How to Secure a Better Deal on a Used Car

There are many benefits of buying a used car, but most people agree that one is head and shoulders above the rest: the ability to save money.

Even though the cost of a used car will be less than a comparable new car, it is important to realize that you don’t have to pay the sticker price. There are steps you can take to get an even better deal:

1. Have a fair number in mind. You don’t want to go into the buying process asking for too much. If you do this, you will come across as trying to scam the seller, thus putting yourself in a worse position.

Consider this: if a vehicle is priced at $20k you may feel comfortable offering in the $18k range. You should not feel comfortable offering the seller $12k. This shows that you are not serious.

2. Don’t be afraid to walk. The last thing a seller wants to see is you walking out the door. This is particularly true if you were close to pulling the trigger and making a purchase.

Unless you get exactly what you want, walk away from the table and give yourself some time to think. In many cases, the salesperson will call you back within a day and meet the number you were hoping for.

Tip: a deal is not dead if a salesperson neglects to call you. You can always contact the person to strike up another conversation.

3. Keep an open mind. Buying a used car can be more challenging than a new car because there may not be many options when it comes to the type of vehicle you want. For this reason, you should keep an open mind regarding the make and model. This will allow you to secure the best deal possible.

With these three points as guidance, you may be able to secure a solid deal that you can be happy with for many years to come.