Buying a car can be something of an art form. Getting a good deal on a used motor involves a lot of back-and-forth between the customer and the salesperson and coming away with a good deal can depend on how that interaction goes.
With over a quarter of Brits labelling car salespeople as one of the least trusted professionals, it seems that there are plenty of people out there who are wary of heading to the nearest car showroom. But there are ways to handle this situation and drive off the forecourt with a well-priced car. Here are some top tips to help you haggle and get what you want without spending more than you have to.
-
Do your research
Before you head to the local dealership, read up on the car you’d like. Research the average asking price for the model you have in mind so that you know what you’re looking for and whether it’s affordable when you get there.
-
Be upfront
Tell the salesperson what you are looking for. This lets them know that you have a certain car in mind and that you have read up about the make, year and model you’re after.
Be wary of asking them what their best price is, however. If the car you’re eyeing up has been for sale for a while, the price might have already been dropped and the salesperson may not be able to take it down any further.
-
Don’t reveal how you intend to pay
If you’re a cash buyer or you’ve already arranged your car finance, don’t tell the salesperson straight away. They make money on finance deals, so bargain with them on this basis and then, when they reach a price you like, let them know later in the process how you intend to pay.
Whether you’ve got the cash there or you’ve spoken to a leading provider, like Go Car Credit, holding off until the last minute could be an easy way to get a good deal.
-
You don’t need the extras
Car salespeople add on optional extras to boost how much commission they get from a sale. This includes things like paint protection and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) insurance. GAP insurance is the cover that bridges the gap between what you pay for the car and what your insurer will pay out if it’s written off.
This isn’t essential insurance to have, and if you go with their suggestion, there’s a chance you could pay more than you need to.
-
Be friendly
Be nice. Some of the more classic moves might be to wait until the end of the sales quarter or holding off until just before the new registration plates are released to get the best price. But being friendly could be all you need to pay a good price for your car.
Lots of salespeople respond well to a positive interaction with customers. If they get on with you, they’re more likely to throw in some discounts or add-ons that can work for you.
