Re: How to haggle? (ZeroTalon)

If you're really interested in it, just be honest. Say you want the jeep but you only have $3,500. If they give it to you for that price, you'll take it right then and there (immediacy is an important thing). I bet they'll give it to you! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

Re: How to haggle? (ZeroTalon)

Don't be afriad to walk out. <-The number one haggle tool.

 

What year and model is it? Does it have any desirable options? What is the Market value (try Edmunds.com)? How long has it been at the dealer? If it was just traded, they may be willing to sell it quickly so they do not have to deal with it, also, if it has been there a awhile, they may be eager to move it.

 

Also, don't forget about taxes, registration, etc and the inevitable maintenance.

 

Re: How to haggle? (Silly_me)

Quote, originally posted by Silly_me »

Don't be afriad to walk out. <-The number one haggle tool.

x2.
Make sure you are in control. Once the salesman gets control of you, it's going to be a blood bath. Down to every single detail.
For example. The salesman is going to check the numbers on the car you want. He tells you to sit down and he'll be back in a little bit.
What do you do?
A. Sit down for the next 2 hours.
B. Walk around for a couple seconds. Maybe walk towards your car. As if you were about to leave...

 

Re: How to haggle? (Gateway)

Quote, originally posted by Gateway »

A. Sit down for the next 2 hours. B. Walk around for a couple seconds. Maybe walk towards your car. As if you were about to leave...

If the dealership makes you wait for any significant length of time, leave immediately. They obviously don't want your business.

 

Re: How to haggle? (Sledge)

I agree....walking out can be a good tool.
Recently, I have been pulling the "well it's not exactly what I was looking for" approach. Or the, "I thought it was a bit better than this" approach. Tell them you have $3500 in cash...and that's the best you're going to give them for this car.
My Dakota had an asking price of 18,800. I said, here's $17K cash. The guy almost fell over saying no way in hell blah blah. I simply told him to call me when he wants to make the deal....I'll be ready. 2 days later he called....

 

Re: (Uranium235)

Quote, originally posted by Uranium235 »

What year and model is it? Does it have any desirable options? What is the Market value (try Edmunds.com)? How long has it been at the dealer? If it was just traded, they may be willing to sell it quickly so they do not have to deal with it, also, if it has been there a awhile, they may be eager to move it.

Do you actually want to know or are those just questions I should be considering in my head as I'm talking to the guy?
This is the jeep I'll be looking at:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ist=5
I don't know market value, but I've been researching these cars for a while and their price seems above average, but I'm assuming dealers usually overprice in anticipation of bargaining. It's a trade-in, but I didn't ask how long it had been there.

 

Re: (ZeroTalon)

Drive it, see how you like it, and if its a go tell them youll take it for 3500 out the door. remember - it may be a better idea to haggle the drive out price rather than the base price...

 

Re: How to haggle? (will951)

Do your research. How long have they had it? Hoe desperate do they want to get rid of it. Can't stress the walking away part. When I bought mine they had 3 of the same on the lot and they had been there over a month. I got up to walk out 3 times before he finally gave it to me at the price I wanted and only made about 100 bucks on the car.

 

I would be careful with this one - the dealer doesn't even know that it is a straight six, not a V-6. Also, putting "headlight on warning sound" in the description sounds pretty hokey. The earlier Jeeps had some issues with the ABS system - such as total recalls from Chrysler. What the hell is "CFC free liquid air conditioning"?
Just be careful, and realize that these types of vehicles are plentiful.

 

Pls don't let TRiAD get into this thread!

Be prepare to walk out if it is not you wanted (e.g. price not right, have some problem that you are not comfortable with, etc.)

 

Re: How to haggle? (uv23)

Quote, originally posted by uv23 »

If you're really interested in it, just be honest. Say you want the jeep but you only have $3,500. If they give it to you for that price, you'll take it right then and there (immediacy is an important thing). I bet they'll give it to you! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

