I'm buying a 2005 Chevy Cavalier for $9,900. I want to pay in cash - how much can I haggle him down?

Question

I'm buying a used car and want to know how much I should request the salesman to drop the price if I were to pay in full rather than finance.

I've been looking at a lot of cars and I've fallen in love with this one. I certainly don't wanna walk away.

Answer 1

It used to be an advantage to the buyer paying cash for a car. But now a days, it isn't so much of an advantage because the dealer makes money on the finance part of the deal.
The only thing I can tell you is this: Don't show them that you absolutely love the car. That is to their advantage, and they may not lower the price. Be prepared to walk out. You can always go back. It is now also the beginning of the month, and people seem to get a better deal towards the end of a month, because sales wants to get as many sales in a month as possible. It depends on the dealership. If they also sell new cars, the dealership will push more for new car sales than used car sales. But a sale is a sale, and it goes towards the salesman's commission. Whether it is a bonus for so may sales or an additional percentage for so many sales in a month.
I would offer 9000.00 and see what happens. As I said before, be prepared to walk out. But keep an eye on the car. Is it in the front of the lot?? Usually, that means they want to show it off and sell it! If it is towards the back or not in the "spotlight" they may have just gotten it, or they know it will sell and don't need to show it off. Have you checked the Kelly Blue Book value of the car?? Have you shopped around? I would do that first, before making a firm offer on the car.
Good luck.

Answer 2

It depends on a few things.
Most dealers don't want you to pay cash, reason being, they can't take a shot at you in the finance office.
Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds or NADA may give you a guideline on what the car is worth and how much you should pay for the car, but Kelley and company does NOT sell cars.
How much negotiating room depends on how much the dealer is into the car, and how long he has had that car. Is there a warranty involved? I'm a used car dealer and we put all of our cars through the shop and have them re-inspected. Some other lots buy cars, clean them, then put them out to sell 'as-is'. Beware.
Personally, if a customer 'asked me' to voluntarily discount the car, I would resist doing so. Just like you, I don't like to give money away. Most dealers are willing to negotiate, have an idea where you want to be and make an offer lower than that, then you both start to narrow the gap, and sooner or later you'll have a deal.
All used cars are unique.
But Chevy Cavaliers are a dime a dozen.
Good hunting.

Answer 3

Something I might recommend as well.

Research what cars like that with similar mileage, condition, package and all are selling for in your area, both retail and wholesale (there are Lot's of web sites out there that can give you a good ball park Idea). Wholesale will give you some Idea of what the dealer has invested in the car. Retail will tell if the dealer is asking too much. You can then decide if what would be a reasonable offer for the dealer. Remember you want a good deal and cash really talks loudly, but at the same time No one should be expected to work for free, you would not want to work for free? So armed with the information above you can comfortably make an offer that will make everyone happy!

I hate to say it but If the dealer still wont accept this logic and refuses the deal then you need to walk away regardless.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Offer $9000 and look as if you are about to walk away. I did this once a fair old while ago and the price dropped $500 in one hit, that was probably the best part of $800 value in todays money. You might agree on anything between 9000 and 9900. Remember, you don't have to buy, but he has to sell. You are correct, they will like cash but the extra cost of a finance/time payment/loan transaction to them is probably not all that much. If he thinks you have fallen for the car, the price will stay high.

Answer 5

NEVER say you won't walk away! The salesman will see that you aren't willing to walk and he won't drop the price. ALWAYS be willing to walk. Remember these cars are mass produced, there are more.
Also look at the depreciation rate on this car. How much was it new and how much will it be worth in a year or two? GM's don't hold their value, keep that in mind when setting a price. Good luck.

Answer 6

OMG !!! until eventually the budget limits your decision, how r u comparing a Mazda 3 to a Cavalier ? @.@ Madzda 3 is 999^9999 way extra useful.. also, U can take your Mazda 3 to a FORD broking service to get upkeep. American partnership, jap high quality :D

Answer 7

You could probably get it for $9000, it depends how badly you want it because you must always be prepared to walk away.

Answer 8

$5000.

Cavalier is CRAP... I know because I used to own one.