Buying from a dealer - what to bid?

Henry_Blofeld

I'm on the verge of buying a car that's listed at £6,500. It's up with a relatively well known dealer that has numerous branches and advertises etc i.e. Not a one man band.

They know that I have an alternative in mind that's a similar spec and similarly priced.

What's the sensible opening gambit of a bid here and what should I expect to get off a £6,500 list price in the end? I've know idea how this industry works so any advice much appreciated!

neilmcl

There's no such thing as a "sensible" offer, if you want to make a cheeky bid then go ahead, they can always say no. Until you start the ball rolling they won't be moving off the sticker price.

George333

Knowing who the dealer is would help some price them to sell and won't discount.

Henry_Blofeld

George333 wrote: »

Knowing who the dealer is would help some price them to sell and won't discount.

Evans Halshaw mate.

The other is a local independent (which I still might go with).

Not sure whether haggling whilst there or later over the phone is rhe way to go.

neilmcl

Henry_Blofeld wrote: »

Evans Halshaw mate.

The other is a local independent (which I still might go with).

Not sure whether haggling whilst there or later over the phone is rhe way to go.

If you're going to haggle always do it in person and don't do the usual "what's the lowest you'll take", you'll get nowhere with that.

Henry_Blofeld

neilmcl wrote: »

If you're going to haggle always do it in person and don't do the usual "what's the lowest you'll take", you'll get nowhere with that.

Cheers - will defo go in with a number then. I was thinking 400 off the price as an opening gambit.

martinthebandit

Evans Halshaw? Do they still try to add a £99 admin fee at the last minute?

Personally I'd go for the other similar car.

loskie

whatever the case REFUSE to pay the admin fee, walk if they will not drop it.
Admin fees are an absolute rip off.

The_Rainmaker

OP unless you know the market how do you know whether it is well priced?

£1 off a car priced at £6,500 is better that £1,000 off a car priced at £7,500.

Alfrescodave

As an alternative to a cash off agreement, why not consider other options such as full tank of fuel, 1 years free service and MOT etc.
I once agreed for parking sensors to be added to seal a deal.

citysave

Henry_Blofeld wrote: »

I'm on the verge of buying a car that's listed at £6,500. It's up with a relatively well known dealer that has numerous branches and advertises etc i.e. Not a one man band.

They know that I have an alternative in mind that's a similar spec and similarly priced.

What's the sensible opening gambit of a bid here and what should I expect to get off a £6,500 list price in the end? I've know idea how this industry works so any advice much appreciated!

Are they auctioning it?

If so, it's usually the auctioneer that sets the opening bid, although that is sometimes prompted by an experienced punter if the auctioneer is struggling to attract any bid.

I'd suggest you keep quiet until the bidding starts. Even if no one else chips in, the auctioneer will usually start at well below what would be acceptable just to get the bidding started. If the bidding doesn't reach the reserve, the item is usually withdrawn (and re-entered again later, sometimes the same day, sometimes not until the next auction date)