Knowing some negotiating tips for used car buying can help you gain confidence when it comes to dealing with aggressive dealerships. Used car salesmen have a reputation for dominating a conversation and employing high-pressure sales tactics on customers. If you can go into a car dealership armed with information and confidence, you'll be able to walk out with a car that is priced right.
Know The Numbers
Do research on the kind of car you want, and come up with the concrete numbers representing what the manufacturer sells the cars for wholesale. Several Web sites help car buyers figure out exactly how much the dealer paid for the car. Strategists recommend then adding five percent to that price, and that should be your offer on the vehicle. Bring a folder with printouts of prices, ads from other used automobile dealers and even information gathered from the Internet. Having concrete numbers in hand will strengthen your negotiating position because you will know the true numbers and won't have to rely on a salesman's say-so. When negotiating with the salesman, use the numbers to question the actual cost of the car and compare each feature point by point. Once the salesman sees you've done your research, you'll have the upper hand.
Learn The Hard Sell Tricks
A used car salesman employs many methods to put pressure on a buyer to close the deal on his terms. Some of these tactics can become neutralized once you recognize them. A common sales tactic is the time limit-when the salesman tells you that someone else is interested in that very car, or that you won't get the same great deal tomorrow. There are always deals to be made, and car dealerships have a range of flexibility on any single day, from adding features to allowing a third-party car inspection, so don't take this strategy seriously.
Another tactic is that the salesman may claim that he's not allowed to sell a car for the price you are offering or that it's cutting into the profits too much. If you've done the research, you know that isn't true. Finally, know that you may have to walk away if the salesman won't budge-most likely he'll backpedal once he sees you heading for the door.
Making An Offer
Once you've made an offer, don't allow the salesman to talk you up or down. Let the salesman know you've done the research and you're willing to go to another dealer and make the same offer. Many buyers will wait out the salesman with success by remaining silent as he blusters about various prices or why he cannot do that. For the most part, the seller will make a counter offer that may or may not be within your range.
 | Here are some tips on buying a used car. |
 | Knowing the Cash for Clunkers requirements can be useful, even though the program has ended. The program might start up again, and you should be ready if you want to make a trade. |
 | A tax credit for a new car purchase was part of the 2009 stimulus package. However, not all cars qualify, and the tax break will vary depending on where you live. |
Knowing how to buy a car before you start negotiations can save a lot of money. |
Your car will be considerably cheaper overall if you get the best car loan deal possible. Since very few people have that much cash handy, most folks rely on getting a car loan in order to pay for their new (or used) car. |
