Finding the best vehicle for your budget and requirements is now a lot easier, thanks to tools and platforms you can use online. But even the best tools aren’t enough if you are negotiating a deal – especially a perfect deal for you. If you want full value for your money and all your requirements met, preparation is vital. You need to know what you want and how you can get the right deal for it. But how can you make sure you get the best used car deal? Here are the essential aspects you should remember.
- Decide on your price from the start
The first step is to decide on your price from the start. There’s no use looking at vehicles that you can’t afford, is there? It’s simply a waste of time. That’s why it’s crucial to decide on your price range from the start so you can narrow down your choices. Set your price range and look for vehicles that fall into that range. Remember, however, that the price of your vehicle is just the beginning – don’t forget to factor in other expenses such as maintenance, insurance, and repairs in the future.
- Create a realistic target list
Once you have decided on your budget, you should create a realistic target list. Next, think about the makes and models you are interested in and look for them in your area. For example, if you live in Utah, look for a used car Utah dealership that has the makes and models you want. And then you can go on from there.
- Check it out
When you have your list, it’s time to check it out and take it for a test drive. Visit your prospective dealer and look at the vehicles they have on offer that fit your preferred make, model, and budget. But it may also be helpful to bring a friend when you visit the dealership – they can help you haggle for a better price if you use them for a ‘good cop, bad cop’ routine. They can say something negative about the vehicle, which may open the door for a good negotiation.
- Mention a price guide
At the end of the day, you may still want to make use of something extra to seal the deal – and this is where price guides may come in handy. If you think the deal isn’t good enough, you may want to give proof of the car’s actual worth on the market. You can compare the quotes from sources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book and see if they would be willing to lower the price based on those price guides.
- Pay in cash
While this may not be for everyone, it would be better if you can afford to pay in cash. Paying in cash can give you a good discount, so when you’re almost at the finish line, ask the vehicle salesperson if they can provide you with a discount for paying in cash – chances are, they can, and they will.
Lastly, if you’re not sure about the purchase yet, it’s best to sleep on it. You wouldn’t want to make an impulse buy on something so substantial. Once you’ve given it some time and you still want the deal, then go for it!
Image attributed to Pixabay.com