Used car shoppers can score savings at the dealership with three haggling strategies
A little preliminary planning can go a long way in helping you secure a quality car-buying deal.
Two former car sales employees with a combined 30 years of experience have explained how you should approach shopping at a dealership to score a better deal.
These experts’ tips include waiting until a purchase is nearly over to secure an upgrade or free accessories, not visiting a dealership alone, and using a poker face.
One of the former car salespeople, Karen, notes holding off on upgrades or free accessories can give you additional leverage during negotiations.
Karen said: “Once you’re near to closing, you should then say ‘ok, if you throw in ‘X’ and ‘Y’ I’ll do the deal.’
“This will make you much more likely to actually come away with accessories you have your eyes on,” Carmoola reports.
READ MORE: Major car tax changes ‘desperately needed’ as certain drivers targeted with higher fees
Karen suggests gaining an extra edge over a salesperson by visiting dealerships alongside a small group.
She said: “It’s beneficial to take someone with you, but certainly not anyone who is loud and going to rule over the deal!
“Going with multiple people, like a few family members, can give you the upper hand as it can overwhelm salespeople newer in the business and may work to your advantage.”
Don't miss...
Mechanic urges drivers to ‘steer clear’ of some used cars despite budget price [LATEST]
Mechanic says certain used car is ‘hard to kill’ despite having over 260k miles [ANALYSIS]
Used car sellers could pay out £250 for losing an item found in every vehicle [COMMENT]
Lastly, this survey’s other sales specialist, former Ford salesperson Daryl, suggests being nice but using a poker face when shopping at dealerships.
Daryl explained: “A big no-no is showing too much enthusiasm about the car you are looking at - a poker face will work to your advantage.
“People can tend to chit-chat or overspeak as they try to haggle the best deal. We’re all human; therefore, by staying quiet, you’ll lead the sales associate into the very same path - committing themselves to deals and promises they’d not planned on making.”
