How to Get a Dealership to Drop Used Car Prices

Buying a used car for under the dealership's asking price requires the buyer to first do some research to find the value of the vehicle. Once the buyer determines the car's value, he has to decide the maximum amount he will pay for the vehicle. The buyer must then negotiate to get the dealer to drop the price of the car. If the buyer negotiates successfully, the dealer will sell him the car for less than his maximum price.

Instructions

1

Determine the value of the used car you want to buy from a dealership. Use a search engine to find car pricing websites. Go to the website you select and look on the menu for the used car section. Find the year and make of the car you want to price. Type in the mileage and check the box next to any options or extra features on the vehicle. Press the appropriate button on the web page to create the used car valuation report. Print the report to use when you negotiate the purchase price with the car dealer.

2

Go to the car dealership and ask to speak with a salesperson. Tell the salesperson which car you want to inspect. Look for the purchase price on one of the car's windows, or ask the salesperson how much the dealer wants for the vehicle.

3

Inspect the car to determine whether or not you want to buy it. Take the car for a test drive to find out how it handles. Ask the salesperson any questions you have about the car after you finish the test drive.

4

Make the salesperson an offer. Look on the used car valuation report you brought with you and find the lowest price. To get the car for a lower price than what the dealer wants, offer to buy it for an amount between the lowest price on the report and the price the dealer wants. The salesperson will probably make you a counteroffer for a higher amount than your offer. Make the salesperson a second offer between your price and the salesperson's counteroffer price.

5

Wait for the salesperson to either accept your price or make you another counteroffer. If the salesperson makes another counteroffer, accept it or tell the salesperson you will not go any higher than your second offer. If the salesperson accepts the offer, sign the paperwork to complete the purchase.