We all have had the car buying blues; we have bought cars that look nice but don't run after 2 weeks, bought it because it was cheap and you just want a car, bought it to impress someone, and etc. Everybody is looking for that deal.the one where the price seems almost too good to be true. What about the person selling the car he or she just wants to make as much as they can and most of it is just sentimental value as opposed to the true value of the car. So now you have price your trying to buy the car for as the buyer vs the price the seller is selling it for. What do you do as a buyer? Well first off you want the price to come down without insulting the seller. Do not offer them 500 when the asking price is 1,500 that is not cool. Number 2 don't contact the seller if you don't have the money. If you only have 500 to spare look at cars closer to your budget. Sometimes these cars need little fixes that can repaired over time not necessarily at that moment. Number 3 never agree to meet or "come take a look", if you don't have money and your not serious about car buying. Number 4 never buy just based off online pictures go see the car in person let the person start it up. Number 5 Always double check the facts with them to make sure there are no inconsistencies in their story.
As a seller you want to make any major repairs made are talked about in your post. Little ones are fine too but, people get tired of reading so they just look for the price and the pictures. Number 2 sentimental value only really works with classic cars not your 92 toyota camry they aren't rare enough, it has to be something like a 1967 pontiac gto or a 1972 superbee. Number 3 if you know your cars value isn't worth your bottom line then bring down the price give a reasonable price. Number 4 never make too many repairs to a car your selling because now your losing money and the whole point is to make it. Number 5 if you do make any small repairs please go to an actual Mechanic and that doesn't exactly mean a shop there are some good freelance Mechanics out there. With all this said let's have a good car buying and selling experience.