Let’s face it. Shopping for a used car, truck or SUV can be stressful. You’re looking at spending thousands of dollars on an item you have to rely on day to day, and you’re probably not an automotive guru. Well, you’ve come to the right place.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
The seller may not like it, but asking the right questions keeps them on their toes, and makes them second guess trying to pull any fast ones on you. Do some research, and grab yourself a used car questionnaire. Edmunds always has helpful tools. Then you’ll be able to hit them with something solid. Have there been any major repairs? Has there been more than one owner? Do you have all of the records? Now the seller knows you’re not playing.
Research Your Vehicles Price In The Market
Check out your local classifieds and dealerships. Once you have a solid understanding of the market, you’re a negotiating master. If a dealer or private seller offers you a vehicle for x amount of dollars, and you hold out…that’s great. They may lower the price, and you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something but you may be hundreds or thousands over the actual value of the vehicle. Knowledge is power. Know what your vehicle is worth, and know what you’re willing to spend. Ebay is another great spot to check vehicle values. When traffic falls on showroom floors, dealerships are turning to social media and it’s working. Knowing what your vehicle has sold for over the last month will give you a good baseline before negotiating.
Don’t Forget The Fees
It’s easy to see a price tag, and forget about all the hidden fees that come flowing in when it comes time to pay the bill. Whether you’re dealing with a dealership or not, you may see taxes, documentation fees, and registration fees. There may even be a few fees you don’t recognize. Don’t be afraid to ask. Many times, these fees can be dropped or discounted greatly!
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