What is it about buying a used car from a dealership that means no matter how hard you try, you will almost inevitably walk out feeling like you paid more than you should have? A used car dealer in Langley, are in the business of making money and getting as much as they can for a car. That is why there aren’t any set prices. It is a “buyer beware” business, and you shouldn’t enter into it unless you have the stomach to stand your ground or know how to navigate your way to the finish line. Before you head out to the used car dealership, it is best to have a plan in place so that you don’t end up getting taken advantage of.
Don’t budge from your price
Before you go to the dealership, know what a used car is worth and what you are going to pay – and stick with that number. If the salesperson senses that there is any room for negotiation they are going to chip away at your price until you end up spending more. When you hit the dealership, know what you will pay and not another penny more. Remember, if you threaten to pass on their offer and it doesn’t work, it wasn’t meant to be.
Follow up just before closing time
Just before closing time or on Sunday is when the dealership has calculated the amount of money that they have made. If they are ahead for the week, they might be willing to come off of their asking price. It is at least worth trying. If they had a bad week, they likewise might be more motivated to take your offer and sell the car.
The end of the month deserves a call
If the dealership refused to come off their price and you had to walk, that doesn’t mean that you might not have a second chance to get the deal you want. Often, a dealership will be awaiting new inventory at the beginning of the month. That means that they will have to get rid of those cars on the lot that have been sitting there awhile. It might just be the case that the car you have your eye on is the one that they haven’t unloaded, and they might be more ready to accept your offer to get the vehicle off the lot.
Think about weather patterns
Car dealerships are guided by the weather. When it is cold outside, not many people want to go car shopping. Just like going to the amusement park on a cold or rainy day to get on the rides without the long lines, if you go to the dealership when it is nasty outside, you might benefit. Their lack of customers might be your gain, and if their sales have been slumping due to a cold snap or rainy season you might just get the car you want for the price you want.
Don’t stop at just one dealership
Use all the above strategies and give yourself more options by going to many different dealerships. If you can’t get one to take the bait then try, try again. Eventually, you are going to find the car you want and have a dealership who is willing to let it go for what you promised to pay and nothing more.
Have the financing ready
Before you make a promise to pay any amount, make sure that you can follow through to pay. There is nothing worse than getting the dealership to agree only to find that you can’t get the financing to pay what you offered. Do the steps ahead of time to get the money you need. That will also be a good tool to use when you make your offer. The security of not having to jump through hoops is alluring for both dealership financiers and salespeople alike.
The best way to negotiate for your used car is to know what it is worth and not to deviate from that price. Before you go looking for the car of your dreams, know what you will and will not pay, so that you don’t end up paying more or making an emotional or impulse buy due to their sales tactics. Have your own arsenal of tools ready.
