Re: haggling with a used car salesman? (Corradodrvrfnd)
| Quote, originally posted by Corradodrvrfnd » |
Call him on the phone and tell him that you won't pay more than 2000 for the car, if he agrees that that figure is at least possible, set up a time to go by and see the car. Tell him if it is in good shape, and you like it, you plan on buying it.
That might work
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That might work if you're dealing with an "honest" salesperson. Let me relate a story about my car shopping experience...
My wife and I were in the market for a car. I was leaning towards used, and she didn't care too much one way or the other. So we checked out lots of different makes and models, going to a few of dealerships, looking thru classifieds, etc.
We found ourselves at a VW dealership in Queens, NY that had a large selection of used VWs. Called ahead of time because we were interested in a particular one advertised (Jetta wagon w/ VR6 engine, low miles). Since we called ahead of time, we felt obligated to deal with the salesperson we spoke with over the phone. When at the dealership, we had to wait for him for some reason or another. No problem. While waiting, a different new car VW salesperson chatted with us, and was trying to sell us on a new model (but in a nice non-pressure sorta way). Again, no problem (yet).
When the used car salesperson was available, we thanked the new car guy for his time, and went on a test drive with the used car guy. We liked the VR6 engine and the car was in good condition, so I told the salesman we would think it over. Called back the next day, and told him what we were prepared to offer for the car. Asked if he could "work with us" on the price. I asked specifically if he thought the price was reasonable. He said (and I quote)... "Sure, that's reasonable, but I don't like to negotiate over the phone." Again, I specifically told him that I live over 45 minutes away (more with traffic) and I didn't want to waste my time or his. So he says, "Come on in, and we'll work something out."
So we sit down, he takes my info, pressures me into giving my credit card for a down payment before he "goes into his manager's office with my offer". He comes back a few minutes later, and tells me the manager would not go lower on the original asking price. I was stunned!!! I was fully prepared to go somewhat higher than my original offer (which in my mind was very very reasonable to begin with given all the research I did) and do some negotiating. But I did not expect the dealer to be non-negotiable at all.
So, here I am, a little upset, but keeping my composure. I politely remind him of our conversation, and of how I asked if my original offer was reasonable, and if he was willing to work with me. I told him that if he was not willing to negotiate at all, then he should have never told me to come down. His reply was...
"It's my job to get you in the door."
And then he handed me back my credit card and walked away.
To end this story... went back to the new car VW salesman, who was professional and courteous to my wife and I while waiting around the first time we were there, and next day bought a new Passat GLX 4 Mo... which was more than $10 grand more than I was going to spend for the Jetta wagon VR6.
If there's a point to this story, it's this:
It wasn't the absolute price of the car for me. It was a matter of who I was dealing with. I had the bad luck of dealing with a used car salesman who was yanking my chain. I was fortunate to encounter a professional salesman, and he got my business.
I should have gone back to the used car guy and showed him my bill of sale, and told him that he missed out on a sale, but I really didn't want to see his face again.
