Used car salesmen and dealerships get a reputation for being slimy, manipulative and not always truthful. While some aspects of this statement may be true, you can still have the upper hand in the deal if you visit the dealership prepared. If you’re looking for a deal on a used car, chances are, you’ll have to do business with one of these used car salesmen at one point. The experts at Car-Title.org have developed a list of the most crucial tips and strategies to help you handle everything a dealer can throw at you and still leave with a great deal on your used car. Here are five tips that will help you get through the process successfully.
Do Your Research First
Stumbling into a used car dealership with no research under your belt makes you the perfect bait for used car salesmen. Before you even intend to visit a dealership, you should already know the year, the make, the model, the mileage and the features you want in your next vehicle. You should also know the average price this exact car is going for, so you can ensure the dealership is in line with the usual pricing. The experts at Car-Title.org suggest using trusted, correct, local and pertinent websites to obtain this information, like Kelley Blue Book or local used car search tools.
Find Your Car Before You Go
Once you’ve nailed down the exact car you’re interested in, you can probably use local dealership and car finder websites to locate a few models you like. Sometimes, the online price is lower than the actual sticker price, because the dealership is trying to get you in the door. Take note of the website and the price listed so you can reference it when negotiating. Before you head to the dealership, do your research on reviews and important statistics for the vehicle, like gas mileage and recalls.
Talk to a Bank
Having your own finance deal already set with a local bank or a credit union also gives you the upper hand with the dealership. While they’ll still try to negotiate you on price and add-ons, they’ll have no bargaining power with you on financing. According to the team at Car-Title.org, you can still give the dealership an opportunity to offer you a financing deal so you can see how it compares to what you have with the bank. However, your bank offer will generally be better than dealership financing.
Know Your Price
Do your budget and payment calculations before you head to the dealership. Nail down the exact price you’ll pay for the vehicle so you can negotiate the car salesman down to that price. If you’re well-informed about the local pricing of the exact vehicle you’re interested in, it shouldn’t be too hard to know if you’re getting a good deal or not. The team at Car-Title.org warns that used car salesmen will try to express what an amazing deal you’re getting and that his or her dealership is making no profit because the price is so low. This is usually not true and shouldn’t deter you from trying to get the price you want, if it’s realistic. Be prepared to walk away from a deal if you feel like the salesman isn’t being reasonable or working with you on price.
Don’t Fall for Dealer Add-ons
Another way the dealer can make money off your transaction is by selling you add-ons that you don’t necessarily need. The group at Car-Title.org confirms that these can include a full-detailing, window tinting, or tire shining before you leave with the vehicle. While these services may be what you’ll want performed on the vehicle, the dealership will probably charge a lot more than if you went to a private facility. Try to deny any requests for these add-ons because they can change the price of the vehicle, and your monthly payments, much more than you would think. If manufacturer and dealership warranties are offered, however, it may be worth considering. Purchasing a new car can be scary, even with the car’s history report, because without a warranty, it can be tough to get the dealership to complete repairs if something goes wrong right after you purchase it. A warranty may be able to save you, but be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to it.