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Buying a used vehicle from a car dealer is like playing cards in Las Vegas - the house always wins. You might think you have the advantage, and in some rare cases you might. But in most circumstances, a used car retailer will always have the advantage over your "deal" for countless reasons (too many to list here). This is especially true if you have bad credit and/or you want to negotiate a trade vehicle that carries a loan balance. Simply put, car dealers are trained professionals (although it might not always appear to be true). After all, it's their job to win at the negotiation table - it's the way they bring home money and pay the bills. Remember, it's not personal, it's just business. They want to make money in their profession just like you.
In fact, it's never personal. Don't be easily fooled by an over friendly car dealer who "promises to help you out". At the end of the day, you're just a customer buying a commodity. You represent a pay check to the dealership, not a life-long friendship. Keep it real.
Remember, the "deal" always favors the dealership - so be very careful of advertisements promoting a "no haggle price". I like to consider a "no haggle price" more like a "no negation price" which completely favors the dealer. By nature, dealers always set the sticker price higher than it should be - they want to make the most money possible. Additionally, that's allowed "wiggle room" for negotiating with the consumer. But with the inception of "no haggle pricing", they're not allowing you a chance to negotiate while at the same time, sticker prices stayed high. Suddenly, advantage shifted entirely to the dealer with a "take it or leave it" attitude. Understanding that prices are almost always inflated, consumers should only conduct business with a dealer who's willing to negotiate - period.
Follow these pointers:
1. Be honest with your dealer. Never misrepresent yourself or your intentions
2. Stick to the plan. If you've budgeted for an $8000 used car, then keep the sale at $8,000
3. Do your research. Know the True Market Value (TMV) of cars in your neighborhood before you agree on a sale price.
4. Try to negotiate Tax, Title, License and Dealer Fees into the sale price. That alone can easily add over $1000 on top of the sticker price. Instead, you might offer to pay the dealer's full sticker price but make it your "out the door" offer (which includes everything). This is especially an option when working with "no haggle prices". After all, you're not haggling the sales price, just the terms.
5. Walk away if necessary. Don't be afraid to leave the dealership and "sleep on your decision". Unless you're buying an especially rare car, you can always find a similar deal somewhere else. And if one dealer would work with your credit, another dealer will too.
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What is a good place to find affordable used cars?
There are many places to find affordable cars which are used. You can research by calling local car dealerships to find out prices of the cars you are interested in and find the best deal that is good.
Where can one find a good deal on Cadillac cars?
You can find a good deal on Cadillac cars through Carmax, Cadillac, Auto Trader and other websites. You can also find them through various local used and new car dealers.
What is the best deal on Civic Cars?
A good way to get a good deal on Civic cars is to go to a used car dealer. Enterprise is also a good dealer for cars and Gulliver, if one lives in California is a cheap way to get cars.
Where can one get a good deal on used Hyundai cars?
Many local dealerships sell quality used Hyundai cars. One can also find quality used vehicles by using internet resources such as eBay and craigslist.
What are some ways to find good used cars?
Some ways to find good used cars are visiting a local dealership and check out the cars they carry. Another way is to look at Craiglist, they have a variety of used cars also.
Is there a good deal of information online on how to buy used cars?
Yes, there is a great deal of information online on how to buy used cars. You can learn what to look for and what questions to ask. And you can learn how to get a reasonable price on the used car you want to purchase.
Where are places you could find a good deal on a budget car?
A great place to find a budget car is at a local dealer. Another place is at a used car lot, where many find great cars for as low as $400!
Where could one purchase used Dodge cars in the San Francisco area?
Used Dodge cars can be purchased from all good garages and local dealerships. Check the local listings. Alternatively, visit local car dealer webpages to find a deal.
Where can one find a good deal on a 1993 used Chevy Silverado?
The best place to find used cars at a reasonable cost is to check your local newspaper or local car periodicals that can be found at your grocery store or newstand. Sometimes Ebay or Craigslist is also a good resource.
What are some good sites for buying used cars?
Used cars can be purchased in a variety of ways. One can visit eBay, Auto Trader, Cars, Cars Direct, Edmunds and Car Max to find great deals on used cars.
Where can you find a deal on a Hummer?
Someone could find a deal on a Hummer by looking on listings for used cars online or looking on craigslist. Someone could also go to a local dealer to look for deals on a Hummer.
Where can less expensive convertible cars be found?
If one is searching for less expensive convertible, used cars are often a wise choice. Used cars can provide a less expensive option compared to new cars, but the buyer must be diligent in researching the cars history to ensure they are getting a good deal.
