Dealing with dealers - any negotiation tips?

[hotchilidamo]

Anyone willing to share tips on negotiating with a dealer? Very interested in how to get the best price taking into account a P/X

There seem to be plenty of dealers out there putting very high asking prices up so either they are deluded, in no hurry for a sale, or expecting to drop the price. I'm hoping for the latter.

So, any tips on how to get the best deal?

Also, I've recently spotted quite a few 'dealers' who only have one car in stock and have no website or contact details apart from a mobile number, yet they offer warranties and finance - dodgy no? Not that I need finance, but I have my eye on one car advertised like this so I'm a little wary

[LouD86]

Coming from a Salesman's view here,

Clean your PX, nothing worse than trying to value a dirty car, you always assume the worse if you cant see damage. Get it looking good, fresh, and lovely. It makes the salesman more positive, which will reflect in the way the salesman sells the PX to his sales manager.

Have an idea of the cost to change, not what you want for your car, but the financial cost that you want to pay out. This will allow the salesman to get a ballpark, and work for you. At the end of the day, he wants to sell you a car, so the more your prepared, the easier.

Take your licence with you, both parts. For test drive, and if you decide, for finance proofs aswell. This will save trips back to the dealership aswell.

Apart from that, be honest, explain exactly where you are in the buying cycle, and the salesman will normally work hard to keep you happy, and sell you a vehicle.

[richb77]

As above but be prepared to walk away if the deal is not right. Dealers can smell when your keen.

[JonnyFive]

Maybe worth asking in here;

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[swisstoni]

Don't let em know you have travelled a long way or made any real effort to see the car. They will know that you will be less likely to want to walk away and that you are already keen.

I like the way that the guy on Fast'n'Loud (TV show) haggles. He always immediately halves the asking price and they meet half way so that becomes 75% of asking.
Of course it's not for real but its funny.

If you tried that in real life you would have to have a thick skin indeed and probably a martial arts background

[Ki3r]

Just don't do what I do.

'Is that your best price?'
'Yes'
'Oh, OK then'

• hands money over*