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You’ve found the car of your dreams, and
it's time to strike the deal. Dealers and some
private sellers have a lot of experience
negotiating, but you likely don’t. Arm
yourself!
Before you negotiate:
1. Determine what a fair price for the vehicle
might be: Look at used-car pricing guides such
as Edmunds.com, Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com),
and NADA. (National Automobile Dealers
Association) Appraisal Guides (nadaguides.com).
2. Have sufficient cash or make financing
arrangements with your credit union ahead of
time.
3. Calculate how much you can afford based on
your budget. Decide to walk out if the seller
exceeds your limit.
4. Have an expert check out the car, even if
you have to pay for an inspection. Organize
your notes from:
* The expert
* Your test-drive
* The car's history and maintenance.
5. Ask an experienced car owner to go with
you. Agree that if this person says you should
leave, you leave.
What else?
· Only agree to negotiate with a person with
whom you feel comfortable;
· Look at it as a business transaction;
· Be prepared to spend at least an hour
negotiating.
Decide ahead of time that you’ll leave if
you get tired or hungry. Your hunger and
fatigue are power chips for the seller.
Your power chips are endurance and a
willingness to walk.
Are you ready? Let the negotiations begin!
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