Buying A Car

[rosiew]

We are on the look out for another car, my question is, do we pay the full price tag on the car or do we barter a bit. Im asking before my husband goes to our local ford garage and pays the full asking price. Are we allowed to haggle a bit to get some money off. The last car he purchased he paid the full asking price. What would other Answerbankers do

[factor-fiction]

I would never pay the list price for a new car.
If you are trading in you need to shop around and barter for the best trade in.
If you are paying cash tell us the make and list price and someone will be able to tell you the approx discount to ask for (minimum 5%, possibly over 10%)

[factor-fiction]

Sorry- 'haggle' not 'barter' (in case Tilly sees my post)

[VHG]

NEVER pay the full price for a car.

Personally I would never buy a new car. The second you drive it off the forecourt you probably lose a few thousand pounds as you could never sell it for what you paid for it.

There are plenty of good 2 or 3 year old cars that will be much cheaper and last you years.

[snags]

Never pay the asking price. Never buy brand new. Haggle hard and ask for extras (floor mats, tank of fuel etc.). If you do not get what you want go elsewhere... plenty of other dealers/vehicles out there.

[rosiew]

Thanks all. It's not going to be brand new, just a year or two old. We want a Ford Grand C Max. We will be trading in our 2005 Meriva.

[factor-fiction]

I've always found I was better off selling mine privately (sold one on ebay) and then negotiating hard and paying 'cash' for the newer car

[chas2008]

just remember when haggling they often earn more from finance then the vehicle it self so offering to pay cash isnt always an incentive....

[SlackAlice]

Haggle, Haggle, Haggle. Your the one with the money and the dealer would like to get his grubby hands on it!

Never ever pay list price and go for at least 10% off, as a starting point. Be prepared to stand up and start walking away. The sight of you (they see you as £notes) walking out the door makes them think again. Bargain for everything including floormats, full tank of fuel.

If your buying secondhand take someone knowledgeable with you to inspect the car, who can shake their head at every minor imperfection. If you cannot take anyone ask the dealer if he minds an AA inspection.

Rather than new have you thought of nearly new? That's how I bought my last car at secondhand prices plus a discount, plus a couple of bibs and bobs thrown in. I retained the manufacturers warranty and free breakdown cover as well. The car was 3mths old with 35miles on the clock and had been in a showroom all the time.

[DangerUXD]

Haggle of course, the dealer never put what they want on the car, they expect you to haggle. If you are trading in though they will either take money off the price or offer over the odds for the trade in, not usually both. I recommend selling the trade in yourself then going armed with cash for the new car and beat them up on it! good luck!

[TWR]

Ist, do an Internet search ( EBay) price comparison to give you a guide.

2ND, Auto Trader.

Cars condition, owners / MOT / Tax / Mileage / Cam belt change / service history.

Your Cash.

Your cheek.

You have the b@lls to walk away?

Does your OH Know what he's looking at? The Mechanics?

Do not look / check the car in the rain.

How much left on the Clutch ( If you can see the Auto Adjuster).

Check EVERYTHING works before you leave.

Do not "USE THEIR FINANCE" (Rip Off)



Do not take out SO-Called extra Warranties, they are not worth the paper they are written on. ( FACT)

Check the cars doors for traces over over sprays ( Rubbers seals)

Check the boot area / under the mats for damage due to rear end shunts.

[Canary42]

OF COURSE YOU HAGGLE _ the salesman will have made a markup allowance for just that eventuality.

[Graham-W]

When you start getting close to the salesman's limit, he'll say," Just a minute while I go and see the manager about going any further".
He'll then come back with his "final" offer from the manager. You can usually still squeeze 6 months road tax and a tank of fuel into the deal at that point.