Advice on buying a used car.?

Question

I need to buy a used car this weekend. I need tips on how to negoitiate on the price. I already have my financing pre-approved from my credit union. I'm looking at cars listed in $7k-8k range which seems to be around what the blue book price is. How low can I really get the dealer to go down?

Answer 1

http://www.used-car-price.org/3.asp

Use the link above...

Answer 2

Check with Consumer's Reports for recommended used cars makes, models and years. Most important, when you find a final choice have it checked out by your mechanic to see what mechanical shape it is in. Check hertz car sales used car shop for better options.

Answer 3

Well, I am sure we both know the old saying that money talks and all the rest walks. for a used car for reliability, non-domestic, this would be hands down toyota or honda. But is paying the premium for a 16 y.o. boy worth the dividends. This is all too dependent on the way he drives and cares for, or abuses, his ride. Personally, I'd put him an older Caprice or Crown Vic for various reasons, and let him worry about the fuel bill. Teaches responsibilty, particularly with money. However, if he is known to be the exception to the rule, and wont bend to peer pressure, then the original plan of Honda or Toyota makes perfect sense, as they will retain abit of their value if cared for and should be easy to sell when it is time to upgrade. By the way, a carfax is always a good idea on any used car, unless its just some old $200 door slammer, not what you indicated as looking for.

Answer 4

I work at Criswell Honda in Germantown MD and the price of a used car depends on various factors like cost of inspection, price paid for vehicle , cost to recondition the vehicle etc. On a used car you can negotiate the price in some cases but on a vehicle for $8000.00 the miles will be high and it may be an older vehicle. If you have other questions you can call me 240-793-3594

Answer 5

Before talking money find a car that is worth buying. Have a third party, independent, qualified mechanic check over, and compression test, any vehicle you are seriously considering. Once you know what kind of mechanical condition the thing is in, you can negotiate a price. Don't rush into buying.

Answer 6

I would look for cars in the $10,000.00 to $12,000.00 range and make an offer of $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 less.After you find a car you like it's a good idea to check the value at NADA,Kelly Blue Book,do an online search for that car,and maybe lie a little.Believe me they are lying to you.I bought my truck for $6,000.00 out the door and they were asking $9,000.00.I made a deal on my daughters car for $5,000.00 out the door and they were asking $8,800.00.Out the door means tax,title,and license fees are included.It's also a good idea to purchase at the end of the month because salesman have quotas and will sell cheaper then.Don't be afraid to walk away.Take their card and give them your number so that just in case they "find something" for you they can call you.You can get a great deal if you have a day or two to spend doing this.

Answer 7

Go to Consumer Reports (not Consumer's Digest) and follow their directions for buying a used car. They have a list of reliable used cars. Don't buy one that isn't on that list. When I didn't use them and bought a Ford years ago, everything they (CR) said would go wrong with it, did, to the tee. I used their advice to buy my new car 8 years ago and I'm very happy with it (Toyota Corolla). My personal opinion is to only buy a Honda or Toyota, period.

Answer 8

Well, that all depends on whether or not you can find any flaws. Another thing to consider would be, how bad does he want to sell it. Personally, I would bring a mechanic or someone with car knowledge with you.

Answer 9

try to get a used car no older than 5 years old and make sure to get it inspected by a trusted mechanic!

Answer 10

Look for the flaws. Lower your price accordingly.