another stupid car question

I saw a used car I want at a dealership. Not many miles on it. 17K. I want to pay cash. I've never bought a used car before. Can you negotiate with a dealership on a used car for a lower price, just like new cars, or are they less likely to move from their set price. Just asking.

but bring whatever research you have with you.

And don't tell the salesman you're going to pay cash before you get the price in writing. If he thinks you're going to buy on credit (and make more money off of you), he'll be more flexible with price.

because they expect to have to come down some.

The most important thing to do (and you already know this as an attorney) is to come armed with the facts. Find out what these usually sell for, and be prepared to walk away if you don't get your price, even if you love the car. Dealers have been known to change their minds very quickly when I turn my back on them after hearing "no." On the other hand, sometimes they don't change their mind, and I just keep walking.

I always, always prefer to work with private parties (not brokers) out of the classifieds. Better prices, and the car has usually been treated better. The previous owner is the best resource for a car's history. If you do call out of the classifieds, make sure to ask, pointedly, if they are a broker or a private party. If they say broker, run away.

There's a higher profit margin on used cars than on new ones, so dealers are more willing to haggle with you. Find out the Blue Book value and make an offer that's lower than what you're willing to pay. Be sure to flash the cash as well. That gets the salespeople salivating.

Was very, very flexible. I gave them my price (about $3k off theirs) and they bit. Also a used car, and it was about 15 or 17% of a reduction in price. Of course, the car, the time of year, trending, etc all account significantly in the price, from what I understand.

We paid cash for a used truck at a dealer about 5 years ago. It was one of their advertised used trucks. We went it, checked it out and offered them less. They said no thanks, and we walked. The salesman and his manager called us at home later that evening. We offered the same amount we'd offered earlier in the day and they said no. We told them to go blow.

A few weeks later, they advertised the truck again. For less than what we offered. We went in and bought it.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be ready for them

Loads of wiggle room on used cars...what model? What are they asking?

It's a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS 4WD with only 30K miles and dealer advertises he wants 17. Sounds within my range.

the Bluebook price for that thing ranges from $12-15,000, so you've got a lot of room to negotiate.

The sticker on a new one is around 23 grand or so, so it's a good deal, 'specially if you've still got the 100,000 mile warranty.

go to kelley blue book.

For a

2003 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS Sport Utility 4D with 30k miles

the expected dealer STARTING price is $17,335

but the private value price is $14,905 which means you could buy it from someone off the street for that.

Both those prices are for them being in EXCELLENT condition with no problems.

The trade in value though is $12,600

So the dealer is asking 17, he probably paid 12 or 13. Cut the difference and offer 15 flat, saying you know he's making money on it. I bet you can get it for under 16 if you're a good haggler.

in negotiating seeing as how you are going to pay cash. As others have said, see if they'll come down on the price.

say no way, whip out the cash and ask them again!

Go to http://www.kbb.com

search for the car you are looking at. You can put in milage, quality of the car, etc. It gives you a few prices. Fair trade in value, expected retail from a dealer, and private party.

The private value is lower than the dealers. Whatever they are at, start at the private value, and negotiate their price down.

You can get values for new and used cars on the site, for free, no signup.

that the salesmen can't breach. When you negotiate with a salesman you are negotiating his commission. Here's what I do when I'm in the market for a used vehicle or boat; I have a friend who has a dealer's license. When I want a car I get with him and we go to the auto auction. There are several large ones around here. I pick one out, let him do the bidding and give him a few bucks after all is said and done. That way I know I didn't spend way too much lining some slick salesman's pockets and I know I helped a friend who helped me.

When they're trying to make their goal or quota or whatever. They won't want you to leave with your money.