How to Deal With a Used Toyota Dealer

The best way to deal with a used Toyota dealer is to prepare for the price negotiations in advance. Many car buyers go to a dealership without first researching the value of a vehicle. Purchasing a car on impulse can cause the buyer to pay more for the vehicle than it is worth.

1. Choose the used Toyota that you want to buy before you go to the dealership. Find the book value of the vehicle by checking a car pricing website. You will usually see three different prices on a car valuation report, which represent the high, medium and low values of the vehicle.


2. Print the valuation report and use it to negotiate with the used Toyota dealer. Go to the dealership and speak with a salesperson to inspect the used vehicle you want to buy. Once you test drive the vehicle, offer the salesperson an amount that is between the low and medium values on the pricing report.


3. Wait for the salesperson to make you a counteroffer on the used Toyota. The salesperson may first need to go to the sales manager’s office to discuss your offer. Once the salesperson returns, find out the amount of the counteroffer and then review the pricing report to compare the offer with the different values.


4. Make a second offer that is higher than your initial amount and lower than the salesperson’s counteroffer. The salesperson may once again return to the manager’s office, or may already have the authority to accept your second offer. If you receive another counteroffer, continue to negotiate until you arrive at the final purchase price for the vehicle.


5. Close on the purchase by paying for the used Toyota with a check or by financing it. You can obtain a loan right at the Toyota dealership, or apply for financing with a local bank. Find out the interest rate the dealer has to offer and then check with a bank, to decide which lender to use for the financing.