How to barter with a dealer?

[DanielJames]

Hello all.

I've bought many cars privately, but only one from a dealer and I got pretty mugged off.

So im looking for advice. I went to see and drive a car, loved it but went to see another to compare. Now Im sure I want the first car but it needs a few jobs such as a warning light on the dash, and a bulb out which he said he'd sort, but also the car is overdue a cambelt change

If the cars up for £5k what would you offer? I would be happy to pay 4750 since that will give me some change for the cambelt, but whats the dealer going to be saying?

Going to give him a ring at lunch to discuss so any pointers are welcome!

Dan

[Alex]

Say something like:

"If you can do it for £4,500 I'll buy it today."

Then SILENCE.

He may make you a counter offer which you can consider. If not, leave him your number and WALK AWAY. Likelihood is that he will call you back the next day.

Only use this technique if you are serious about buying the car.

[LeoSayer]

Give him a price you want to pay and be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you want.

[siwil1]

Depends a little on the car but with the things you are stating it will be a lot cheaper for him to sort the cambelt than you (unless you diy) I would point out the faults and expect them to be done as part of the deal at £4750

eta as the others have stated you must be prepared to walk. He will know that the work needs doing

[98elise]

Its depends on how well its priced. we bought our MX5 from a dealer. It had no parking dings, no curbed wheels, and was generally a nice car all round. The only negative was the big service (cam belt) is next.

he wouldn't haggle at all, but it was well priced, so we bought it anyway.

At least I know that the belt has actually been done.

[Leins]

When you make a lower offer, he/she may say the old line of "I need to go and speak to the sales manager". Don't get left sitting at the desk for 10 minutes while he goes off for a cup of tea or a smoke. It's at this point that I go and find a car right at the back of the used section and hide, so when he/they come out it'll throw them off balance a little

The whole thing is a big game, although one I quite enjoy. They're not your friends so don't worry about hurting their feelings (although I try not to be rude), remember there's always a minimum price they will accept, there may be better deals to be done at the end of a month, greet silence with silence, set your max price beforehand and walk if you don't get it

[Dave Hedgehog]

LeoSayer said:

Give him a price you want to pay and be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you want.

this

offer the price you are happy to pay and actually walk out, shocks the hell out of them

Done this several times, was negotiating with a mullet for a toyota who would not budge an inch?? said fine and left, bought a CTR that afternoon from a dealer who was reasonable. Got the follow up call from the toyota dealer the next day, enjoyed giving him the news

and later on walked out on buying a MR2 for the OH but they rang me back 30 mins later and accepted my offer


its your money, you have control, plenty of fish in the sea, dont let them play games, just be straight with them

[nickg123]

Just don't let them offer to do the Cambelt or any major service as generally speaking I find a lot of these smaller independents don't then either get the work done, or they get it done on the cheap without using original parts etc.

[Matt UK]

LeoSayer said:

Give him a price you want to pay and be prepared to walk away if you don't get what you want.

When you boil it all down, this is really all it is.

Knowing what you want to pay is the the trick and research around other options / costs of works needing doing is key.

[Rich A]

I'd try something like: "I'm a cash buyer, so what can you do for me? Is £4500 unrealistic if I put money down today?"

Even if you've traveled a few miles to get there, don't hesitate to walk away if it doesn't feel like a good deal.

[DanielJames]

Thanks for all the advice! Will update when I ring up

[ajb85]

Don't tell the dealer where you're coming from. If you've travelled miles and miles for the car, it's more than apparent to the dealer that there's a strong chance you're going to have it, at any cost.

Very rarely have I not sold a car to somebody who's travelled over an hour to see me, and I always ask where they're coming from. I have to say I do feel I have the slight upper hand knowing this when it comes down to negotiating.

Just be savvy. Ultimately, cars dealers want to sell cars, it's their livelihood, so should you present the opportunity I'm sure they will do the best deal they possibly can.

Just give the main agents a miss, you'll pay over the odds regardless.

With regards to the cam belt; if you feel it would be more cost effective to let the dealer do it rather than accept a discount, do a little bit of homework first and see what the cam belt replacement involves on your desired car to ensure the job is done thoroughly, including the necessary idlders/pulleys etc. It would also be worthwhile checking if the auxiliary belt needs replacing at the same time. If you're suspicious that the belt hasn't been done afterwards; if the cam cover is easy to get at just pry it open a little so you can see the new belt, making sure the printing from the manufacturer is still fresh on the side etc.

[Esseesse]

ajb85 said:

Don't tell the dealer where you're coming from. If you've travelled miles and miles for the car, it's more than apparent to the dealer that there's a strong chance you're going to have it, at any cost.

Very rarely have I not sold a car to somebody who's travelled over an hour to see me, and I always ask where they're coming from. I have to say I do feel I have the slight upper hand knowing this when it comes down to negotiating.

Agree with this. If I've talked to a dealer on the phone I try to make sure I leave the impression that I'm just round the corner and might turn up if I have a spare 10 minutes.