What if I don't trust you? $5000 isn't an unreasonable first offer if I think you abused your WRX by doing clutch dumps at 6-7k rpm, reduced the engine's life by over boosting/N20/whatever, improperly re-installed stock components, removed the airbags, etc..There's a lot of risk in buying something used. If the used price isn't at least 50% or lower than the new price, then some people would rather buy new.

I agree with the post about the flakers. The only real way to negotiate is to put the cash in front and walk away if it isn't a good deal.

 

I'd be willing to pay $5000 for a WRX with no motor/drivetrain or interior

I think even an offer of $7-8k for an "abused" WRX that runs is pretty unreasonable