Buying a new car these days is easier than it ever was before. You can simply go online and find hundreds of offers near you in a matter of minutes. However, making sure that you get the best possible deal when buying a used car is something completely different.
Getting the best deal on a used car needs some extra effort. Finding a car is easy, but you’ll also want to get to know all kinds of details about it before you even go near a used car lot. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to buying used cars, it can help you cut down on the price and get a reliable vehicle. Our step-by-step guide will help you get the best deal. Let’s dig right into it!
Finding The Best Used Car For Your Needs
1. Figure Out Your Budget
When it comes to used cars, you can find all kinds of models, in all kinds of conditions, and for all kinds of prices. That’s why you should first set your budget before looking for a car. If your budget is $10,000, you probably won’t be looking for a Porsche 911 or a Mercedes Benz SL500, right?
The idea is to set a budget and look for cars that fit into it. You shouldn’t spend all of your money to purchase a car as you’ll have other expenses such as insurance, future repairs, maintenance, and so on. Consider how you plan to outfit and personalize your vehicle with car detailing from Car Toys or other professional customization companies.
2. Create A List Of Possible Choices
Once you know your budget, it’s time to see what cars are available for purchase. You can use one of many popular online tools to find cars according to your budget. Browse through the offer and make a list of models you can afford.
3. See What Other People Say About The Cars
When you narrow down your search to a few models and makes, you should see what other people who own those cars say about them. Read as many reviews as you can to gather as much information as possible. It’s not a bad idea to ask your mechanic what they think about those cars either.
4. Search For Cars in Your Area
After you know what type of car you want to get, start searching for used cars in your area. Most online tools allow you to conduct searches based on the car’s brand, model, and location. When you pinpoint a few options, you can visit the local dealerships to see if their offers are fair.
Striking a Deal
5. Bring A Friend Along
When you’re done with the research, it’s time to start visiting used car dealerships. However, make sure that you bring someone along with you, as that will help you land a better deal. Tell your friend, wife, or mechanic to play the role of the bad cop when the negotiating starts. They should say things like, “That car is too expensive,” and, “I think that you can get a better deal elsewhere,” and watch the price go down. Knowing how dealers make their money will help turn the odds in your favor.
6. Check The Prices Online
When you hear the final price, don’t be afraid to use an online tool to see what other people are paying for the same vehicle. You can even check how much people paid for cars in the same dealership. Do this to make sure the price is fair.
7. Ask The Salesman For The First Price
Negotiating the right price rests on some basic rules. Instead of asking about the price directly, try to make the salesman say the first price out loud. The chances are that it’s going to be lower than the sticker price, so start negotiating from there. If the first price is about 30% lower than the sticker price, the deal is good.
8. Leave The Dealership And Sleep On It
Even if the price is right, you should walk away from the deal and think about it before making a purchase. The salesman will try to land a deal with mind games but don’t give in. Ask them for a phone number and just leave the dealership. Putting pressure on the salesmen will help you get a better price. Don’t make spur-of-the-moment decisions and allow yourself to sleep on it before making a deal.
9. Offer Cash
If you’re ready to make a purchase, always offer cash, as it will help you get a nice discount in most places. When you’re about to close the deal, ask the dealer if they offer cash discounts. They will most likely shave off a few hundred dollars of the first price. If they don’t, be prepared to walk away from the deal.
10. Close the deal
If you did your research, compared prices, and used all tricks to negotiate the best price, it’s time to close the deal. Make sure that you bring cash, check if all documents are in order and if everything checks out – sign the deal.
Conclusion
As you can see, a lot of different factors can help you get the best deal on a used car. Start by gathering as much information as possible, and then use what you’ve learned to land a sweet deal. Stick to this simple guide above, and you should be able to get the best car for your budget.
