Car negotiating tips? - Page 2 - Dallas Cowboys Forum

Rowdy · 01-15-2013

I use cargurus.com. They keep up with all the dealer entries and even how long they have been on their lots for leverage room. Most any used car that you look at within your price range will most certainly be able to come down 1,000-1,500 easily.

Most of the time they obviously start high with the asking price hoping you would pay it.

joseephuss · 01-15-2013

Go to the dealer on a cold, rainy day. They don't want to be out in the elements and therefore are more willing to get the negotiating over quickly.

**WoodysGirl** · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by joseephuss

Go to the dealer on a cold, rainy day. They don't want to be out in the elements and therefore are more willing to get the negotiating over quickly.

This is actually the perfect day for that, too. But I don't want to be out on a cold rainy day either, so you see my dilemma. lol

DIAF · 01-15-2013

Car dealers are complete freaking scumbags. All of them. Do not deal with them if you aren't buying a new or close-to-new car.

If you are paying cash, they won't give you crap for a deal. They want you to finance. If you are paying cash, they just want you to leave their lot as soon as possible.

In your situation, I would only do private party sales. Anyone serious about selling a good car will take it to someone of YOUR choosing to get it checked out before buying.

CanadianCowboysFan · 01-15-2013

I only buy new cars and just did last night actually.

Most dealers don't haggle that much anymore given they cut their MSRP for the most part to the bone now. I was able to knock 1200 off the sticker price of a $46000 vehicle so I figure woohoo

In the end, if you want the car, you will pay for it and probably more than you have to pay.

Wimbo · 01-15-2013

Don't forget... if you buy through a dealer, you have to pay taxes on the purchase. If you buy through an owner, you do not.

vta · 01-15-2013

Bring my father-in-law. He destroys car salesmen and gets what he wants.

CanadianCowboysFan · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wimbo

Don't forget... if you buy through a dealer, you have to pay taxes on the purchase. If you buy through an owner, you do not.

that is true re dealer, I just paid 5300 in tax

up here though if you do a private sale, they can still hit you with tax

REDVOLUTION · 01-15-2013

Ok. Look for a weak spot.

ie. I just bought a 2002 BMW X5 - garage kept, BMW maintained etc. MINT CONDITION

Book Value loaded was about $12k

Guy had it listed for $10.8K

I went to see and knew right away this was the one. I had been looking for 2 months. I saw newer years 2004-07 and they werent in as nice condition.

So I gave it a once over. It was clean and well maintained.

So here was his weakness. I asked why are you selling? He said he has to get minivan etc. I asked about his driving and how many miles he puts on it etc. He said, Its at my parents I dont drive it that much as he has another car.

I said, Oh your parents probably want it outta here right? He said yes.

Gotchya!

I told him I had to look at a few others.
I did.

Then I called him and said that I could offer him $8k right now. 1-2-3.

He said he didnt want to sell that low... but his parents wanted it out of their driveway / house.

Find a weakness? Maybe wife wants it gone? He really needs the money for something else and fast??

CanadianCowboysFan · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDVOLUTION

Ok. Look for a weak spot.

ie. I just bought a 2002 BMW X5 - garage kept, BMW maintained etc. MINT CONDITION

Book Value loaded was about $12k

Guy had it listed for $10.8K

I went to see and knew right away this was the one. I had been looking for 2 months. I saw newer years 2004-07 and they werent in as nice condition.

So I gave it a once over. It was clean and well maintained.

So here was his weakness. I asked why are you selling? He said he has to get minivan etc. I asked about his driving and how many miles he puts on it etc. He said, Its at my parents I dont drive it that much as he has another car.

I said, Oh your parents probably want it outta here right? He said yes.

Gotchya!

I told him I had to look at a few others.
I did.

[View Full Quote]

That guy was stupid as hell, he should have just got insurance and parked it on the street instead of taking 4000 less than he wanted.

**WoodysGirl** · 01-15-2013

I found a car at one of those auction-type dealers. Guy bought it an auction and fixed it up. Drives good, body condition good, interior has some minor issues, but nothing that takes away from the car.

The guy came down $700 and he met my max number. But I do have to come up with the TTL for it before leaving the lot.

BTW, you still gotta pay taxes on the car even if you buy from an owner, you just don't need to do it before actually getting the car.

REDVOLUTION · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianCowboysFan

That guy was stupid as hell, he should have just got insurance and parked it on the street instead of taking 4000 less than he wanted.

Actually, the guy was a good guy. A standup guy. Just needed to dump it.

Check your math. He only got $2,800 less than what HE WANTED.

That wasnt the point of the post.

CowboyMcCoy · 01-15-2013

I sold cars for a number of years. When buying, I always look up what NADA value is for the car, and them offer them the trade in value. Dealers typically shoot for a substantive amount under trade in value. Also, I recommend lemon busters on any car you decide to buy.

Good luck.

CanadianCowboysFan · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDVOLUTION

Actually, the guy was a good guy. A standup guy. Just needed to dump it.

Check your math. He only got $2,800 less than what HE WANTED.

That wasnt the point of the post.

Your point was, see if you can screw the seller, I knew what you were getting at. You didn't pull one over on him, he was stupid. Hell for all you know, he might have been willing to get rid of it for 6000 and screwed you over.

CowboyMcCoy · 01-15-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianCowboysFan

I only buy new cars and just did last night actually.

Most dealers don't haggle that much anymore given they cut their MSRP for the most part to the bone now. I was able to knock 1200 off the sticker price of a $46000 vehicle so I figure woohoo

In the end, if you want the car, you will pay for it and probably more than you have to pay.

Does the fact that you could have gotten 4,600 off rather than 1,200 off make you feel better? I'm sure your salesman appreciates you for it.

Rule of thumb. 10% off the sticker is what most vehicles are able to do, give or take a few.