Addressing Car Issues and Repairs
During or after the inspection, specific issues are identified (e.g., a noisy engine, worn tires). The buyer discusses potential repairs or price adjustments with the seller based on these findings.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
noisier
The comparative form of 'noisy,' meaning making more sound or louder than usual. Use it to describe something that produces more noise than expected, like an engine.
accelerating
The present participle of 'accelerate,' meaning speeding up or increasing speed. In driving, it's used when a car goes faster, like pressing the gas pedal.
worn
Damaged or thin from use over time. Commonly used for parts like tires or clothes that look old and need replacement.
tread depth
The measurement of the grooves on a tire's surface. It's important for safety; if too shallow, tires are unsafe and need replacing.
meticulously
Done with great care and attention to detail. Use it to describe something maintained very carefully, like a car.
knocking off
Informal phrase meaning reducing or subtracting an amount from the price. It's common in negotiations, like 'knocking $100 off' for a discount.
meet me halfway
An idiom meaning to compromise by each side giving a little. Useful in bargaining to suggest a middle ground, like on price.
paperwork
Official documents and forms needed for a transaction, like buying a car. It includes titles, bills of sale, and registrations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I noticed the engine's a bit noisier than expected, especially when accelerating.
This sentence politely points out a problem found during inspection. 'A bit' softens the complaint, and 'than expected' compares to normal. Use it when discussing issues in negotiations to avoid sounding too critical.
Would you be open to adjusting the price down a bit?
A polite way to suggest lowering the price based on issues. 'Be open to' means willing to consider, and 'adjusting down' is a neutral term for reducing. Useful for starting price talks without being demanding.
I've already priced the car very competitively for its age and mileage.
This defends the price by explaining it's already a good deal. 'Competitively' means at a low, attractive rate. Use it when responding to negotiation requests to justify your offer.
Would you consider knocking $700 off the asking price?
Proposes a specific discount. 'Knocking off' is idiomatic for reducing price, and 'asking price' is the original amount. Good for intermediate learners to practice exact negotiation phrases.
Could you meet me halfway at $500 off?
Suggests a compromise using the idiom 'meet me halfway.' It's a balanced way to negotiate after an initial offer is rejected. Useful in sales or buying situations to show flexibility.
For a quick sale, I’m willing to agree to $500 off the original asking price.
Agrees to a deal with a reason ('for a quick sale'). 'Willing to' shows agreement. This sentence helps learners see how to close a negotiation positively.
Deal! That sounds fair enough. What's the next step for the paperwork?
Accepts the agreement and moves forward. 'Fair enough' means acceptable, and the question transitions to action. Use it to end talks and proceed with buying processes.