The Best Way to Bargain at a Used Car Dealership
Posted Wednesday, Jul 26, 2023
When it comes to buying used cars, many professionals recommend buying from used car dealerships rather than investing their money buying from private sellers. The major reasons why used car dealerships are more authentic than private sellers are that they are bound by FTC laws to protect their customer rights, they have a team of professionals that inspect and maintain all the cars, and they are willing to bring the cost of their vehicles down so that their customers can secure good cars at good discounts.
However, before you visit a used car dealership, you must understand a few rules and prepare yourself to negotiate the best price for a used car. Here's how to go about it:
First, Do Your Research
Before you decide to purchase a used car, know all about its price range, features, range, and size. You should be well-prepared and must make a list of alternative vehicles in case you cannot find the one you are looking for.
For example, if you want to buy a specific SUV, learn everything you can about that vehicle. Read people’s comments on the internet regarding the style and features of the car and understand what it is worth.
The initial research also covers the feedback people have left about a specific dealership. You must learn everything you can about the customer service that the dealership offers, which will help you understand whether it is willing to negotiate with its sellers.
Make a List of Vehicles You Are Interested in Buying
When looking for a used car, do not just keep one car in mind. Make a list of cars that you must look out for besides the one you are interested in purchasing.
Dealers have more than one variety of used cars available for every customer that visits them. That way, you do not have limited options and feel pressured to buy just one car at a bad deal. The more cars you can browse through, the more assured you feel while negotiating with the dealer.
For example, you have two cars on your list with the same features and range. A dealer is asking for a reasonable price for one car, but the other car is being sold at a higher price. Since you have done your research, you can simply tell the salesperson that either they will bring the price of the second car down or you will take the first car. The salesperson will immediately counter your offer or accept the one you already have on the table.
If this approach doesn’t work, you have several other dealerships scattered throughout the city that can offer you better cars at far lower prices.
Take Your Time
Purchasing a secondhand automobile is not a simple task. You are not just looking at its specifications and functions, but you also have to make sure that it doesn’t have any mechanical or electrical flaws that will cost you thousands of dollars in the future.
Many people rush the process of buying a used car, either because they are in a hurry to get behind the wheel of their own car or because they are exhausted from browsing at different dealerships.
In such situations, people do not take their time thinking through their decision and end up buying a car that is not even worth as much as they paid for it.
Be Aware of Hidden Charges and Add-Ons
A used car dealership offers you additional services like flexible financing and loans. They can also add some add-ons to the total cost you are paying for your used car, such as window tinting, roof rack accessories, nitrogen tires, and anti-theft protection.
However, some dealerships choose to hide these additional charges from their customers in case they walk away. But as a customer, you must ask them for any hidden charges or additional services that a dealership may try to add to the final cost you are paying.
You can choose to opt out of these services if you don’t want a dealership to upsell you. This is a great way to stick to your budget and buy a car that you otherwise could not afford.
Trade-In
Trading in is an excellent option for getting a used car in exchange for your previous car. You can trade in your car when you want to upgrade its model or need a new car with specific features.
Trading in is also a good way to cut back on the price you are paying for your car. Do not hesitate to let the salesperson know the worth of the car you are trading in exchange for another car at the dealership. When you sell your car properly, you will secure the best deal and get a good quality used car at a far lower price.
Know How to Negotiate
Saying the right words and convincing just enough is the key to negotiating well at a dealership. Try not to say too much, as it can make you appear nervous and will also frustrate your salesperson.
Lay your offer on the table and wait for the salesperson to come up with a counteroffer. Maybe they will end up reducing the price more than you hoped for, so let the salesperson do most of the talking.
Conclusion
We recommend our readers always negotiate the best price for their used cars at a dealership. HS Cars Company Inc. always ensures that all customers are satisfied with our services and secure the best deal possible for their used cars.
