How to Haggle When Buying a Used Car

According to Edmunds.com, used vehicles only one year old can cost up to 30 percent less than a new car. Aside from ensuring that your possible purchase is mechanically sound, you should research pricing before you start negotiating. While some sellers do offer their vehicle at a very low price, most leave plenty of room for negotiations.

Instructions

1

Be ready to buy. Whether you are buying privately or from a dealer, your readiness to buy and the availability of funds are your strongest negotiating tools.

2

Go online to take advantage of free negotiating tools from the and Kelley Blue Book websites. Put in the correct car information, such as year, make, model, trim level and any options that the car has. Put in the correct vehicle mileage and view the private sale or retail value, not the trade value.

3

Combine the two appraisal numbers--one from Edmunds and the other from Kelley Blue Book--and divide by two for a value that you can start negotiations at. Many sellers prefer to use the Kelley Blue Book numbers because they tend to be higher, but it is only one of several guides.

4

Come up with a fair number. If the seller is offering the vehicle at a price below the value you found, you may already have a good deal and may not have to haggle. Otherwise, offer $2,000 below suggested value (or the amount you want to pay) and let the seller know you'll purchase immediately.

5

Make sure that your offer is low enough, because after you begin negotiations, you can't go lower, but you can always offer to pay more. Be silent as you wait for the seller's counter-offer.

6

Complete the sale if the seller agrees to your low price. If not, state your argument that justifies your offer. For instance, perhaps you saw the same car advertised for a lower price elsewhere. Offer a slightly higher price or wait for the seller to give her lowest number--remind the seller you want to purchase that day and have funds available.

7

Continue negotiating until you are comfortable with a price. You know your vehicle values and will have to decide what is a good deal based on your research. If the seller is unfair or firm with too high a price, simply move on to find another vehicle.