Guide to Haggling....

[Lord Pikey]

Morning all,

Im hopefully off to buy a car today with my mother. I was hoping for some advice on how to haggle the price down a tad. Car is up at 5999, id like to pay between 5 and 5.5.

Having always bought my cars at auction or on eBay I have never had to haggle, so im intrigued to hear some PH techniques or advice.

Arguments from traders welcome as well.

Cheers

LP

[HOGEPH]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w9SFTWme6Z0

[MK4 Slowride]

That's quite a lot off the asking price your hoping to get it for.

[cs02rm0]

Start low, don't end up higher than you want to pay?

[JuniorD]

HOGEPH said:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w9SFTWme6Z0

without looking, I know what that's going to be

[satchbot]

MK4 Slowride said:

That's quite a lot off the asking price your hoping to get it for.

I'll be very surprised if you get it for you lowest price.

[Lord Pikey]

satchbot said:

MK4 Slowride said:

That's quite a lot off the asking price your hoping to get it for.

I'll be very surprised if you get it for you lowest price.

Cheers gents, thats the sort of info im after in a way. I presumed as its a main dealer it would be marked up, so, knocking 500 off wouldnt be to much of a problem. but you live and learn

[satchbot]

You might be able to get some money off but not a grand.. Or see if they will throw in a years rent for you.

[ytrebil]

More importantly, what is she?

[ShadownINja]

HOGEPH said:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w9SFTWme6Z0

[tlracing]

Decide what you want to pay and tell them right from the outset. Once you've stated your price stick to it and don't give way.

Presumably the price you have in mind is genuinely fair for the car? If so, then if they won't come anywhere near, you are perfectly okay to walk away.

If the seller/dealer gets near, you can always 'meet them half way' as a gesture, but don't mention this until you're close enough to make the deal.

[Lord Pikey]

ytrebil said:

More importantly, what is she?

The car or my mother?

[john_r]

• Have a copy of the advert with you - check it is 100% accurate. Any negative differences then point them out - no matter how small.
• Make sure you are clear that this is one of several cars you are looking at.
• Check all the usual consumables - tyres (especially inside edge), brake pads/discs, etc. Anything that needs replacing in under 3 months then let the seller know and mention the approx cost.
• When's the next service - if it's less than 3-4 months away then you should factor a good portion of the cost into your offer. (if it's from a trader don't accept them saying they will service it for you - they typically won't do it even if they say they will!)
• Scuffed alloys - £40'ish a corner to refurbish.
• Interior - ciggy lighter frequently used for charging phones so the socket will be knackered. £20-£50'ish to replace depending on make of car.
• Ask to see a copy of the HPI certificate - if it does not have one then it will cost you to get one...

However; if it's a dog walk away, and if it's a minter pay the price!

[Famous Graham]

JuniorD said:

HOGEPH said:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w9SFTWme6Z0

without looking, I know what that's going to be

Had the same thought

"Woooonn't 'aggle??"

[MikeyT]

NEVER pay the screen price - especially in today's climate ...

Let him give you the speel and take no notice of the 'popular colour, all the extras, you won't find another etc' nonsense.

Don't appear TOO eager ...

Start at the bidding at YOUR botrom price, when he laughs, tell him you're prepared to go a little bit higher. If you DON'T get it for the price you want, and he refuses to budge, leave your tel no. on a card with him and walk away, but ask him to ring you if he wants to accept.

Loads of cars out there to choose from.

Rule 1) Stick to your budget

[ShadownINja]

I say offer £5200 and see what they say. Esp if you're paying cash/banker's draft and have no rusty part ex. If you don't ask...

Alternatively, look like you're really desperate and think it's the best car ever and you can pay £7500.

[ytrebil]

Lord Pikey said:

ytrebil said:

More importantly, what is she?

The car or my mother?

I wouldn't be asking a question to an answer I already know. The car, of course.

[over_taxed]

It all depends, if the car is great value already then dont be greedy and miss out because you are focusing on what discount you get but equally if the car is over priced then show them some examples of other cars you might buy and kick them in the nuts.

Get yourself on autotrader are the classifieds on here and check out the market.

[aww999]

A big part of it is how much other interest they have had in the car - if you are the first punter they've had for a month then they will bend over further than they would if the phone has been ringing every day about it!

[ShadownINja]

I did haggle on an MX5, sale price was £4k. Knocked it down to £3.5k over the phone. That was just before Christmas so not sure whether demand for cars (particularly soft tops) is high or not.

Given that most people have spent their savings on Christmas and New Year and that everyone is thinking about losing weight via gym memberships, you might be in a better position now as dealerships might be quieter.