Tips for Negotiating the Best Deal on Used Cars

Are you in the market for a used car and hoping to snag a great deal? Well, you might be in for a bit of a challenge. According to Umesh Samani, owner of Specialist Cars in Stoke-on-Trent, getting a discount on a used car is becoming increasingly difficult.

Umesh explains that since the lockdown, there has been a shortage of used cars available for sale. With fewer new cars being registered in 2020 and 2021, the supply of older used cars is limited. As a result, dealerships are finding it harder to negotiate significant discounts on their inventory.

In the past, it was common to see discounts of £1,000 to £2,000 on used cars, but now, customers are more likely to only negotiate a few hundred pounds off the asking price. However, there is hope on the horizon. The rise of online car shopping has increased competition among dealerships, forcing them to operate on tighter margins and making it less likely for customers to be overcharged.

So, how can you navigate the tricky waters of negotiating a deal on a used car? Building a rapport with the salesman is key. Umesh advises being friendly and approachable, as this can go a long way in getting a good deal. He shares a story of a farmer who successfully negotiated a discount on a car by being friendly and engaging with the salesman.

But what about showing enthusiasm for the car? While it’s important to be friendly, being overly complimentary or enthusiastic about the car could work against you. Instead, focus on building a relationship with the dealer and remain neutral and pragmatic about the vehicle you’re interested in.

When it comes to picking a salesman to work with, the age of the salesman may not matter as much as it once did. In today’s dealerships, salesmen are often controlled by sales managers and have less power to set their own prices. It’s more important to choose an experienced salesman who has the authority to authorize discounts and focus on building a rapport with them.

Timing is also crucial when it comes to getting the best deal on a car. Dealerships often offer significant discounts at the end of each quarter to meet sales targets and earn bonuses from manufacturers. By walking into a dealership at the right time, you may be able to take advantage of these incentives and secure a better deal.

In conclusion, while getting a discount on a used car may be more challenging than in the past, it’s not impossible. By being friendly, building a relationship with the salesman, and timing your visit to the dealership strategically, you can increase your chances of getting a great deal on your next car purchase.