can I haggle?? if so how?? used car buying

TokochickUK

Im finally able to buy a new car this month and want a kia sedona 02 plate at least. will be looking at used cars,and we have a trader near us who has two in at the moment (i have taken one for a test drive) They have and asking price, but i dont know if i can try and haggle with this? and if so how do i go about it? thanks in advance x
sus x

DavidHM

Have you seen the crash test results? Still want one?

I've also been in one, a one-year-old taxi with 45k miles, and it didn't seem to take the mileage and use at all well.

Anyway, aside from that, do a national search on AutoTrader to see what ones that aren't local go for - you'll get an idea whether the dealer is trying it on with those prices. You should also get a valuation for the cars - http://www.parkers.co.uk

Once you've one that, not only can you haggle - it's expected. I would say that 10% is about average but if a car is £2k overpriced then ask for a lot more. Similarly, if it's a good car and by far the cheapest you can get, don't insist on 10% or you'll walk away - you'd be cutting off your nose to spite your face if you did.

As for haggling technique: look like a serious buyer. Don't rush into a deal but once you're happy with the car and have decided on the price you want to pay, make an offer just below that. Stress how you can pay today, how you don't have a part exchange, how you've got another car you were going to see but you'll cancel that, etc. (assuming they're true - make sure the last one is true so you don't feel pressured into buying the one you're viewing).

Expect to be met with a counter offer. Know what the car is worth and what you're prepared to pay and stick to it. If it's not as good as you hoped, there'll be one along shortly that is.

Finally, don't give up anything you've earned by being pushed into an unnecessary or overpriced warranty - look at http://www.warrantydirect.co.uk in advance for a comparison. Make sure that you know what the finance should cost - interest rate and monthly payment for a term that you're happy with. Try here for a comparison. Don't be fooled by "flat rate" quotations - demand to know the APR. Finally, get an idea of what your car is worth in part exchange by looking here.

plane_boy2000

For me the best way to haggle is just to ask what the bottom line is. If its what you want just say I like it and make it clear that you are serious about buying - tell him if we can agree a price I will pay a deposit now. He will come back with an offer, and then you just start asking for extras like a years Tax, tank of fuel etc.

These are not really desirable cars - not knocking your choice, just being honest so I would hope that they are cheap anyway. If you dont think you are getting a good deal just walk.

How much, mileage etc?

peterg1965

Play hard to get with the dealer. Have a budget and stick to it and let the dealer do the running. Tell him what you are prepared to pay, if he laughs or says no just walk away. If he has your phone number he will call you back!

TokochickUK

well after looking around and listening and looking some more it is the car we have decided on. we have two toddlers in car seats and expecting our third in july so 3 car seats needed and a double buggy. we also have not decided if this bump is the last lol. I travel and camp alot during race season for superbikes so i could sleep in the car as well as travelling in reasonable comfort. we are looking at spending between £8 and £9k so really want to make the right choice, we will be happy to sell our own car privatly rather than part exchange to make it easier. we also do not require finance and have the cash. one of the cars the trader has now had for about 3/4 months, good inside and out 04 plate, the asking price is £8995 now dh would be happy to just pay this . i am not. Its not the colour i would choose ( its platinum gold) and im just very hesitant about spending this amount of money. I have emailed dominic littlewood? i think lol who was on tv a few months back now and and was a used car dealer in southend then tv presenter for advise as well just i dont have a clue. How do i play hard to get? is it best for me to do this without dh? as it will be me that ultimatly makes the decision as i will be driving more than dh and if i say no the we walk away hehe whats a fair price without taking the p*ss for this car? thanks already for the replys, they are helping me x

TokochickUK

well i recieved a reply from mr dom littlewood

Hi Sus,

i have forwarded your email on to the TV production company "Flame tv" so you might get a phone call from them. If not then my basic advice would be to offer a lot lower than you would like to get it for. don't be shy to do it as whatever you ask for in the way of a discount they will always get you up on the price. try on pay no more than £8000 so when you put an offer in go for say £7500 and let them negotiate a bit. always be cheeky NOT rude, have fun and make the whole experience fun. when you have the price down to a figure you are happy with push for any extras free of charge, for example car mats, car mud flaps, a tank full of petrol and a years free road tax. you may not get them all but its worth trying...................Good luck.
Lotsofluv

Dom

Going to see what i can do now lol, i will give the company a call in a few days.
thanks in advance
sus x

plane_boy2000

Have you considered the Hyundai Trajet? I think it is more or less the same car, but having a quick look £9K will get you quite a new one - maybe a 54 / 05 plate, but the key thing is they were offered new with a tranferable 5 year warranty! If you bought one at 2.5 years old you wil still have 2.5 years of manufacturers warranty left.

s-j-cooper_2

I have been looking at Zafiras and you could get a pretty new one at that price. Our local dealer just sold an 05 plate for £9500 (or maybe less, that was the advertised price!). I am gutted that I just missed out on it!

TokochickUK

we looked at the zafiras, tourans, sharan, galaxy, and even the chrysler and the sedona kinda won us over, for all round practical use. three car seats, two adults, big enough to comfortably tow caravan for dh, and when i go away to race meetings i can take all seats out of the back and have more than enough room to sleep inside for the bad weather days. sliding doors, great for parking with again car seats and toddlers lol, ds1 is just potty training ( there is enough room between seats in vehicle for travel potty) these are just a few of the good points along with even with all seats up there is enough room for my double buggy. today we purchased a kia sedona used 03 plate registration jan 04 49000 miles on the clock limited edition, with alloys privacy glass, a number of other extras in excellent condition for £7100! im happy lol

DavidHM

03 plate registration jan 04

Sounds like quite a good deal but if it is 03 plate, first registered 2004, then either it is an import or it has a personal plate on it, because it should be 53 plate.