Any tips for bying a used car?

Question

I am going to go to a dealer tomorrow to look at a Sentra with 12,500 miles and they are asking for $11,995 for it. I don't want to pay the full price but I've never negotiated before. I would want to pay no more than $11,000 out-the-door. Any tips on how I can get this price?

Answer 1

I have worked at 4 car dealerships. Its really easy especially in this market. Tell them you will pay $500 over what they paid for the car and if they don't except that then walk out! I guarantee they will stop you. Ask to see the invoice to know what they paid (they will lie and say they cant get it but they can) once you see what they paid then pay $500 over that! If you dont like that idea then simply tell them that you will pay no more than $11,000 and that is including tax and title. If they say NO then walk out.

Answer 2

GO IN WITH A CASHIERS CHECK FOR $10,285 AND $715.00 IN CASH = MOSTLY ONE DOLLAR BILLS AND FIVE DOLLARS, AND A COUPLE OF TENS, JUST TO MAKE IT LOOK GOOD==TELL THEM IT'S ALL YOU HAVE IN THE WORLD TO SPEND=(be a best actor, because they are) NOW IF THEY SAY NO TO THAT, PULL TWO MORE TWENTYS OUT FROM DEEP IN YOUR WALLET AS A FINAL OFFER AND SAY PLEASE=== IF THIS DOESN'T WORK, THERE IS REALLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS DEALERSHIP== MONEYS TIGHT= SHOW UM YOUR GIVING UM EVERYTHING YOU GOT=

Answer 3

First of all, never go to a car dealer empty-handed. and by that I mean being prepared with some relevant facts and figures. You definitely want to do your homework . Find out what the retail versus trade-in value of vehicle is based on kelly blue book. Also print off comparable vehicles on the market that are priced at your desired price and/or lower. Check out this website for this info:

http://www.find-cheap-used-cars.com/used...

Answer 4

The First poster shows why he has not been able to keep a Job at any of the 4 dealerships he has worked at....if his advice shows his skills of helping customers...that tells it all.

Your best bet is to figure out what cars are going for like what you are interested in for your area.

The dealership is not going to tell you what they paid for it...and not give you a real number anyway....so go in prepared with information and research to back up whatever number you plan on giving them or paying for the car.

The market for cars like what you are interested in is very GOOD right now...and they are selling quicker than anything anyone who has been in the business for a while has ever seen....so use sites like KBB / Autotrader / Cars.com and research what is a fair price for that vehicle.

To use as a Benchmark....I have an Used 08 Nissan Sentra on my lot right now that has 19k mIles and is selling for 13,990.00 so depending on what year model the one is you are looking at will tell the tale of how much lower you can go if any on the one you are looking to buy.

Ask them to give you as much info and pricing itemized to the penny by phone and email before you step FOOT in the dealership...so that way once you do...all you have to do is sign and drive so to speak.

Good Luck!

C. Bond

Answer 5

While I agree that establishing a good base price is important, there is so much more to it than price.

In addition to getting the right price, I recommend,...

1) Know the history of the car.  Ask them to provide a recent Carfax report - this may not preclude the possibility of previous damage, but if declared, it will certainly show up.

2) Look very closely for accident damage.  Get in the car - look under the hood and trunk, along the body lines for any signs of repainted or replaced parts.  Get under the car - look under the engine and trunk areas - signs of collision are sometimes readily apparent from this view, and instantly drop the value of the car.

2) Take the car for a test drive -your test drive on your route- and while you are out, get it checked by an independent mechanic.

3) Ask for the extras; new floor mats, full size spare, roadside safety kit, free oil changes, et cetera.

4) Have fun with it!