How to negotiate for a car?

This could be a long thread.

Is this a new car or a used car? What make and model? That all has a factor in how much hardball you can play. Another key is to line up your financing before the deal. If you have a trade that can effect the outcome as well.

What works in negotiations is knowing what a fair price is and be willing to walk if you don't get your price.

Last summer I bought a nice luxury car, almost brand new, certified pre-owned. I knew what they were actually selling for on eBay with more miles, same or less options and without a 100,000 extended warranty certification.

I made my offer, I expected them to not take it. So I thanked them for their time and left. As I was walking out, I said, "I planned on taking it on the spot if you could make a deal and I have financing all lined up."

He called me back in and wrote a counter offer on a piece of paper. I got up and walked away again.

The sales manager came over and was trying to tell me what a good deal it was at their offer. I said that I wasn't interested at that price and proceeded to get up again. They offered new tires and their price. I got up again and said, thanks but no thanks.

As I was putting the key in the door of my car he said, okay we'll do your price.

I hate buying cars, what a hassle. My salesguy got fired for being an idiot too.

www.carsdirect.com

It's brand new, it's a newer model so they won't bargain much as they are in demand a little. Financing is no big deal, I have a big down payment but not trading in anything.

never care about the item - only the deal - who cares if you loose it - there's always another car out there - ALWAYS.

Hmmmmmm... yeah you know that is a good way at looking at it. I like it. I get obsessed with the item.

Why are you buying a car if your going back to Canada soon?

Finding out what they make on the paticular model and doing some research before hand is your best weapon for a good deal.

There are some books out there that deal with this exact topic and will teach you how to research it. Try doing a search for them.

One tip I know for certain is that it is better to try and buy near the end of the month. If the sales guys/dealership had a slow month they will be more likely to make a deal to make their quota.

There some website that I can't remember right now that lists the rebates the manufacture gives to the dealers. It changes all the time. If you know what that is they will usually pass that to you. I think the early fall is the best time to buy cars also.

Always be ready to get up and walk away at any time

Never show how much you like/want the car (poker face)

Don't discuss details of you're life, the more they know about you the easier it is on them to trap you.

Dont go in dressed nice...the big dogs swarm to these types thinking they have the money to pay whatever and are less willing to negotiate if they think you got money

pre-aproved loan, go in with check in hand (dont tell them). If/when they wont come down to what you want, show them the check, tell them they lost a sale and walk out. They will follow you begging you to come back in and will give you what you want

tell the dealer you saw the same vehicle at another shop for the price you say you're willing to pay and maybe he'll match it or even go lower, just a though, not sure if that would work or not

Ahhhh now THAT is an idea......

Goodluck is all I can say...if you think some webmasters are sneaky then you haven't seen nothing (car salesman and mechanics are MUCH MUCH MUCH worse)

Bring a man with you to the deal

Use email. Go to the websites of dealers in your area and find cars you want. Email them and ask them for thier lowest DRIVE OUT price (the amount you write the check for, inclusive of taxes, title, fees, etc). Whoever has the lowest price for what you want, you buy. No one gets second chances. If they raise the price when you get to the dealership, leave and don't look back or let them talk you into anything. Then buy from the dealer with the next lowest price

it really depends on the model but find out what the invoice is and usually a good deal if you are paying straight out is anything under $1000 over invoice

tell the salesman howmuch u dislike it and he will be more willing to sell it. ask him how many cars he has solf for the month to get adea of how desperate he/she is

most places have all the sales written on the window, both the local Ford and Chevy dealers do this, always interesting to see how many cars your person has sold this month.