Maybe, but it's not a good negotiating strategy to start at the limit of your budget. Here's how that negotiation is going to go.
Dealer: "We'll sell it to you for $4000 and not a dime less"
You: "But I can only pay $3500."
Dealer: "Ok, how about 3800?"
You: "$3500 is my max"
Dealer. "Ok, bye"
Best case, all you ever get if you start at $3500 is a car at $3500; you have no upward maneuvering to make it look like you're accomodating the Dealer. And if the dealer will sell at $3500, there's a good chance it would sell at $3400, or 3350.
Start lower and work your way up. Use the "I'm gonna walk" thing sparingly. If you tell them you're going to walk, mean it -- in negotiation, you need credibility to make them believe that, this time, you *really will walk*. If you keep crying wolf you will lose because, in reality, you want that car on the lot and you have no other alternative.
Start at $3000 (or whatever you think some facts (like KBB, Edmunds, comparable listings) will justify and see what develops. Tell them you're stretching your budget going higher.
Dealer: "$4000"
You: "Aw, man, that seems like a lot for those miles. KBB says $3150 and NADA $3100. But just to play fair, I'll give you the average $3125"
Dealer: "But it's clean, all records, great condition, unique color. $3750"
You: Geez, you drive a hard bargain. Unique color? That means unpopular color! I'm stretching myself here, so $3250.
Dealer: How about $3500?
You: No more than $3300
Dealer: Can't do it.
You: Ok, see you later I'm going to look at this other Jeep in the paper.
Dealer: Ok ok ok, $3350.
YOu: Well, it would be a hassle to go check out the other one. Because I like you, DONE!
See, worst case you end up with $3500 (and then you really are forced to walk because you can't afford more), but best case you could get less.
Negotiation is a game. Be persistent. Be credible (use facts, figures, numbers, etc). With that, you can lowball a little and get away with it. Those are your best weapons.


Modified by HarryHood at 1:35 PM 8-1-2005

 

Re: How to haggle? (1Point8T)

1) It's a Jeep
2) It ws just traded in
...Do you really think they care if some kid (who in their eyes probably can't afford it anyway) walks out?
You guys read too many books.

Just go in, be yourself, be honest, and demand the same.
If you feel you're being hassled, THEN leave.
I've been in the business many years too, so I'm not someone "guessing on the internet" as they say...

 

Re: How to haggle? (ZeroTalon)

I like the "its not really what i was after" approach
Also I agree with the research part of it.
When i bought my Golf I knew it had been on the Lot for at least 5 weeks.
And it had just become the last years model (i picked the car up sept 1st 2004)
I laid into the saleman with 'i like the colour but i REALLY wasn't looking for the leather...'
I ended up getting the whole cost of the leather package knocked off.
http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
And paying invoice +$200
couldn't complain.
I do agree though, if you feel uncomfortable in any way just walk out. there are hundreds of dealers and 1'000's of cars to choose on any given day.

 

Re: How to haggle? (ZeroTalon)

Bring $3000 cash, put $2500 in an envelope and $500 in your pocket. Offer $2500, show them cash. If they refuse, walk. Come back when another salesman is there, try the same thing. If this guy does the same thing, argue your way somewhere below $3k. They probably paid $2000 or less, it was a trade-in.
Last year I had a salesman offer me an A4 for $20k, I refused, and he brought in some heavy-hitter to argue prices. Within 10 mins the guy basically begged me to take it for $8k, he kept on saying "so you say you would do it for $8000? So you'll take it for that? is that a promise? Can we shake on that?" I walked out but I did so feeling pretty good. It was tempting but the car sure wallowed alot. I suppose a H&R cup kit and sticky rubber would fix all of my complaints, but that wasn't the point.
Dealers pay nothing on trade ins, there is a lot of arguing room. The key is to remember this.

 

Re: How to haggle? (matt007)

Quote, originally posted by matt007 »

They probably paid $2000 or less, it was a trade-in.

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

Re: How to haggle? (matt007)

Quote, originally posted by matt007 »

...Last year I had a salesman offer me an A4 for $20k, I refused, and he brought in some heavy-hitter to argue prices. Within 10 mins the guy basically begged me to take it for $8k...Dealers pay nothing on trade ins, there is a lot of arguing room. The key is to remember this.

The ONLY time I've seen this pulled on anyone was when the 2 salespeople had a bet on whether or not the customer (that time, a kid) could even buy the car for the lower number.
Chances are someone owed someone else lunch when you walked, if he didn't get fired.
They would never have sold you a $20K car for $8K, period.

 

Re: How to haggle? (matt007)

Quote, originally posted by matt007 »

Last year I had a salesman offer me an A4 for $20k, I refused, and he brought in some heavy-hitter to argue prices. Within 10 mins the guy basically begged me to take it for $8k, he kept on saying "so you say you would do it for $8000? So you'll take it for that? is that a promise? Can we shake on that?" I walked out but I did so feeling pretty good. It was tempting but the car sure wallowed alot. I suppose a H&R cup kit and sticky rubber would fix all of my complaints, but that wasn't the point. Dealers pay nothing on trade ins, there is a lot of arguing room. The key is to remember this.

They were calling your bluff...no way does a $20k car get marked down to $8k.

