I Used SKANYX PPI to Negotiate €1,200 Off a Used BMW

I was about to pay €18,000 for a used BMW. Then I used SKANYX for a pre-purchase inspection and found problems the seller didn't mention. I negotiated €1,200 off the price. Here's exactly how I did it.

The Car

2017 BMW 320d

• Asking price: €18,000
• Mileage: 85,000 km
• Condition: Looked clean, well-maintained
• Seller: Private party, seemed honest

My Situation:

• Needed a reliable car
• Budget: €18,000
• Wanted to avoid problems
• First time buying used car

The Inspection

Step 1: Before Test Drive

What I Did:

• Connected SKANYX to OBD2 port
• Ran full diagnostic scan
• Waited for results

SKANYX Results:

• Health score: 68 (fair, not great)
• Active codes: 2

- P0300: Random misfire - P0420: Catalytic converter efficiency

• Stored codes: 5 (various issues)
• Systems: Multiple problems detected

My Reaction:

• Health score 68 was lower than expected
• 2 active codes were concerning
• Multiple stored codes showed past problems
• Red flag: Not as good as seller claimed

Step 2: During Test Drive

What I Did:

• Started live data monitoring
• Drove the car normally
• Monitored key parameters

Live Data Results:

• RPM: Fluctuating 600-900 at idle (rough)
• Temperature: Normal
• Voltage: Slightly low (13.8V)
• Shifting: Slightly rough

My Reaction:

• Rough idle confirmed misfire
• Slight voltage issue
• Transmission not perfect
• More problems confirmed

Step 3: After Test Drive

What I Did:

• Ran post-drive scan
• Reviewed all findings
• Got cost estimates from SKANYX

Final Results:

• Health score: 66 (dropped from 68)
• New codes: 0 (no new problems)
• Predictions: Transmission may need service in 12-18 months
• Cost estimates:

- Fix misfire: €200-400 - Fix catalytic converter: €800-1,500 - Transmission service (future): €1,000-2,000 - Total: €2,000-3,900 in repairs My Reaction:

• Significant problems found
• Expensive repairs needed
• Car not as good as advertised
• I had leverage to negotiate

The Negotiation

My Strategy

What I Knew:

• Health score: 66 (fair, not excellent)
• Active codes: 2 (P0300, P0420)
• Repair costs: €2,000-3,900
• Car not as advertised

My Approach:

• Be factual, not emotional
• Show SKANYX data
• Explain problems found
• Propose fair solution

The Conversation

Me: "I ran a diagnostic scan with SKANYX and found some issues. The health score is 68, which is fair but not excellent. There are 2 active codes: P0300 misfire and P0420 catalytic converter. SKANYX estimates €2,000-3,900 in repairs needed." Seller: "What? The car runs fine. I haven't had any problems." Me: "I understand, but the data shows these problems. Here's what SKANYX found: [showed health score and codes]. The misfire will need fixing, and the catalytic converter issue will get worse. I'm still interested, but the price needs to reflect these problems." Seller: "Well, I didn't know about these. How much are you thinking?" Me: "Based on the repair costs SKANYX estimated, I think €16,500 is fair. That's €1,500 off to account for the repairs needed." Seller: "That's too much. I can't go that low." Me: "I understand. But these are real problems that need fixing. The misfire alone will cost €200-400, and the catalytic converter is €800-1,500. Plus, the transmission may need service soon. €16,500 accounts for these issues." Seller: "What if I fix the misfire? Would that help?" Me: "That would help, but the catalytic converter is still an issue. If you fix the misfire, I'd go to €17,000. But I'd prefer €16,800 as-is, and I'll handle the repairs." Seller: "Let me think... €16,800 is the lowest I can go." Me: "Deal. €16,800 it is."

