How much off a used car

In these circumstances, it really is a case of every deal stands on its own, and it all comes down to how much the seller wants to sell and how much you want to buy that particular car. The used vehicle market has changed an awful lot over the last 10 to 15 years with more and more exclusively online sellers entering the market such as Carvana. This relatively new way of retailing used vehicles often works on obtaining inventory on a sale-or-return basis from leasing and finance companies.

However, the way car dealerships price their inventory has also had to change in recent years, and this can sometimes lead to very tight margins in some cases. Most private sellers will try and ask as much for their car as they think they possibly can, and these expectations can often be unrealistic. Buying from a private seller is more of a risk, so the price you eventually end up paying and the amount of discount you should negotiate need to reflect this.

Take a deep breath and remember this — when it comes to negotiating a used car price , the power is in your hands. The dealer or seller cannot force you to buy a car. Keep your cards close to your chest. If you are buying from a dealer check what car finance you can get elsewhere so that you are prepared and can compare it to the deal the dealer might offer you. Check our guide on getting the best car finance deal.

In order to purchase this car, I will need more than you are offering in part-exchange. What can you offer me? There are pros and cons to buying a car through a private seller. You can make this work in your favour though. Taking the time to check the vehicle thoroughly will allow you to identify issues such as dents in the bodywork, chips in the windscreen and worn tyres. And since the seller might be looking to close a deal quickly, you might be able to haggle on the price.

If the Car Guide Vehicle Check identifies an issue, consider whether this is a deal-breaker for you. Time to move on to the next car! When negotiating on price with the dealer or seller, explain the information identified on the report and set out the amount of discount you are looking for. Be confident. Walk away. Take some time to reflect — they might even call you with a counteroffer.

And there is no point offering less than they want to sell it at, so be realistic — and be happy to walk away if needed. Shotsaway, fair enough. Not sure how it will affect the finance industry though, in particular the amount of Commission they will be willing to give to people who sell their products. And if there is commission claw back from the dealers if the loan is cancelled within 14 days, how much discount are the dealers going to be willing to give based on commission they may not even get.

Shop around. Email the spec to ford dealerships in mile radius and see what they have to offer. My brother did this, saved a wedge, and the dealership even delivered the car. We both have to reverse into unlit driveways and office car parks.

A fair bit easier without the privacy glass. I like the toys too, and the standard stereo on the Zetec is nowhere near as good. Not sure I agree that a finance deal is the only one dealers are interested in. A salesman gets commission on selling the car anyway and the dealers like to see stock being turned over. So someone coming is with cash is still an attractive proposition as they will not have any PX nonsense to worry about and salesman will probably get his commission faster.

As stock turns over they get cash flow. No good to a dealer if a car is sitting on the forecourt for months not selling because they will only look at someone who is doing a finance deal. The main things to look at are what you are prepared to pay and what the overall cost to change is to you. They tend to use finance company stocking plans.

Car Valuation. Car Buying Strategies. Table of Contents Expand. How Much Is a Used Car? How to Plan a Used Car Purchase. Negotiating With Private Sellers. The Bottom Line. Key Takeaways Buying a used car could offer a better deal financially than buying new, thanks to depreciation. Getting a good deal on a used car can be done by conducting thorough research online, checking out cars and test-driving them, and comparing prices. Private parties may be less expensive but come with greater risk, while dealer lots and certified pre-owned vehicles may be more reliable and are backed by lemon laws in most states.

If you're interested in financing a used car purchase, it may be helpful to get prequalified or preapproved for a loan prior to entering into negotiations.

Tip If you're planning to finance a used car purchase, consider getting prequalified or preapproved for a loan, as this could be a useful bargaining chip when negotiating prices. Note Some of the automotive magazines — particularly the largest, Car and Driver — are also useful for their lengthy backlog of reviews with a slant towards driving enthusiasts. Tip Consider having any used vehicle you plan to purchase looked over by a certified mechanic who can point out any major issues, if they exist.

Important Negotiating used car prices with a private seller could lead to a better deal but keep in mind that you may not get any type of warranty with the purchase. Note Buyers should ask how warranties will be honored and where any needed repairs will be made, however. Article Sources.

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We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy. Compare Accounts. The offers that appear in this table are from partnerships from which Investopedia receives compensation.

This compensation may impact how and where listings appear. Investopedia does not include all offers available in the marketplace. Related Articles. Car Insurance How to Buy a Car. Budgeting Car Shopping: New or Used? Budgeting Cars That Depreciate the Least. Car Insurance How to Sell a Car. Partner Links. Related Terms Cash for Clunkers Cash for Clunkers was a former federal program that gave owners a way to dispose of old vehicles in exchange for more fuel-efficient cars.

Blue Book The Blue Book or Kelley Blue Book lists new and used car prices, helping car buyers determine the fair market value and trade-in value of automobiles. Understanding Down Payments A down payment is a sum of money the buyer pays at the outset of a large transaction, such as for a home or car, often before financing the rest. Actual Total Loss Definition Actual total loss is a loss that occurs when an insured property is totally destroyed, lost or damaged to such an extent that it cannot be recovered.

Behind Big-Ticket Items A big-ticket item is a high-priced item, such as a house or car. In the context of retail stores, they may also refer to products with selling prices and profit margins that are significantly higher than those of other items in the stores. Investopedia is part of the Dotdash publishing family.

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