So you’re interested in purchasing a used car. You’ve got a few thousand dollars to spend and want something that will last for years to come. But before you go showroom shopping, it pays to do your research and arm yourself with some crucial knowledge that will help make the bargaining process more successful.
Here are some useful tips for negotiating with a used car salesman.
Get an internet quote and walk away from high-pressure sales tactics
The first thing you want to do is gather quotes over the internet. You should have some idea of the price range you’re looking to pay, and most of the major dealerships will be able to supply that kind of information. If a salesman tries to convince you otherwise, just tell him you’ll get a quote from another dealer. You might even want to go ahead and get a few quotes over the phone or via email. Then, during your first visit, be sure to mention that you’ve gotten other quotes as well. In the end, you’re likely to get a better deal if you have some numbers to compare.
Research the history of the car you’re interested in
Next, feel free to ask a few questions about the history of used cars in reno you’re interested in. If not during your initial meeting with a salesman – during your online research. Doing your homework ahead of time will help to ensure that you’re not under any pressure.
Don’t show the salesman the higher end options of the car you’re interested in
By showing a salesman vehicles with more expensive options, he’ll feel like he needs to up-sell you on those options. Make sure that none of the options on your vehicle are so high end that they require a large down payment or interest rate. If you don’t want to go for the same option you had before, just tell him so.
Negotiate for a lower interest rate for the term you want
One of the more common things that new car buyers do is opt for a longer loan period than they actually need to. The salesman will feel pressured to help you out by offering you a lower interest rate and getting you the car sooner. That’s why it pays to ask how much interest the dealership will add to your loan, as well as how long you’ll be paying it each month.