How much discount on used cars

[cotter]

What would everyone think would be a reasonable discount on a used car?

I was looking at a 320d today, advertised at £9500. Most I could get off was £200. Had heard of chat of 10% is a reasonable amount, but even when I said I would go to £9000, they said there was no way they could go below £9300. Surely they must have way more profit in the car than that.

What do other pistonheaders aim for when at the haggling stage

[Heartworm]

I've normally got around 10%, and I am not good at haggling.

[Unlight]

Depends on the profit margin, if it's already been reduced, if it's a desirable car, or what you have to trade in. The list goes on!

There's no set discount.. I'd say quite a lot of people are after a 320d at the moment, so they probably aren't short of buyers.

[deaglecat]

OP... to be honest...IMHO ...you need a different mindset if you want to haggle.

It is not a question of how much discount the dealer will give you to go ahead with your purchase.

It is a question of how much the dealer wants to shift the car that you are in a position to buy... amongst others... TODAY

Don't be afraid to walk away... indeed try to get into the mindset that you really don't want the car ... but would buy it ... only if the price is right.

[iOversteer]

deaglecat said:

OP... to be honest...IMHO ...you need a different mindset if you want to haggle.

It is not a question of how much discount the dealer will give you to go ahead with your purchase.

It is a question of how much the dealer wants to shift the car that you are in a position to buy... amongst others... TODAY

Don't be afraid to walk away... indeed try to get into the mindset that you really don't want the car ... but would buy it ... only if the price is right.

+ 1

Also the dealership is a business, they aren't in it to give cars away. So meet at a price of which you are happy with and sign on the dotted line.

From a rough guess, the car would have had 2k across it and from that around £700 would be the cost of getting the car prepped up before it goes out. MOT work, tyres, paint, cambelt.. Or what ever is needed.

[dowahdiddyman]

Every man and his dog is looking at economical(ish) diesel cars at the moment so am actually suprised they even moved on price to be honest. If it was a 330 petrol then I think they would snap your hand off for 9k.

[cotter]

I was quite prepared to walk away, well I must have been, as I did.

I tried to start the negotiations at £8500, but she said there was no chance.

Was told the best they could manage was £200 off. I then said I wasn't going above £9000.

But no sale, I was ready to sign on the dotted line today.

Not overly fussed, as was still swaying between this and a Cooper D.

Apparently the cars only stay on site for 20 days, then head off to auction, from the discount part of BMW. So maybe in 10 days, just before organising the transporter for auction, I might get some contact.

[deaglecat]

... and the other rule is... sometimes there is just not a deal to be done at the price you want to pay.

if not, move on... plenty more fish in the sea.