Getting a better deal on a new car is what everyone wants, right? But it might seem daunting if you’re unsure of how to negotiate a car’s price.
The good thing is you’re not alone, and there’s plenty of preparation you can do to help yourself get a great before heading to the showroom. Read on for our top tips!
Familiarise yourself with the model range
If you’ve got your heart set on a specific model, spend some time familiarising yourself with the full line-up.
Most manufacturers now have online configurators allowing you to see the various specs of a car and the price of any options.
This way you can see how much your desired car would cost at RRP. It also gives you the knowledge to prevent a dealer from negotiating you down to a lesser model without you knowing the exact specs.
Compare prices with other models on sale
It’s always good to spend some time looking at other listings for cars in a similar spec to the one you have your heart set on.
This will give you a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay and potential wiggle room when it comes to negotiating, plus you may even end up finding a better deal.
Pick your day wisely
Weekends will always be busier for car dealers than weekdays. If you’re going at a peak time on a Saturday, you may find salespeople have more customers to deal with — meaning less time for you, and ultimately be less willing to negotiate.
If you can, head down to a dealership during the week when things are quieter. This should allow you more time to chat with the salesperson and thus give you more time to negotiate a car’s price.
Plus if it’s quieter in the showroom, it’s easier to keep relaxed – ideal if you’re having a tough time getting the right deal.
Keep your cards close to your chest
All the salesperson needs to know about your car buying is that you want a new car. They don’t need to know why you want the car, if you’re desperate for one particular model or if you’re looking to save money.
This will give you a stronger position when negotiating a better price, as it could give the dealer the impression you’re willing to bide your time or look elsewhere for better deals. Even if deep down you’re really excited and want to buy the car right away.
Be nice with the salesperson
Intimidation is not a good tactic for negotiating a deal on a car. Be friendly and polite with the salesperson, even if you’re finding them to be stubborn when it comes to getting a deal to suit you.
Just as with anything in life, you’ll find being respectful will allow for a more open conversation.
Be stubborn with yourself
Though it’s best to be polite with the salesperson, don’t be afraid to dig your heels in if you have a budget and car in mind.
Don’t allow yourself to be talked into a lesser car, or to pay more than you want to because the salesperson seemed friendly. Stubbornness is good sometimes.
Use positive language
Keeping a positive tone will work in your favour and keep a conversation open. Use questions rather than statements, too.
For example, rather than saying ‘That’s too expensive for me’, ‘how would x price work for you?’.
Don’t rush or let yourself be rushed
A car is a huge financial commitment, often the second-most expensive many of us will make aside from a house.
With that in mind, don’t be rush into a decision — bide your time and consider your options.
If a salesperson is telling you it’s a one-time-only deal or that you won’t find a better one elsewhere, the chances are you can if you bide your time.
Unless the car you’re looking for is something like an ultra-rare Lamborghini Sian, you’re likely to find a comparable deal in the future on the model you want.
As a rule of thumb, always sleep on a decision if you can.
Always offer under the price you’re prepared to pay first
Don’t go hell-for-leather and throw out the highest you’re willing to pay off the bat. The chances are the salesperson won’t be doing that, and it’ll give you no power for negotiating.
Always go lower than you want to pay and work your way up from there.
Don’t be afraid to walk away
Above all else, remember you’re not obliged to buy a car because you’ve negotiated a deal on it.
If the deal doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to walk away and shop around elsewhere. Patience is key.
