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Porsche
28 July 2022, 08:59

Negotiating buying a used car: our top tips

So, you’ve found your dream car on carsvansandbikes.com and you’ve arranged to meet the seller to check it out. Before heading off, you must remember that it is well worth negotiating. After all, while it may not come naturally to you, the listed price of a used car is not necessarily the final price! In fact, a lot of used cars actually sell for as much as 15-25% lower than the listed price. So, you really do have everything to gain and nothing to lose when it comes to a bit of haggling - because the worst that can happen is that the seller says no. Strong negotiation skills and knowledge of your chosen car are the best way to get a used car at a good price. 

Need some tips? Read on.

Do your research

It’s important that you’ve done some research before you start negotiating buying a used car – preparation really is key! Find out the car’s list price and whether a vehicle of the equivalent model and age is available for a cheaper price, or with added extras. If you can, then make sure you bring this up with the seller and see if you can get a discount. 

Be confident

Being confident and assertive will really help when negotiating buying a used car. For example, asking “how much of a discount can you give me?” rather than “can I have a discount?” is likely to achieve a better result. It’s important to remain friendly but confident in your convictions. Be patient when you make an offer and wait for the seller to respond first. Also, be sure to keep your cards close to your chest, there is no need to disclose your budget or how much you want the car.

Check the car for faults

Be sure to test drive your desired car before making an offer, to ensure everything appears to be running smoothly. Also, listen out for any abnormal noises from the car (such as a really loud exhaust) and check the internal electrics all work. You should also check for any obvious damage – small scuffs or scratches that weren’t mentioned in the seller’s advert may be used as a negotiating point.

Start at a low opening price

When negotiating buying a used car it’s important you have your maximum budget in mind and start considerably lower than this. Give reasons as to why you are starting this low – whether you’ve seen similar models at that price, or the car doesn’t quite match the description in the advert, and then let the seller negotiate you up to a price you’re both happy with. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you can’t reach a deal that you agree with – there will always be another car at a better price out there for you!

Ask for extras

If after trying out your best negotiation skills the seller is still reluctant to budge on price then you can always ask for some free extras to be thrown in. This could include a full tank of fuel, a free sat-nav system or new car mats. You might not always be successful, but it’s worth a try! 

About CarsVansandBikes.com

About CarsVansandBikes.com

CarsVansandBikes.com is a digital advertising website that enables people to easily find a "new to them" used or new car, van or motorbike based on what is important to them. We live the mantra As easy as CVB.

It does not accept advertising or sponsored listings, so all vehicles listed are offered in a completely unbiased method - unlike other similar platforms. CarsVansandBikes.com makes its money through fees paid by motor dealers advertising their vehicle stock all advertising stock in a fair and transparent manner.

When they launched in 2021, it was the first automotive advertising platform that had no extras, everything that is offered to assist vehicle sellers connect with potential customers is included together with providing full vehicle details rather than just listing prices, with the aim of helping people to make better-informed. Their ambition is remove £1billion from dealer and private customer advertising spending – ultimately helping reduce the costs of cars, vans and bikes for the buyer instead of exaggerating the profits of media giants. They are resolute in their view that currently anyone advertising vehicles has been ripped off by all the media giants.

Motor dealers benefit from free advertising until we reach an audience figure of 1 million users per month (as at July 2023 we are at over 700k).  Private customers offered the full advertising services offered by CarsVansandBikes.com permanently free of charge. Dealers benefit from a growing suite of unique tools allowing them to gain maximum benefit from the challenging and changing face of the automotive marketplace.

CarsVansandBikes Limited trades as CarsVansandBikes.com.