How to Negotiate a Used Car Price by Text or Email (2025 Scripts)

Quick Answer

The goal of texting is not to buy the car remotely, but to agree on the Out-the-Door (OTD) price before you ever set foot on the lot.

1. Ask for the OTD breakdown immediately.

2. Use specific numbers (e.g., "$24,250" not "$24k").

3. Attach proof (comps or MotorMigo assessment screenshots) to justify your offer.

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Why Negotiate Remotely?

Dealers want you in the building because they control the environment. They can make you wait, use "good cop/bad cop," and wear you down.

When you negotiate by text or email:

* You control the pace. Take 10 minutes to calculate fees before replying.

* You remove emotion. It's just business.

* You have a paper trail. They can't "forget" the price they promised.

Step 1: The "Information Gathering" Text

Do not make an offer yet. Verify availability and get the real price.

> Script:

> "Hi, I'm interested in the [Year Make Model]. Is it still available? If so, please email me the full Out-the-Door price breakdown including all taxes and fees. I am pre-approved and ready to buy this week. Thanks."

Why this works: It signals you are a serious buyer ("pre-approved") but refuses to play games until you see the total cost.

Step 2: The "Market Pivot" (Handling the High Price)

They will likely send a price higher than you want. Do not just say "Will you take less?" Instead, use data.

> Script:

> "Thanks for the breakdown. I've researched similar [Model]s in the area (see attached). Most with this mileage are selling for $22,000-$22,500. since yours has [scratch/high miles/missing feature], I'm struggling to get to your asking price."

Strategic Tie-In: Screenshot the MotorMigo Instant Listing Assessment and attach it. It shows the dealer you aren't guessing—you have data.

Step 3: The "Anchor" Offer

Once they acknowledge the market value, make your specific offer.

> Script:

> "I can strip out the [Optional Fee 1] and [Optional Fee 2]. Based on the condition and market comps, I can offer $21,450 Out-the-Door. I can be there at 5 PM today to sign if we can agree on that number."

Key Tactics:

* Specific Numbers: "$21,450" sounds calculated and firm. "$21,000" sounds like a random guess.

* The "If-Then" Close: "If we agree, THEN I come in." This is the ultimate leverage.

Handling the "Just Come In" Objection

Dealers hate this. They will say: "We can't discuss price over the phone, come in and we'll work it out."

> Your Reply:

> "I'm a serious buyer and I value my time. I'm not driving down until we are close on numbers. If you can't give me a price in writing, I'll move to the next car on my list."

Summary

Be polite, be professional, but be firm. If they won't give you a price, they are hiding something. Move on.

> Need more scripts?

> MotorMigo builds custom negotiation text messages for you based on the specific car you're looking at. Download the app to get your personalized script.