Mechanic Checks

A trip to the prospective buyer's mechanic might turn up a new question about the car's condition.

This must be handled on a case-by-case basis. If the repair is warranted, and you trust the mechanic's assessment, you could propose reducing the agreed upon price by the amount needed for the repair. If the repair is questionable, but the buyer is insistent, split the difference, or have the car taken to your mechanic for further evaluation.

Remember, the older the car, the more a mechanic is likely to find. At some point, you have to draw the line. You may have to say to the buyer, "True, this work could be done. But the car drives well as it is. And the proposed repair isn't addressing a safety concern." After all, a used car -- particularly an elderly one -- isn't expected to be perfect. But it still might be useful.