Haggling on used car

TDMum

Hi, hoping someone can help please. We're about to buy a new (to us car) and wondered if its worthwhile looking over budget with hope that we can haggle down to what we can afford?
We have an 03 plate 2l diesel Citroen c8 which has definitely seen better days. A couple of months ago a main dealer quoted £700 trade in value. I'm guessing this will have gone down now. There are a few lights on the dash and we've been quoted £550-£700 to get it fixed by a Citroen garage, this includes labour costs. The mot is due mid sep and tax is due end of sep.

We have saved £4000 so have that amount in cash plus our car so is there a chance we could look at the higher £4's-5k in hope of striking a deal? We've been looking at mpvs around the 2007-2008 age.

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks.

DUTR

The worst the seller can do is say no. If you don't ask you don't get. Chances are the vehicle will be advertised at a price to include dropping a little.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Before you get rid of the present vehicle have you searched out a good Citroen independent specialist indy.

You might find he can sort your car out properly for far less than the main dealer will (who usually throw new parts at it willy nilly and repair/overhaul nothing), it might have another good couple of years in it yet, alternatively if its fixed even if its got to go then running properly with no warning lights it will sell for a fair price on the usual sites then you have real haggling room.

Devil you know and all that.

mad_rich

Have a look for the cars you're looking at on Honest John

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/used-prices/

It will give you a range of prices to expect from a main dealer/ independent/ private sale/ trade in value.

oliverr

Your best bet of getting some money off the price is either at a main dealer or independent garage though the main dealer will usually be more expensive in the first place. Car supermarkets will often have a better price but they are usually no haggling like at Cargiant for example.

Considering your budget is £4,000 I would say cars up to the value of £4,500 you will be able to get in your budget plus £500 odd for your part exchange.

TDMum

Thanks everyone.
Had a wee look around today but nothing really grabbed us. Planning a road trip mid week when we're off work to see if we can find anything. Is all well and good IF you can find a car to haggle over