Wading through the mountains of used cars in your area can be a daunting task. Whether you’re visiting a parking lot or surfing the internet, it can seem almost impossible to make sure you’re getting a fair deal. However, with these three simple tips, you can confidently negotiate any used car you find.
First tip: do your research
Any salesperson, whether they sell used cars in sacramento, vacuums, or life insurance, will tell you that product knowledge is critical to success. Without a working knowledge of what you are buying, you cannot be sure that the seller is telling the truth. Sure, it says a 2003 Corolla with 80,000 miles will run for another ten years, but when was the last time the brake pads were changed? Do this year’s Corollas have any other special work to be done in the first 100,000 miles that will soon be in charge? Without research, not only do you risk getting a bad deal, but you can easily miss out on something great.
You need to know the facts, but you also need to know what questions to ask. What information do you need to know about the used cars you drive home to feel satisfied? Do you have a checklist of key information that you can use to effectively compare multiple sentences? Take the time to prepare before entering any parking lot and you will leave with a much better experience.
Second tip: set your budget
Making any purchase is an emotional decision. The reason salespeople are always trying to make a decision while you are in front of them is because they know that your emotional attachment will never be higher than this moment. A good salesperson knows how to appeal to the things that he values most in order to justify the higher price of the vehicle at the expense of his emotional investment.
Third tip: want to leave
It sounds very simple, but the most powerful weapon you have in any negotiation is the ability to leave the negotiating table. Used cars are available online, at dealerships, and even at gas stations. No matter how lucrative the deal may seem, there is another similar car somewhere on a day trip. Never let a salesperson see you fall in love with their product.