How to Negotiate for a New Vehicle

Buying a new car is more than making just another purchase. It is truly an investment as you most likely plan to have this vehicle for many years to come. You want to purchase a reliable vehicle for a fair price. Unfortunately, many of the ticketed prices on the new cars at the dealerships are a bit higher than you may anticipate. Haggling for your new car's final price is an acceptable behavior within the car buying world, but to do so successfully requires time invested in research and preparation.

Instructions

1

List several car makes and models which you would be interested in purchasing. This will give you a wider range of vehicles from which to choose when finally presented the dealer's price options. You may then try negotiating with the dealer and find that he is more willing to negotiate on certain vehicles over others.

2

Research the fair market value on all new vehicles you have chosen in Step 1 beforehand. Use websites like Edmunds or the Kelley Blue Book to determine the quotes on the vehicles you have chosen. Also research the dealer Invoice for each vehicle to determine what the car salesman or his company have truly paid for the car. Keep your negotiations within this range as lower offers will most surely be refused.

3

Call dealerships to get quotes on their new vehicles before bothering to visit each one. Present yourself as a potential buyer who is well-researched and looking for an excellent deal. Keep track of each dealer's offers for each car make and model.

4

Keep all quotes from competing dealerships private. If the dealership owner already knows that they are doing better business than another competitor, there is little incentive for him to drop his prices to gain you as a customer.

5

Call the dealership several times so that you can talk with many different sales representatives to get a feel for their overall personalities. Choose one with whom you feel comfortable. Schedule a meeting with this sales associate above others first.

6

Remain patient when the dealer refuses your initial offer as he tries to get you to raise your price. Leave the dealership, and return later if you feel pressured to purchase a car on the spot, or if you need more time to configure your own finances.

7

Remain calm during the negotiation process, keeping a level head about you at all times. Negotiating the price of a new vehicle can be frustrating, but flaring tempers will only instill anger in the minds of both yourself and the dealer, blocking further friendly discussion over price.

8

Wear comfortable clothes and eat prior to arriving at the car dealership. This will ensure you are in total comfort and can think without distraction during negotiation.