Look Who it Was Random video

Negotiating the Best Deal for Your Car

1,725 views · Published 12 September 2013 · 1:57 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: Car Coach Reports · 2013 · Autos & Vehicles

Watch on YouTube

Buying a car and getting a great deal can be frustrating or exhilarating. In this edition of Car Coach, YNN's Lauren Fix offers some negotiating tips to get a better price.

1. Don't negotiate. Tell the salesperson or sales manager that you'll sign the paperwork if they can meet your price. Politely decline any counter-offers, give them your phone number and leave.

2. Follow-up on an hour before closing time. Call and ask to speak with the salesperson you've spoken to before. Remind them you're a buyer when they meet your figure, but that they shouldn't waste your time if they won't. If your offer is possible, the opportunity to do one more deal before the end of the day might compel them to work with you.

3. Follow-up on the last day of the month. The pressure to close deals by sales managers are often the reason they will make a deal before the month ends. A deal that didn't make sense on the 25th might make sense on the 31st if the month hasn't met expectations.

4. Follow-up on days that have had terrible weather. A major snowstorm, a day of wind and rain, etc. can dramatically affect car sales. Call and remind the salesperson or manager that you're happy to come down when they meet your offer.

5. Check with other dealers in your area and online. With the internet and a phone you can shop around once you know what vehicle you want to purchase. Visit a couple of other dealers in your area. Make sure they have the car you want, and then give them their mission.

6. Know what a car is worth. If you're buying a new car, Edmunds.com and TrueCar.com provide pricing and incentives. If you're buying a used car, KBB.com is a great resource for values.

7. Secure your own financing. A great way to avoid the drama in the finance office is to get a loan from your local credit union. However, if you're buying a new car and you want to take advantage of a special interest rate (like 0%), you're going to have to work with the dealership's finance person. If you've got bad credit, the dealership finance office may be able to help you out.

8. Always be polite. This is a business deal where both parties want to be happy. There is no need to be nasty, rude or threatening. If the deal isn't good, thank them and walk out. This politeness goes both ways, expect a handshake and for the sales person to look you in the eyes and treat you with respect too.

You should know that dealerships are now frequently paid on their overall customer satisfaction scores. Polite and courteous customers are far more likely to give a dealership a positive review, and dealers know it. If a dealer earns poor ratings or a lousy review on the manufacturer's satisfaction survey it will impact the dealer.

Courtesy of YNN/Time Warner Cable
Aired: 9/12/2013

Sign up for Lauren's FREE monthly newsletter @ http://eepurl.com/CBl_z
Lauren's website: http://www.laurenfix.com
Follow me: @ http://twitter.com/laurenfix
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lauren.Fix.The.Car.Coach
Lauren's Blog: http://laurenfix.blogspot.com

More from this channel