How to Get the Best Deal When Buying a Used Car from a Dealer

Buying a used car from a dealer in the UK can be a great way to find a quality vehicle at an affordable price. However, dealers are in the business of making money, so you need to be prepared to negotiate to get the best deal. Follow these tips to maximise your savings when buying a used car from a dealer.

Research Prices Online

Before even setting foot in the dealership, do some research online to find the typical price range for the make, model, year and mileage of the used car you’re interested in. This gives you a strong negotiating position right from the start.

Get Quotes from Multiple Dealers

Don’t just go to one local dealer if you are looking at car sales Bodmin. Contact several dealerships in your area and tell them the specific used car you want. Ask them to provide their best price quote in writing. Let them know you are getting quotes from other dealers too. This competition will motivate them to offer you their lowest possible price right away.

Test Drive Before Negotiating 

Always take the car for an extensive test drive before you begin negotiating with the dealer. Make sure you are happy with the car’s performance and condition. This also shows the dealer you are a serious buyer. You have more leverage to negotiate once the dealer knows you are ready to buy if they can make you the right offer.

Be Ready to Walk Away

You should never get too emotionally attached to one specific car. If the dealer won’t come down to your target price, be willing to walk away. There are always other used cars for sale. Say you will have to think about their offer, or simply leave. Many times the dealer will call you back shortly with a lower price, knowing they are at risk of losing the sale.

Offer Below Asking Price

The sticker price on a used car at a dealer is typically inflated. Offer 15-20% below the asking price to start negotiations. The dealer likely has more wiggle room than they are letting on. Don’t worry about insulting them – it’s just part of the negotiation process.

Point Out Any Flaws

Note any scratches, dents, stains or other flaws in the vehicle during your inspection and test drive. Politely point these out to the dealer and use them as justification to ask for a lower price. Offer to overlook the flaws if they can take a few hundred pounds off their asking price.

Get Quotes for Financing

If you plan to finance, don’t accept the dealer’s financing offer right away. Shop around at banks and online lenders and get pre-approved for a loan with the best interest rate you can find. Then use this to negotiate with the dealer – they may be willing to beat your pre-approval rate.

Read All Paperwork Carefully

Before signing anything, read the sales contract and financing agreement thoroughly. Make sure everything reflects what you negotiated verbally. Check for any hidden fees and unacceptable conditions. Be prepared to walk out at the last minute if the dealer tries to sneak in charges you didn’t agree to.

Being an informed buyer and employing these tactics for negotiating with dealers can help you score the best price on a used car in the UK. Just stay patient, persistent, and willing to walk away to get a great used car deal.