1. Subscribe to Tradeaplane. Learn how to use appraiser.
2. Find plane
3. Call buyer, get N-number and ownership info. Negotiate price.
(Buyers market right now--offers of 20% off or more are common). Agree
on price and delivery if plane meets your specs (especially
avionics--they are expensive)
4. Contact A&P on the field and tell him to give plane a compression
check, look for metal in oil filter and check for corrosion and look a
the logs. 3 hours max. Make SURE you get a compression check.
5. If plane passes A&P and looks promising, do a title search through
aircraft title company (AOPA).
6. Fly or drive to airplane. Check out paint, upholstry, avionics and
condtion. Fly airplane. If it's ok, buy it and take delivery (usually
the owner or someone he hires will deliver, but whatever you can
arrange). If you can arrange it, fly it back yourself (probably with a
CFI).
7. Enjoy (and spend)


Don't you think you should hold off on "negotiating" the price until
AFTER the pre-buy, log check, title search, and personal look over? If I
were selling and you called to negotiate price sight unseen I would
politely end the conversation.

Without inspections, searches, etc. what is there to negotiate?

Opinions vary,
Mike