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With dozens of online tools and apps available to car buyers,
finding a new car is easier than ever. But all the tools in the world
can’t negotiate a great deal for you. If you’re going to find a good car
at a good price, you need to be prepared before ever stepping foot onto
a car lot.
Getting a great deal on a used car is part science and part art.
Finding a car you’re interested in is only the beginning of the process.
Not only do you need to know what you want, but you also need to have
the tools and knowledge to get it at a great price. That’s why we’ve put
together this step-by-step guide to help you get a great deal on a used
car.
Step 1) Find Your Price Point
Before you even think about what type of used car you want to buy,
you need to consider how much you’re willing to spend. If your budget is
only $8,000, you probably shouldn’t be looking for a used Cadillac
Escalade. You’re just wasting your time. Instead, set a budget and
search for cars that will realistically fall into that price point.
Remember, purchasing a car is just the first cost. You’ll have ongoing
expenses – like insurance, maintenance, and future repairs – that you
need to keep in mind, as well.
Step 2) Make a List of Targets
Once you’ve selected your budget, it is time to start doing a little research. Using online tools like
Cars.com and
CarMax,
find cars that line up with your selected price point. Make a list of
makes and models within your budget that you want to target so that you
can search for them in your own area.
Step 3) Scope Out the Reviews
Now’s the time to narrow down your car search even more. The
Car and Driver Buyers Guide App
can help you compare reviews for almost any new or used car on the
market. You can even save your target models in your own “virtual
garage” so that you can go back to review them later. Additionally, you
can find more great information at AAA. Their “
Auto Buying Tools App” is a nice resource for reviews, pricing, and safety ratings.
Step 4) Search for Used Cars in Your Area
After you’ve zeroed in on the type of car you want, it’s time to find
some used cars that are actually for sale. Several different online
tools can help you search for cars by make, model, and distance from
your home. However, the “
Auto Trader On the Go”
mobile app uses GPS to help you find where your favorite cars are
located in your area. Once you arrive on the lot, you can also use the
app to scan the VIN barcode and find other similar models for sale near
your location. If you don’t mind traveling, you can expand your search
by
shopping on eBay. They have a hefty selection of both new and used vehicles for sale.
Step 5) Bring Someone with You
With you all your prep work complete, it is time to head to the
dealership. But, don’t go by yourself! One of the best things you can do
to negotiate a great deal is to bring somebody with you. Use your
friend (or spouse) strategically and let them play the bad cop. Having
them around to say things like,”That doesn’t sound like a good deal for
you,” can be invaluable once you start negotiating on price.
Step 6) Check What Others are Paying
Just because you are at the dealership doesn’t mean you have to stop using your car buying tools. Using the TrueCar mobile app
can help you get a sense of what cars have been selling for on this
particular lot. Once you’ve entered a TrueCar certified lot, simply turn
on the app to see the exact prices recently paid by others at that
dealership. You can also use the app to scan your target car’s window
sticker to receive the dealer’s actual “upfront pricing.”
Step 7) Make the Salesman Give the First Price
Remember that, during negotiations, he who speaks first loses. If you
can, always make the salesman spout out the first price. It is
definitely going to be lower than the sticker price, and you can start
your negotiations from there – ultimately saving you more money. A good
place to counter is about 30% below the quoted price – or the sticker
price if you can’t get them to speak first.
Step 8) Leave the Lot
If you’ve ever negotiated a car purchase at the dealership, you know
part of the process is them walking away from the table to “run the
numbers” and “ask their boss” about pricing. This is a great way for
them to get you to invest a lot of time at the dealership, increasing
the chances that you’ll agree to a deal. Don’t do it. Take back the
power by refusing to negotiate on premises. Give them your cell phone
number and leave the lot. You want to put the pressure on them to call
you with a better deal…and they almost certainly will. Salesmen know
that if you leave, you probably won’t come back. They make their living
on commission, so they definitely don’t want you to buy from somebody
else. In order to get you to come back, they’ll have to make you an
offer that is tempting.
Step 9) Reference a Pricing Guide
When it comes down to it, you want to make sure that you’re getting a
good deal on a used car. If the seller refuses to come down in price,
make sure you are prepared to provide proof of what others think the car
is worth. Quoting from respected sources like
Kelley Blue Book and
Edmunds are a great way to get a seller to budge.
Step 10) Find Out What the Processing Fees Are
Before you close a deal, don’t forget to inquire about the dreaded
processing fees. These fees generally range from $100-$400 and can vary
greatly from one dealership to another. Ask what they are, shop them
around, and see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Step 11) Sleep On It
As with any major purchase, you should always sleep on it. Never
spend this much money without thinking it through first. The last thing
you want to do is make an impulse purchase which costs you thousands of
dollars. Besides that, the longer you wait, the more the seller will
feel like the deal is going to fall through. Use time as leverage to get
a better price.
Step 12) Offer Cash
Besides the fact that you should always pay cash for cars,
offering a cash purchase can usually score you a nice discount. When
you’re getting close to closing the deal, ask the salesman if they’ll
give you a discount for paying cash. Chances are good that they will.
Step 13) Be Willing to Walk Away
Remember, it is your money. You have the power to make the decision.
If you can’t negotiate a price you want, be prepared to walk away from
the deal. You’ll be able to find another car elsewhere.
Step 14) Close the Deal
You’ve done your research. You’ve compared prices. You’ve negotiated
hard to get a price you want. Now, it’s time to close the deal. Bring
your cash (or certified check) with you, review the documents, and sign
on the dotted line. Congratulations! You just got a great deal on a used
car.
Buying a used car should be fun, not a hassle. Remember to do your
research, negotiate from a position of power, and be willing to walk
away. Following the steps outlined above can be the “key” to finding a
used car at the price you deserve.
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