there a bit and see if you got any bites. > > (Back when I was buying another car, I was really surprised when CarMax appraised my old shitty beater at $1400; I was thinking that if I got $750 for it, I’d count myself lucky.) AFAIK Carmax won’t touch anything more than 7 or 8 years old. OP, anything that runs is worth $1000 or so. 125,000 is relatively low miles so I think $1200 is a pretty fair price, and inform the buyer that it may have a catalytic converter problem. There are plenty of people interested in Hondas so I don’t think you’ll have any problem selling. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/19 "2014-08-01T17:59:14Z")
> [@SmellMyWort](#): > > How do you choose who to sell it to? You start with whoever replied first. If they try to barter tell them you are firm on your price and you know it’s a hot price because you have x more buyers waiting to look at it. I agree with this. People know that there will be an order, and that’s the order they replied. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2014, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490/20 "2014-08-01T18:25:29Z")
> [@control-z](#): > > AFAIK Carmax won’t touch anything more than 7 or 8 years old. I don’t know about that… the $1400 truck I sold them in 2006 was a 1995 model with about 225k miles on it and a messed up gearbox. If they’ll buy it, they’ll buy just about anything. Plus, there’s no mention in their FAQ about not buying older vehicles. I think they just auction them off in Mexico or something. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fair-pricing-to-sell-a-used-car-as-is/694490.md?page=2)