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nirol · 11-30-2003, 12:30 PM

Dont be shy of dealerships, just do all your homework first. The dealership may be able to sell for a lower price than a private owner is willing to accept, they get the cars on trade-in usually. This means they buy wholesale, and like to sell retail, your objective is to buy as close to wholesale as possible.
Look up the price for the vehicle you would like, know what the problems for that model are, and take any top prospects to a mechanic to check out. The guys at the dealership are just trying to make as much money for as little effort as possible ( I do the same at my job). They dont know anything more about the vehicle than you most likely, assume the worst and thoroughly examine the car. Go to your credit union or bank and get pre-approved for financing, negotiate with the dealership on the bottom line, not monthly payments. Try shopping towards the end of the month, salespeople are paid based on commision and units sold, every month the dealership has to pay for financing the cars on the lot, so they have incentive to reach down a bit.
The gold NADA book of used car prices is a good guide, prices are more "real time" than Kelley's or Edmunds.
Good Luck

11-30-2003, 12:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
nirol Crazy Location: South East US	Dont be shy of dealerships, just do all your homework first. The dealership may be able to sell for a lower price than a private owner is willing to accept, they get the cars on trade-in usually. This means they buy wholesale, and like to sell retail, your objective is to buy as close to wholesale as possible. Look up the price for the vehicle you would like, know what the problems for that model are, and take any top prospects to a mechanic to check out. The guys at the dealership are just trying to make as much money for as little effort as possible ( I do the same at my job). They dont know anything more about the vehicle than you most likely, assume the worst and thoroughly examine the car. Go to your credit union or bank and get pre-approved for financing, negotiate with the dealership on the bottom line, not monthly payments. Try shopping towards the end of the month, salespeople are paid based on commision and units sold, every month the dealership has to pay for financing the cars on the lot, so they have incentive to reach down a bit. The gold NADA book of used car prices is a good guide, prices are more "real time" than Kelley's or Edmunds. Good Luck __________________ 'Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and remove all doubt. Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)