Negotiate a Used Car Price
In the used car market there are a lot of factors that affect price. Year, vehicle mileage, equipment, service history, vehicle history report, how many owners it had, how did the dealership obtain the vehicle and how long it's been on the lot will all determine the value of the car.
Make sure that if you're comparing multiple vehicles, to see which one looks like it might be the better deal, you are looking at vehicles with similar equipment. Naturally the one with leather and navigation will cost more than one without. Make sure you have done your homework and when comparing years you are looking at the same body style. Manufacturers will redesign a vehicle and make improvements every 3-5 years to their models. One could only be a year newer with similar mileage, but if it's a different body style it may come at a larger premium. The lower the miles the more the dealership will try to charge for the vehicle, especially when dealing with cars that are still under factory warranty. |
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Having a service history for the vehicle as well as a clean vehicle history report adds tremendous value. Knowing that the car has had its regular maintenance done and has never been in an accident is a great piece of mind. This car will end up costing you a lot less in the long run. Before buying any used car make sure you get a vehicle history report, such as a CarFax or AutoCheck. These will give you a good insight into what you can expect out of the vehicle for years to come. After driving and inspecting the vehicle if you have any second thoughts about the vehicles condition don't be afraid to ask to take it to your own mechanic for an inspection. If for whatever reason they say no, walk away. Any reputable dealer that stands behind their name will have no problem with you doing so.
Knowing if the vehicle was taken in on trade or purchased at auction will also help in your negotiations. If a dealer purchased a vehicle at the auction, they were competing against other dealers for the price. If a vehicle was taken in on trade, the value was negotiated with a customer. Where do you think the dealership made the better deal? Against another dealer that buys vehicle for a living or a customer that hasn't traded in or bought a car in the last 3-5 years? Generally you will be able to negotiate a better deal on a trade-in. If the car has been on the lot for a long time the dealership in a lot of cases will be more willing to take a short deal on the vehicle and on the rare occasion even a loss to move it off the lot. Do your research for what comparable vehicles are listed for and don't be afraid to go in low. Remember, a car is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
Knowing if the vehicle was taken in on trade or purchased at auction will also help in your negotiations. If a dealer purchased a vehicle at the auction, they were competing against other dealers for the price. If a vehicle was taken in on trade, the value was negotiated with a customer. Where do you think the dealership made the better deal? Against another dealer that buys vehicle for a living or a customer that hasn't traded in or bought a car in the last 3-5 years? Generally you will be able to negotiate a better deal on a trade-in. If the car has been on the lot for a long time the dealership in a lot of cases will be more willing to take a short deal on the vehicle and on the rare occasion even a loss to move it off the lot. Do your research for what comparable vehicles are listed for and don't be afraid to go in low. Remember, a car is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
Why use an auto broker car buying service with your used car?
Our professional car negotiators have years of experience in the automotive industry and know every aspect of the business. With over 15 years of management experience in a car dealership, we know what it takes to get you a great deal. We know what the dealership owns the vehicle for and can negotiate you the best price on any new make or model. From finding vehicles, negotiating pricing, financing, to trade-in values, we can help. We do not work for the dealer, nor do we accept commission or any form of payment from the dealership. We work for you, and only you, the car buyer! Buying a car is the second biggest, if not the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime. Would you buy a house without a broker? Don't make that mistake when buying a car. We are your personal car negotiator.
