How to get the best price from a car dealer
I'm sorry if this is the wrong section to post, I'm using an iPhone so my search capabilities are hindered by the app and browses control.
In the next months, I'll most likely downgrade my caprice to a smaller yet more expensive BMW. I'm just wondering if there are any tips from the experts out there in handling a negotiation. I'm no greenhorn yet far from an expert or automotive insider.
My main questions is tactics used and what the makeup value usually is. Example, if a used car is between $45000 - $50000, how much room do I have to move?
I don't want to low-ball as it shows the dealer I havent got a clue (which is true at present) and I don't want my offer to be too high for obvious reason.
Is there also a good time to buy? Eg excess stock clearance? A good friend negotiated a good deal on a convertible a few years back. They had the car on their lot for a long time and were about to sent it back to the wholesaler. Is there a set time dealers send unsold cars off?
I'm good at buying watches because that's all I read about (hobby) but cars I'm no so clued up on.
/posted via mobile device\
go
first of all do your research, learn as much as you can about the car, its common faults. standard equipment and options, if you go in there showing a wealth of knowlegde, the dealer will be put off a little bit cause he cant do the usual bullshit tactics
never say you really like the car. even if you love it, talk it down, never say any good points about it, just the bad, that way when you through a crazy low offerout there the dealer wont think he has someone that will probably by the car anyways no matter the price
in some cases be prepared to walk away, hand him your card or mob number say your price and walk. they will call you
in other cases, waving cash in front of there face saying ill take it today can help
agree on a price... then say you have a trade in... not before the final price is agreed
there is not a real best standout time to by a used car. just depends on how long its been sitting there, maybe closer to end of fianancial year may help when dealers want to move there stock
Your freedom ends where mine begins
Do your research, decide on a budget and most importantly be prepared to walk away.
Last point is one most people forget, just because you're there and its shine and the dealer seems like a good bloke, doesn't mean you have to buy it.
In terms of time to buy, my opinion is it's best to do so right before end of the FY. Usually promotions around and dealers to do deals as they have probably met sales targets.
Check out redbook. It will give you an idea what the cars are selling for and what the dealer would have given the owner for it as trade-in if it's 2nd hand.
Sent from my HTC Magic
Last edited by Jesterarts; 16-03-2011 at 07:06 AM.
ＯＮＥＤＯＬＬＡＨＯＬＬＡ
Not buying from a dealer would be a good start, whatever they owners sold it to them for was anywhere between 10-50% less on most cars.
captain halfajob
dealers have a business to run. its up to you to decide on whether you are willing to pay X dollars for X car or not. the only time you get ripped off is if you dont look into the specific car/deal thoroughly.
and treating a dealer like they are about to rip off will probably make them do just that.
Exhaust Guru
Believe it or not, most dealers are not the type you see on TT. There are some shady people in the car game, but the majority do the right thing.
The best way to get the best deal is to ask. Don't try any "tactics", dealers have seen them all and they will know you are just trying to play the game.
Find the car you want, research the price of it, research the wholesale price of yours if it is being traded and the difference is what you should pay. Off course try and get the lowest change over possible, but the dealer has a margin to work with and he will try and get the most he can, but there is a limit as to how low he will go.
Having a price in mind before you go in will give you an idea on how good a deal you will get, if the price he offers is too high, you can just say you had $XXX in mind, (go about a grand under the change over you want) then see how he reacts. In the end, you are really working out the best deal for you and him, it's not really haggling, it's compromising. Be willing to pay a bit more than you really want to, and he will probably meet you there.
The best place to buy a BMW is either a dealer that sells them new, or a prestige used dealer. THey will generally have the better ones. Don't buy one from a Holden or Ford dealer, they will know less about the car and you may not get a good one, or you will pay too much.
Infidel Bear
Mini Putt 2 Champion!
I go in with a price in mind. If they do not want to meet my price I walk without haggling.
Why pay more than you want to?
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
- Theodor Seuss Geisel
Thats Dr to you.....
Once you have a look at a few you will form a picture on what the dealers are selling them for, for different condition and kilometers.
Find the one that you like, and make an offer based on what you have seen elsewhere. I never pay the advertised price, but don't be silly and offer 7k below a sticker price of say 25k.
The last car I bought was a 1.5 year old Suzuki Grand Vitara with 24,000km on it. It had $29k drive away advertised on it. I offered the principal dealer $25k to buy on the spot and he agreed after 5 seconds of thinking.
Be prepared to walk though if they don't come to the party.
Sherminator
Also if you cant or dont want to wait til the end of financial year sales, end of the month is also a good time to buy. Salespeople trying to make monthly targets etc...
Last edited by Jarrad; 17-03-2011 at 10:41 AM. Reason: spelling
Originally Posted by monkeys437
Now you see me...Now you don't
best time i reckon to buy is at the end of the month
even better if you have been haggling with them over the price for a week or 2 come the end of the month they will usually deal
Last edited by gopher; 16-03-2011 at 10:29 PM.
Big block Alloytec
Work in the industry do you?
Ah yes. Its up to the ignorant buyer to test the veracity of the poor salesmans claims before sale. Why would you expect the truth to be told when the dealer has an expensive business to run.
Make sure you don't call into question the integrity of the sales staff with your scepticle attitude. They may just trott out that chick with the big boobs so you can pay big $$$'s dollars for that tint and fabric protection you really need.
Ok, looked at a 325i BMW. Asked the trade in for my WK caprice. Salesguy didn't know holden values or thought I was gullible. Told me my car was worth $7000 when I got a private offer for $17000 already. When I told him this he asked me for the phone number of the person who offered $17000. I told him 'are you saying I'm making this up? Do your research, rebook indicates around $14000 for my car. I checked all WA listings and priced my accordingly at $21000ono. My wristwatch is worth more then $7000'. I then left and told him I'll consider making an offer after discussing with my wife and I won't be trading my car to him.
I found it impolite that he took a phone call during our conversation and he didn't even acknowledge my presence. He had a chat for 5 minutes on the phone in front of me.
/posted via mobile device\
CASH !!!
go with money in your pocket make your offer and then pull out the cash and watch that warm fuzzy feeling they get
works every time
captain halfajob
lol, often get ripped by car dealers do you?
end of the day the dealer will have a price he is willing to sell for and you will have a price that you are willing to pay most of the time you will end up somewhere in the middle (from my experice anyway).
But like others have said be prepared to walk if it doesnt work for you. the dealer i didnt buy my ute from couldnt belive i would would walk out over a $1000 on a new VE but at the end of the day it was more than i wanted to pay so i went to another yard and got it for the price i wanted.
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