How to negotiate the price of a used car

When you are shopping for a used car, price is probably one of the main indicators that you are looking for to ensure you stay within budget. But what if you find the perfect vehicle and discover that it’s a bit outside of your target budget? That’s where negotiating comes in! Check out these tips to help you negotiate like a pro for your next used vehicle.

Tips to successfully negotiate the price of a used car

The thought of negotiating can be stressful for some people, but these tips can be helpful to give you more confidence throughout the process! Check it out!

Do your research: Check out what the fair market value is for the year, make and model of the vehicle you are looking at, that way you know what a fair price is for the vehicle so you can avoid paying too much.
Start low. Throw out your lowest offer and work up in small increments from there. Have a top number in mind so that you know when to stop negotiating.
Keep your feelings close to the vest. If you are open about how much you love a vehicle, your negotiating power dwindles. Try to stay objective about the vehicle itself and focus your conversation on reaching the right price.
Know when to walk away. Even if the vehicle checks every box for your wants and needs, if the price isn’t right, walk away. Sometimes doing this shows the salesperson you are serious and they can get you to a price that will work for you in the end.

Remember that once you’ve negotiated your price and agreed on a number, nothing is official until you sign the paperwork. You should read the offer to ensure that you are actually signing for the agreed upon deal and be sure to keep in mind the taxes and fees!