Finding the right car for your needs can be difficult, especially if you want to stick to a budget. And if your purchase is more about necessity than a craze, you may want to walk the path carefully.
Today, used cars have broadened the scope for customers. Someone who could never think of owning a vehicle can buy one and make their daily commute easy.
Still, it doesn't mean you have to pay the price quoted by a dealer. You must utilize the opportunity and save a few extra dollars if there is a scope. However, you have to be good with your negotiation skills so that nobody's time goes to waste.
If you are exploring the option of used car dealers Calgary Alberta for a pre-owned car purchase, here are some suggestions for price negotiation.
Scope of Negotiation on Used Cars
Although one cannot determine what they should ask for, you need to recognize that every used car will be unique, and the price tag will reflect it. However, if you know what other vehicles cost with similar features, you can be more reasonable and confident about your approach. Learn about car maintenance and detailing to know if there will be any discount.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
You can request for VIN form from the dealer to get insights on accident history, loans, maintenance, odometer reading, and more. You will also know the registration status.
All these details can come in handy while closing the deal. Do you know what odometer reading does? It shows the total miles a car has covered in its lifetime. It can give you some hints about the vehicle's value.
Multiple factors
The car's color and the condition of the interiors and exteriors play a critical role in the negotiation as much as the record of ownership, warranties, spare parts, and after-market additions. If you notice replaced brakes, you cannot ignore this.
Sign of Damage or Error
Be thorough with your pre-purchase examination, and don't avoid even a minor flaw. You need to ensure that repairs have covered those damages. You can also inquire if the vehicle still has some issues due to the damage caused by the accident. It can be an opportunity to get a better offer.
Critical Points to Consider
When you negotiate the price, don't hesitate or be pushy. Both these situations can ruin your chances of getting a good deal. Also, if the dealer says they have offered the best rate, try one more time but don't stretch the matter further. Some agencies keep their selling prices fair, so you may have to trust them. If the vehicle doesn't have any major flaws or looks perfect, given it's not brand new, you may not want to get stuck on this single point.
Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to try if you can save a little more and get the best-used car for your need.
You can check another place if you still feel you are paying a high price. But you also have to be fair in your negotiation and judge the situation from every angle. Buying a used car is far easier than a new one, especially if you also consider the scope of bargaining. Dealers cannot put a high price tag on everything; even if they try to make some extra money, they will be careful and reasonable.
Still, ensure you don't take any additional mental pressure with this process. Although the salesperson can be friendly, they might be subtle in building buying pressure.
It's common to hear that some other buyers are considering the same choice. While they can be telling the truth, it will pay if you are patient. You don't have to get attached to a specific make or model. Keep your options open for a better deal.
According to experts, one of the best negotiation tactics is to take matters one by one in hand and deal with them. You can initially start with the car's price and then talk about financing options later. The seller may want you to discuss monthly payments and package the deal as the best option. But there is no need to hurry.
All these seem like easy tricks until faced with the actual scenario. Please don't be too confident about anything. If you maintain flexibility, you can get your chosen used car and enjoy the entire purchase experience. Of course, the dealership choice can be crucial in this puzzle, but you can rest assured of finding a few good places for sure. Some can be highly professional and supportive. You can talk to them to understand how this buying process works and which factors might delay things. However, these inquiries should not make you sound desperate. Approach it matter-of-factly, keeping your tone normal and steady. After all, you want to negotiate well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton
Content Creator / Editor
Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the motorbiking adventure space, focussing on all types of biking both on and offroad. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.
