How To Pay Less For a Used Car

Shopping for a used car does not have to be stressful. The most important part of the buying process is to stay calm while negotiating with the car dealer. Performing some research on the car before visiting the dealership is key. It is also critical to have several used cars to choose from instead of just one.

1. Create a list of used cars that you want to buy. Prioritize the list to help aid in your search. Once you have several vehicles on your list, go online and use a search engine to find a website that lists used car valuations. 


2. Enter the website and locate the information on the used cars you are interested in buying. Look for the retail and trade-in prices and write them on your list. The used car dealer’s goal is to sell you the car for the retail price. You want to buy the car for as close to the trade-in price as possible. Knowing these two values will help you negotiate a lower price for the used car.


3. Once you have given a used car a test drive at the car dealership, if you are happy with the car begin negotiations for the purchase. For your initial offer, tell the dealer you will buy the car for the trade-in price that you found online. The dealer will counteroffer at a higher price. Even if you determine the offer is fair, try a counteroffer of your own before accepting the dealer’s price.


4. If you are unable to agree on a price for the vehicle, tell the dealer you will be back in touch and move on to the next car on your list. Repeat the negotiation process with the second car dealer. If you are unable to finalize a price, tell the second dealer you are considering another vehicle and that you will be back in touch.


5. This action may prompt the second dealer to lower the price on the car to an amount you will accept. If not, leave the dealership and continue to check the cars on your list. Once you find a dealer willing to sell you a used car for a price that is closer to the trade-in value than the retail price, close the sale. As a courtesy, call any other dealers back and tell them you have made a purchase elsewhere.