When it comes to buying a used car, you already have a good idea of what you want and the budget you have available to buy it. But if you’re heading to a used car dealership, it’s pretty commonplace for a bit of a back-and-forth on the price. According to some money saving savvy people many people successfully negotiate outstanding deals just simply by asking. But how do you haggle correctly?
Budget
When you decide on your budget, don’t go in with the idea you will be spending less. You should have carefully worked out what you can actually afford to pay without leaving yourself short elsewhere. Look online at car dealerships like Hilton Car Supermarket and get an idea of prices for the models you like, and be sure to run insurance quotes and find out the tax price too. It's not just the upfront cost of the car you need to be able to afford, but the running costs too.
In Advance
It pays to do your research. Once you’ve decided on a couple of cars, check out what they usually sell for. There will be a few variables like location, extras and damage but find the average price. If you can run a MOT check, you will have a good idea about any issues it has, and can be prepared to cover those costs when you buy the car. Know the features you need, the ones you want and the ones you can do without. Don’t be tempted to go for a lower costing car if it doesn’t have the specifications that you want. You should aim to get what you want with a discount. Check for rivals. Find the car you want at a local seller for a lower price. You can use this as a bargaining tool if you need it.
Haggling Time
Don’t cut to the chase. Be nice, too often people aren’t kind to the sales team, or they approach them with a standoffish nature. The fact is they are there to sell, and you are there to buy. Don’t lay your cards out too soon. You know what you are willing to part with, and what you want but you don’t know what deals are available yet. So let them tell you. You might end up getting a sweet bargain without too much effort. If you are a cash buyer, don’t make that obvious too soon. Often the best prices will be in a finance deal. Let them tell you how much the car is, and then tell them you’ve got cash. If you don’t like the idea of out and out haggling, then just simply state you have 300 pounds or dollars less than what you have. Lowering the starting point means they’re more likely to give you a better price from the off.
Watch your words ‘how much of a discount is possible?’ sounds different to ‘can I have a discount?’ And again ‘What’s the lowest you’ll go on this?’. Be confident and not pushy. Don’t speak. There is a gap between you giving your final offer, and the dealer processing. Don’t keep talking. Just be quiet and wait for them to either counter offer or accept. If you keep talking about the money you’re giving them or saving, you aren’t giving them room to accept.