The Result

Final Price:

• Original asking: €18,000
• Negotiated price: €16,800
• Savings: €1,200

What I Got:

• Car with known problems
• Clear understanding of issues
• Budget for repairs
• Fair price

The ROI

My Investment

SKANYX Cost:

• SKANYX Pro: €69/year
• Used for this inspection
• Cost: €69

My Savings

Negotiation Savings:

• Original price: €18,000
• Paid: €16,800
• Saved: €1,200

ROI:

• Investment: €69
• Return: €1,200
• ROI: 1,639%

Plus:

• Avoided buying a problem car
• Knew what to fix
• Budgeted for repairs
• Made informed decision

What I Fixed

After Purchase

Week 1:

• Fixed misfire (P0300): Replaced spark plugs
• Cost: €250
• Problem: Solved

Month 2:

• Fixed catalytic converter (P0420): Replaced oxygen sensor first
• Cost: €180
• Problem: Solved (sensor fixed it, converter OK)

Total Repairs:

• Misfire: €250
• Catalytic converter: €180
• Total: €430

Remaining:

• Transmission service: Planned for 12-18 months
• Budget: €1,000-2,000

The Complete Math

If I Had Paid Full Price

Scenario:

• Paid: €18,000
• Repairs: €430 (immediate) + €1,000-2,000 (future)
• Total: €19,430-20,430

What I Actually Paid

Scenario:

• Paid: €16,800
• SKANYX: €69
• Repairs: €430 (immediate) + €1,000-2,000 (future)
• Total: €18,299-19,299

Total Savings: €1,131-1,131 Plus:

• Knew what I was buying
• Budgeted for repairs
• Made informed decision
• Avoided surprises

What I Learned

Lesson 1: Data Is Power

Key Insight:

• SKANYX data gave me facts
• Not just opinions or feelings
• Objective evidence
• Strong negotiation position

What I Do Now:

• Always use SKANYX for PPI
• Get data before negotiating
• Use facts, not emotions

Lesson 2: Health Score Matters

Key Insight:

• Health score 68 was fair, not excellent
• Showed car had problems
• Gave me leverage
• Justified negotiation

What I Do Now:

• Always check health score
• Use it in negotiations
• Factor into price

Lesson 3: Cost Estimates Help

Key Insight:

• SKANYX cost estimates were accurate
• Helped me negotiate
• Showed seller real costs
• Justified my offer

What I Do Now:

• Get cost estimates
• Use in negotiations
• Factor into price

Lesson 4: Be Prepared

Key Insight:

• Having SKANYX ready was key
• Could inspect on the spot
• Didn't need appointment
• Had data immediately

What I Do Now:

• Always bring SKANYX
• Inspect before negotiating
• Be prepared with data

Tips for Negotiation

Before Negotiation

1. Inspect First

• Use SKANYX before negotiating
• Get all data
• Understand problems
• Get cost estimates

2. Be Prepared

• Know what problems exist
• Have cost estimates
• Understand health score
• Be ready to explain

During Negotiation

1. Be Factual

• Use data, not emotions
• Show SKANYX results
• Explain problems clearly
• Be respectful

2. Be Fair

• Don't lowball
• Account for real problems
• Propose fair solution
• Be reasonable

3. Be Firm

• Stand by your data
• Don't overpay
• Walk away if needed
• Know your limits

After Negotiation

1. Fix Problems

• Address issues promptly
• Use SKANYX to verify
• Track improvements
• Maintain car

2. Learn

• Review what worked
• Improve next time
• Share experience
• Help others

The Bottom Line

What Happened:

• Used SKANYX for PPI
• Found problems seller didn't mention
• Negotiated €1,200 off price
• ROI: 1,639%

Key Takeaways:

• Data is power in negotiations
• Health score matters
• Cost estimates help
• Be prepared

Best Practice:

• Always use SKANYX for PPI
• Inspect before negotiating
• Use data to negotiate
• Get fair price

Try SKANYX PPI Today

Don't overpay for used cars. Use SKANYX PPI to inspect, find problems, and negotiate better prices.

Why SKANYX PPI:

• Inspect in 15 minutes
• Find hidden problems
• Get cost estimates
• Negotiate better prices

Try SKANYX PPI - Negotiate better prices | See SKANYX pricing | Learn about SKANYX features Don't overpay. Use SKANYX to negotiate better prices.