Thread: Buying a used car from a dealership

Decide what your absolute maximum amount is, walk into the dealers yard and ask them what they can show you for no more than that amount. Often you will be shown cars in your price bracket but can also get " sir, would you consider this better car for only a few dollars more ..... ?" There may be nothing that takes your fancy or you may think them overpriced and decide to walk away. If you see something that might fill the bill ask what their absolute best cash price is ( presuming you're not trading ), then counter offer a little under that. They will look horrified, shake their heads and say it just can't be done at which point you declare you will go shopping elsewhere, and say thanks and goodbye. If they really want the sale they might plead you to stay afew minutes longer while they ask the boss at which time they might agree to your offer. Anyway, hope that helps. It is a buyers market currently and many dealers hate seeing a potential sale walk away. It is sort of a game of who blinks first and it often pays to hold your nerve. Even if you come away thinking you've done a hell of a deal the dealer probably still made a dollar or two.