 

Don't underestimate how much dealers pay for trade-ins. Just as we all do research on prices for new cars, people do their research on how much their trade-in is worth.
The best tool in car-buying is to be honest, and hope you find the right salesman in which the honesty is returned.
My best advice is to find a salesman you "feel comfortable" working with. If you get a weird vibe, then don't buy a car from them

 

Re: How to haggle? (ZeroTalon)

Bottom line, used cars are full of profit for dealers. Here's what you could do...
1.
Go to Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and find out what the trade in price is for that model.
2. Then on KBB, check the used retail price for that model and see if this is close to what the dealer is selling it at. Then go on to ebay motors and see what other people are trying to sell that car at. From here you can figure out roughly what the dealer paid vs. what they are trying to sell it for, i.e. their profit margin.
3. Walk into the dealer and offer a little above what KBB states the dealer could have paid for the vehicle in as a trade-in.
They will probably give you a song and dance about how they put new tires on it and changed the oil, etc etc. and that price is too low. Then ask what they could sell it for and what exactly was done to the car.
4. Once they give you a new number, walk out and go home and think for a couple of days. There is no need to rush into shelling out thousands of $$$ in a hurry. You could do that in Vegas and have more fun doing it!

 

Re: How to haggle? (teutonicgoodness)

Man... How much crap can you load in one thread?
The atleast two people above me have it right.
Triad is correct... honesty is the best way to get this done right. Just tell them what you want you think is fair. The car has a worth to you. Stick to that number, but be prepared to lose the car.

Anyone else that does this every day, please chime in. I've got 6 years... how many are you at Triad?

and a 20k car for 8gs...

please.
Do you guys lie, cheat, and steal from everyone else in life too?

Modified by whatsacorrado2 at 9:42 PM 8-1-2005


Modified by whatsacorrado2 at 9:43 PM 8-1-2005

 

Re: How to haggle? (whatsacorrado2)

Yeah walk out, always works!

I just walked out on a deal the other day and he came running down the lot after me as I was getting in the car to say he would drop the price and throw in 6 months road tax - got what I wanted.

 

Re: How to haggle? (whatsacorrado2)

Quote, originally posted by whatsacorrado2 »

Man... How much crap can you load in one thread? The atleast two people above me have it right. Triad is correct... honesty is the best way to get this done right.... Anyone else that does this every day, please chime in. I've got 6 years... how many are you at Triad? and a 20k car for 8gs... please. Do you guys lie, cheat, and steal from everyone else in life too? ...

After a couple of these type threads on here, I'm convinced they do.
I've been in the business more than 10 years now, and it seems the entire Lounge has been taken for a ride by people trying to sell "how to buy a car" books.
You know what? I'm just in the right mood to hit each point right now and get it over with.
I KNOW I'M WASTING MY TIME, but if ONE person gets something out of it, at least I will have done something useful today.
"Don't seem interested in the car"
This is pure genious. You're going to come on MY lot, look at MY car, then try to appear unaffected and disinterested in that car?!
Problem, #1; You're being dishonest, period. You wouldn't even BE on the lot of you weren't little interested.
Problem #2; MOST salespeople will know you're playing games and you will get back EXACTLY what you expected and feared...You WILL be played with in return. Most salespeople will say to themselves; "Waste MY f'ing time and I WILL waste yours in return."
Be ready to walk out at any moment - Act like you're walking out
Oh, I love this one. You know what I do when people act like they're walking out on a deal with me? LET THEM.
If you're going to play ignorant childish games, I don't need you, and neither does any other professional salesperson who's going to lose the opportunity to show that car to a REAL client by screwing around with you.
Make sure YOU'RE in control
I have news for you; NO ONE is in control if a sales transaction, EVER.
It is a living, breathing thing based on TRUST and MUTUAL RESPECT.
Deviate from that recipe at ANY point and it's DEAD.
Put your $ in different pockets
Again; you're being dishonest and playing games.
Often, you get what you expect in this life. This approach, like 90% in this thread, are a recipe for failure.

Quote »

My budget is $3500 and I'm fairly certain I can get that price on my own, but to garuntee it, and possibly get it down lower than that, what are some good haggling techniques I can use?

I cold-called the dealership and asked about condition and price, it sounds clean (get it inspected - always) and they sounded like they might take $3,500 OTD.
Go in, drive it, tell him you would like that car, you have $3,500 out the door and that's all, and see if the world comes screeching to a halt.
Why is that so fV(&ing difficult?!

 

Re: How to haggle? (TRiAD)

Quote, originally posted by TRiAD »

Go in, drive it, tell him you would like that car, you have $3,500 out the door and that's all, and see if the world comes screeching to a halt.

I agree. I've got great deals on my last three car purchases using this methodology. My R32 for example, (bought new in October 04) I went to a dealership that had one, drove it, and offered $26,500. They tried to haggle up. I said that I was willing to pay $26,500, and if they couldn't do that, I was walking. I walked.
I called another dealership that had one, and said the same thing; I would come in and sign right now if they could do $26,500. The guy took my number, called me back and told me it was a deal.
I showed up at the dealership and left one hour later in my new car.
Just come up with a fair price and go in there and make an offer. Don't play games, and expect the same. You'll get the best deal that way, IMHO.
ROB