how much to negotiate down on a used car?

[Semidevil]

When you buy a used car at a dealership, is there a standard, or reasonable amount that I can haggle down to?

Obviously, it all comes down to the condition, miles etc etc. So in this case, is kbb the best source to go to? should I be paying right at kbb, or a bit above the kbb price?

I'll be car shopping, and I just want to spend 10,000, so I wonder if negotiating, say from a 12000 dealer price to my 10,000 budget is reasonable.

 

[CPA]

I'm finding more and more dealerships are getting away from negotiating. This may not be true for the small mom and pop places, but the buffet ones are finding sales come easier with "true pricing" or whatever they call it.

 

[Jimzz]

Many dealers do not deal on price unless you finance through them,. Many will run a price but raise it if you pay cash.

So many slimy ones out there now its hard. I usually buy from private sellers. My last car buy for my wife was through a dealer but had to drive about 200miles to get it. They came down enough on the price. This was a used car.

I always deal over the net. I make my offer and go from there. If they are slimy it shows and I moved on. If they were regular dealers then I tried to work with them.

 

[kitatech]

Think about this...most trade-ins are given a "very-good" AT BEST rating, dealers telling buyers trading in their precious ride, that "oh, the car WOULD be v-g if it weren't for XYZ repairs we have to do to prep it for sale...we have to consider those costs if we're to make ANY money on this deal."

So when buying from a dealer, concentrate on NEVER paying more than "GOOD" condition valuation, and to get to there you have to offer a good 20% less than "very-good" so the dealer can counter with their V-G price-point, a price they'd be happy to close on...
That's how I got my current car.

Another point...look for the company's pricing...As I found out with my current ride, they may have the car on Ebay, on Cars.com, and other websites, ALL WITH DIFFERENT PRICES...always bargain from their lowest price...

....and this...if $10k is your bottom line, stick to it...tell them you'll take the car when they can get that bottom line to $10k...they can plug in ANY numbers ABOVE the bottom line as far as your concerned to get to $10k ...I got my last car down from $14k on the window to $10k just like that.

...also...plan on taking the car to an indie repair shop to have it inspected so you too can say "this car would be worth $10k if it didn't need the repairs my favorite mechanic tells me it needs..."

 

[Sidekicknichola]

Items you can use to lower the price:

* Lack of service records and/or if the car is coming due for a major scheduled maintenance

* Tires / Brakes

* Comps in the area

* Have them include TTL in the price

* Finance through them, then just pay the loan of when you get home (make sure there isn't an early repayment charge)

* How long has it been on their lot

* Options on the car / lack there of

... just be okay to walk away from the deal, also if you hint there are a few similar ones in the area and you are going to check those out too, sometimes they're more willing to deal to just get it sold.

 

[xBiffx]

Most stealerships are going to make a $3000 profit minimum on a used car. Sometimes is as much as $5000. So whatever the fair trade in value is, expect this much markup. They make more money on used cars than they do new so there isn't much negotiating these days.

 

[Mandres]

The short answer is that no, there is no standard amount you can expect to negotiate. You have to know what you're looking at and what's it's worth. That means doing your homework. Consult KBB, consult craigslist and see what the asking prices for that model and year are (actual selling price will be lower), check e-bay's completed listings and see what that car is selling for in the open market, and finally join an owner's group forum for that model and ask those guys what they think it's worth.

Then, when you have an idea of the car's actual value, decide how much more or less you're willing to pay for that specific one at the lot. How are the tires? How is the paint? Did the test drive reveal any odd squeaks, rattles or other issues? Decide how much you're willing to pay and offer slightly less. If they won't negotiate to your price in mind move on and look for another one. There is always, always someone else selling the exact same car right around the corner.

Used car lots make their money preying on the ignorant, the lazy and those who need a vehicle, any vehicle, right now. Don't let them take advantage of you.

 

[Midwayman]

KBB is horrible btw. Nada is better. Average used car I'd say there is 10% between list and bottom line. If its been on the lot awhile, less. If its an 'internet' price there is often not much negotiating. I like truecar. I'll give you an idea where you stand. If you do a national search on the model you're looking at it'll give you an idea where the bottom of the market is (though regions do vary) If you're buying a somewhat expensive car it may be worth it to fly one way to pick up a car and drive it back if you can't find someone who will deal locally.

 

[vi edit]

I'm finding more and more dealerships are getting away from negotiating. This may not be true for the small mom and pop places, but the buffet ones are finding sales come easier with "true pricing" or whatever they call it.

Same here. Slightly lower prices, but no wiggle. So it's lower hastle, but ultimately probably paying more than you would at a wheeler and dealer. Call it the Car Max effect.