I like it!
When we bought my wife's used car, I said, "give me not a dollar over $12k out the door--tax, title, tag, fees, everything--and you got a deal." "Slim" at the finance desk came back with a figure of $12,020 and a sleazy smile on his face. I told him to get his damned hearing checked and got up to walk. The sales guy whipped a $20 out of his wallet and said "I'll pay the f**kin' difference!" :th_laugh-lol3:
Anyway, since they came "groveling" back to you, it's time you shoot them a substantially lower counter-offer. Sad fact is, these cars are not in high demand, and simply ain't worth ****.
And BTW, I found my Mother-in-Law a mint, loaded 02 Regal LS with 36k for $4k at private sale a few months ago...in Southern California no less.
So if they won't deal, **** 'em and keep shopping.