Hi all, I'm looking to buy a 1-3 year old car and have very little idea about dealing with dealers. If I look to buy from a main dealership, how much should I expect to be able to haggle away form the advertised price? I've learned a lot from the forum so far (thanks everyone), such as looking to negotiate things that are of low value to the dealer but high value to me (such as a longer warranty I guess), but to be honest, the thing that's of most value to me is paying less to start with . I'm not looking for advice on how to choose a cheap motor - I sort of get that (get something that's under-appreciated). But tips on how to haggle might be useful . Any ideas, please? Thanks in grateful anticipation! Nick
If it's a typical main dealer they will probably stand firm on price and encourage you to place deposit ASAP to avoid someone else snapping the car up. There's some flexibility on trade-in but only if you are offering something desirable in good condition with low miles. After that you'll be fending off all the extras where they make the margin - gap insurance, paint treatment etc. Independent dealers are different of course.
Refuse to pay admin fees. Do not buy any add ons especially alloy wheel damage / paint protection / seat protection unless you are in a prestige dealership where it might actually work... GAP insurance will probably be cheaper elsewhere. If you are taking out a PCP or finance, you are likely to agree the monthly payment before the final details are nailed down. In the blizzard of words & sales speak, its essential that you check the interest rate you are being charged. The variation is huge. Buy at the end of the month. Sales people will be nearing their targets and hungry for another sale to increase their commision rate. Your salesgirl/ guy after the test drive will let you wax lyrical about the good points. Then they often say "You buying it then"? Most people say yes and feel commited to purchase. Goodluck!
Hearing reports of a Web site called carwow. Might only be for new cars though. I've no experience of it, I just hear from people that have bought cars from it. I think it's a bit like, you spec what you want and dealers offer a price and you negotiate.
Have a car or at least a car b choice. Find a dealer with one or both in, then try ebay, auto trader, gumtree, other dealers and find an almost exact similar car in mileage, colour and spec and their prices. A well informed buyer aware of their choices and the competition gives you a bit more of an edge. And never feel obliged, the fekka's are after your money and not an invite to a barbeque
As MrC states, a lot won't haggle they usually say it is competitively priced so no need for the 'stress' of haggling. It's surprising how many people don't like and won't haggle, but to me buying a big ticket item without trying to get a bit knocked off is shameful, infact I'll try my luck when buying most things! I usually start by asking where they can go in price. If they will haggle the first price they give is their minimum discount starting point, so you'll probably be able to chew a bit more off that. Once you've got them screwed down on price then start on the freebies they can give such as maybe a free service, MOT or extras like interior mats etc. Then finally (and I always do this when buying bikes) ask for free delivery or at least a contribution towards the delivery costs. Anything saved is money in your pocket, so it's worth being a bit cheeky, worst thing they can do is throw you out of the showroom!. Good luck.
Aargh - sounds like a bit of a jungle... So the battle is to avoid paying more than the advertised price, rather than trying to achieve a discount. And, from the tone of your (very helpful, thanks...) replies, even offering to pay cash won't achieve anything. There does seem to be a bit of variation in prices though, so I might try asking around that. A sort of price-match request...
Always expect a discount, and always be prepared to walk away - there’ll always be another car and another dealer. They need you more than you need them. Everything is negotiable - although the dealer will try very hard indeed to make you believe it isn’t. In the current climate, all dealers are in pain and ultimately will cut a deal. Don’t be surprised if the conversation gets quite ugly. You will feel pressurised to agree
@NHM The best way to get a good deal is to smile and be pleasant & polite to whoever you are buying from, people generally dont want to help rude, arrogant customers. Be nice and make them think you are serious about buying whatever it is but you just need a little help from them to clinch the deal. Other helpful tactics are if possible to find a dealer with several of the exact model you want so more likely to be keen to get one out the door. What are you after ?
All will cut a deal or not sell the car thats the way i look at it . Shop around including up north , wales etc. It all depends how flexible you are . Walk in and say what car cant you shift and how much off youll be amazed whats out there. The more flexible you are and the more research the more you will get off . Good luck , as above unless you have a bad credit rating finance is usually expensive and gap , all the treatments cost less outside the show room Good luck
Avoid some of the car supermarkets if you can they often screw you and offer huge savings - but thats against list price of NEW cars... not the value of the second hand one they are selling.. I have seen second hand vehicles sell for more than the new price from a dealer... especially if you take into account the finance variation.. and discounts dealers will offer on new or pre reg.. Another one to avoid is one Huge Dealer local to me (South Wales) who says you can have this 2 year old car for 5000 but when you get there its 9000.... the 5000 one already sold.... but he will do you a special deal for 7000..... but if you look around you can find lower mileage for less money.... and cheaper finance. What sort of car you looking for? Local to you and me (more to me) is Ron Skinners and Victoria Motors... both are where I would start if looking for nearly new.. Skinners will be cheaper if he has what you want... but Victoria Motors often have a wider choice of non mainstream vehicles .. all low mileage one owner... not necessarily cheapest... but good vehicles... Victoria Motors may offer 100 to 200 discount... Most make a lot of money on finance... the higher the interest rate they sell at the more their kick back...
Bought my 3 year old Focus st from Parks 6ish months ago (macrea & Dicks) and managed to haggle £300 of and 2 front tyres which I took home in the boot as the front had just over 3mm, Just dealt with Arnold Clarks on a slightly older E class(2 month ago) and there was absolutely no haggling at all, Wouldn't even give a tank of fuel or road tax, Nothing, Both were cash sales but even with HP theres no deals to be had, Parks gave a half decent trade in price on my Kuga but the price Arnold Clarks offered for my dads 2011 plate cdti 160 Insignia was shocking, My youngest son scored as he was more or less giving it, After sales customer service at Parks is very good going by past experience, I dread to think what Clarks will be like if we have to go back for warranty work etc, Cheers Jack
I'm guessing the Arnold Clarke sales deal was great though, otherwise you would have left without buying?
Cant complain the old man got a cracking car at a decent price, The deal was going to be done from the moment we looked over the car haggle or not, The car sold itself tbh, Ticked all the boxes
Auto Express put some guidelines out a few months ago... https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/car-news/used-car-guide/95715/buying-a-used-car-your-complete-guide
Decided to get out of my company car as it no longer makes sense. Looking to buy a car and not looking forward to the experience. Hopefully I can stay away from dealers, but I want something relatively new and lightly used.
remember you are not buying a friend..(unless you are buying a friend) be courteous but firm. be prepared to travel for the right car, study the auto trader and ads..the sellers have a list and stuff that has been hanging around a while gets to the top they may do more of a deal on to be rid!
