Negotiating with a Dealer...

[SteveS Cup]

Hi all,

I'm looking at a new car, I've currently got a Mini Cooper S which is worth around the £3k mark as a trade in.

I'm looking at cars up to £8k but I'm finding that no one is willing to negotiate!

They'll tell me what they'd give for mine and expect the full asking price for theirs.

I've not bought a second hand car for a few years but there always used to be circa £500 at this price point to play with.

Are prices just set these days?

[jimmyt1202]

Surely if you're looking to part exchange yours then the important figure to you is your cost to change? If they've given you a strong bid on your part exchange they've probably already factored in the room for movement (if any) in the car they're selling you

[Qwert1e]

jimmyt1202 said:

the important figure to you is your cost to change?

^^^^ This

It makes no difference to you whether they discount the new car or enhance your trade-in value.

[CaptainSensib1e]

In my experience it's easier to negotiate with things like tax, a tank of fuel, a comprehensive warranty, service, MOT etc than just ask them for money off.

[The Surveyor]

If you say your cooper s is worth about £3k, then find out what its 'actually' worth via 'we buy any car' or similar.

If WBAC would give you £3.5k then go down that route, if they only offer you £2.5k then at least you know what the minimum value is when you're negotiating.

Paul

[SteveS Cup]

Sorry, should of been clearer... I mean the cost to me to change, they're giving me rock bottom for mine and expecting full asking price for theirs.

I'm not just trying to get £500 off of theirs!

[SteveS Cup]

The Surveyor said:

If you say your cooper s is worth about £3k, then find out what its 'actually' worth via 'we buy any car' or similar.

If WBAC would give you £3.5k then go down that route, if they only offer you £2.5k then at least you know what the minimum value is when you're negotiating.

Paul

Good shout. Not thought about that. Thanks.

[Qwert1e]

SteveS Cup said:

they're giving me rock bottom for mine and expecting full asking price for theirs.

So clearly best to sell your car elsewhere. Dealers only offer good money whey they think they can successfully sell the car they take in. If it has to be sold in the trade or go to auction they get hammered.