The Civic had been on the lot for almost 2 months, and it was a smaller dealership. Smaller dealerships need to sell their inventory faster to maintain a profit - they can't have vehicles sitting around for as long as larger dealerships. That helped negotiate on the Civic. Win win for both of us - they got to get rid of a car that had been sitting on their lot for too long, and I got a great deal on my first car.
For the Insight there were a few issues that we pointed out that helped with negotiation. The seller also didn't like the car, had no use for it, and didn't realize the value of the Insight (nor how much I wanted one
). Plus, it was quick cash for him. Win win there too - he got rid of a car he didn't like for quick cash, and I got the car of my ecomodding dreams!