One of the main reasons for buying a used car is to get a great deal on a reliable mode of transportation. That said, the choice to buy a previously owned vehicle isn’t all you can do to ensure you’re making a wise purchase. Luckily, you can follow a checklist of the best negotiation tactics when buying your next vehicle, so you know you’ll get a good deal, even if you don’t have much experience shopping for used cars.
Know What Kind of Car You Want
Before you visit dealerships that sell used cars, consider what kind of car you want and the type of use you require. If you walk into a dealership with no idea what you want, you could risk allowing a dealer to talk you into buying a kind of car you don’t really need.
Start by considering the type of vehicle you need more generally, such as:
- SUV
- Sedan
- Jeep
- Pickup Truck
- Coupe
The best way to decide is to get some information on what purpose each type performs best and compare that with what you need. From there, you can narrow it down to your favourite model in that class.
If you’re spending a lot of time commuting or travelling long distances alone, you’ll probably want a small vehicle that gets good mileage on the highway. Likewise, if you need to use your car to transport a large family around the city, you’ll want a safe and reliable vehicle that is large enough to seat everyone comfortably and hold your cargo as well.
Research the Prices
Knowledge is the best way to ensure that you get what you want. Not only should you understand what kind of car you want to buy, but you should also know the value of a previously-owned version of that model that is in mint condition.
Add-ons
As in the case of a new car dealership, many used car dealerships offer add-ons like upgrades and service agreements. If you can negotiate with a used car dealer to add some of these benefits to your deal, then you could save a lot of money later on. A service agreement can also take the place of a warranty if one is no longer available from the manufacturer.
Financing
Even when you purchase a used car, you’re going to spend a significant amount of money acquiring one. Sometimes, as in a case where you need a means of commuting to work, you can’t afford to wait until you can save up the entire price of that car before you start using it.
If you can gain a good financing deal when you buy your used car, you won’t have to wait before you get to drive. Again, the best way to ensure you negotiate a fair deal is to learn about what kind of financing packages are usually offered at any kind of dealership.
If you want to walk away from your next used car purchase knowing you’ve negotiated a great deal, you need to learn as many details as possible about the car you desire and what is available. If you’re having trouble finding the right information, start by talking to a used car dealer to find out what they offer.
