Used Car - main dealer says no price flexibility

Midget_Karen

I've found a car I'd like to buy at just over £7k, from a main Ford dealer. Drove a different car at that dealer on Friday, went back and drove this one today, then talked with the Salesman afterwards about insurances, extras etc.

Then when it came to crunch time and I asked what he could do on the main price, he said they don't negotiate on main price (said something about because that price is available on the internet but I didn't quite get what).

I think that sounds a bit odd, I thought all used car places inflate the price with the expectation of a bit of a haggle, even if it's only a few hundred pounds. He wanted me to put a deposit on it today, but I haven't.

So the question is, is it possible that he's actually telling me the truth, or just trying to take advantage of the fact that I'm a female buying a car on my own when I clearly don't have that much knowledge of cars or their true values?

How much would you expect to negotiate from a car at £7k?

scotsbob

The fact that he let you walk away would suggest he isn't going to haggle.
If a salesman realises that you are a serious buyer they won't let you escape from the premises easily.

leosayer

In my experience, it's best to make them an offer and be prepared to walk away if the don't meet it.

Ultimately you have to decide whether the car is worth what they're asking or not. If it's worth £7k then pay it. Would you prefer to buy the same car for £8k after negotiating a £500 discount?

Midget_Karen

I am a serious buyer - I could buy it outright now. I think the problem is that he knows that so is just intending to get full price from me. And I might have looked like I believed him when he said he couldn't drop the price at all.

Now I'm thinking I should have looked a bit more disbelieving at the time......

Jvic28

If he's let you walk away and doesn't contact you to chase you up it's unlikely he can move on the price. They're under a lot of pressure to deal and if a deal was possible with a haggle he would have.

With regards to what it's worth, look around for what it would cost you from other places. Simples.

robatwork

Decide what it's worth to you (eg 6500).

Then tell the salesman that is what you are prepared to offer - also "no haggling".

Then walk away if he doesn't meet your price. Or perhaps your price will be 7000?

funkycoldribena

Give us some more details on the car,year,model etc.

LondonGal

I think phoning around a few other garages for a price on the same car, same spec, etc.... is sensible. You'll have a pretty good idea then whether or not the salesperson is being honest. Like you I'd be skeptical, I've never bought a car without haggling in the past 35 years.

System

I think that sounds a bit odd, I thought all used car places inflate the price with the expectation of a bit of a haggle, even if it's only a few hundred pounds.

Not always, a good example in my area is Fords of Winsford. The price you see is the price you pay, no haggling.

Nodding_Donkey

People wind me up when they want a discount 'just because'. It's a different matter if there is a reason, e.g. faults that weren't mentioned in the advert, but if the car is as described they are just chancers.

gilbert_and_sullivan

Unless its a specialist or rare model there must be dozens of the things for sale elsewhere, if you think you can do better go buy another one.

If you want cheaper and some real haggling buy privately, you'll save a lot more that way.