Choosing A Car You Will Love

Shopping For A Used Car? 2 Negotiation Tactics That Might Help You To Lower The Price

18 June 2015

Louis Castro

When you start shopping for used cars, you might shy away from the art of making a deal. After all, who are you to argue the price of that nice-looking SUV? In fact, research has shown that a staggering 73% of car buyers wish that there was a single set price to avoid negotiations. However, negotiating doesn't have to be intimidating or difficult. Here are two negotiation tactics that might help you to lower the sales price of that used car, so that you don't end up with buyer's remorse later:

1: Understand Both Sides of the Deal

How would you feel if you put something up for sale, only to have an ignorant stranger argue with you about the item's value or your own intentions? If you are like most people, you might feel defensive or dismissive—which could hurt negotiations in the long run. Unfortunately, some car buyers make the same mistake when they arrive at a car dealership. Instead of taking the time to consider the seller's position, you might be tempted to zero in on what you want, and forget about how the seller feels.

However, if you take the time to do your research and to understand both sides of the deal, the seller might feel more comfortable—which can create a fruitful breeding ground for negotiations. Here are a few things you should do before you start shopping, so that you can communicate effectively:

• Vehicle Worth: Arriving at a dealership and demanding a rock-bottom price might make you look silly if the car is worth a lot more. Before you start looking, take the time to figure out what you want and what that vehicle typically sells for. To do this, check with a consumer reporting agency to enter model information about the cars you are interested in. After indicating the year, make, and model of different cars, you can learn more about average sales prices and typical devaluation levels.
• Understand the Available Options: As you research the car's value, take the time to look up the available options. Are heated seats a standard option or is it an upgrade? By taking the time to understand the available options, you might be able to squeeze a little more out of your negotiation. For example, after you fall in love with a car at a dealership, you might be able to ask the dealer to throw in better floor mats and heated mirrors for the same price.   

As you negotiate, don't forget to think about things from your dealer's perspective. Your dealership might be bound by prices set by corporate or product inventory. For example, if the dealership owners paid above book value for that used car, you might not be able to lower the price by talking about devaluation.

2: Build A Rapport With the Dealer

If you really want to get on the same page with your auto dealer, don't be afraid to make a new friend. Building a rapport with a sales associate might help him or her to see you as a peer and understand your position. Instead of visiting a dealership and picking out a new car the same day, visit the sales floor a few different times. Talk with different employees at the dealership so that people learn who you are and what you are looking for. After you find the salesperson you want to work with, spend some time getting to know one another.

Focus on common ties that might spark a conversation. For example, if you notice that your salesperson is wearing a tie tack with your Alma Mater's logo, take the opportunity to shoot the breeze about your university days. By developing a friendship with your sales team, you might be able to get the inside scoop on upcoming specials or convince your dealer to give you a better price.

By understanding how to negotiate effectively, you might be able to drive away with a great deal on a car that you love. If you're looking for a used car dealership, then visit a site like http://www.upicksave.com.

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