How to Negotiate With a Car Salesman

Although the best way to deal with a car salesman is to not negotiate with them, here are a few tips on how to deal with their negotiation banter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A stick to your guns attitude
• Composure
• The ability to walk away

1. Before stepping foot on the car lot make sure you have researched the vehicle or vehicles you are interested in purchasing. Car salesman will sometimes throw facts and figures at you to back up why they won't go any lower on the price.
   For example:
   You: I have seen this vehicle priced two thousand dollars less in another state.
   Salesman: That is because vehicles made and sold in that particular state are made with parts that have been damaged and refurbished or are second hand.
   You: I have researched the facility where it is for sale and they do not use refurbished parts.
2. After you have found the vehicle you want to purchase and have researched the blue book price as well as what other vehicles of the same make and model with similar features are selling for, make an offer. The offer can be verbal. Do not let a salesman tell you at any time during the negotiation that an offer has to be made in writing. You don't have to sign a thing until you have agreed on a final price.
3. If you are given a counter offer and it is more than you want to spend and you are positive you have given a fair offer with your initial offer, do not budge. They may use a tactic such as "I have another salesman who just informed me that there is another buyer for this vehicle and they are going to pay our asking price. If you don't agree to that price right now I will have to let the other customer have it.
   At this point walk away. There are other car lots that will have the same or similar vehicle.
4. Check back in a few days if you are still interested in the vehicle. If it is still there then offer your first offer again. If it refused the second time take your business elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Shop for cars towards the end of the month. The salesman may need to meet a monthly quota and will be more likely to take a lower offer.
• If you have your heart set on a particular car and the salesman won't budge from the price try telling them you will accept the offer if they give free oil changes for the life of the car or extend the warranty for 6 more months.
• Don't be afraid to walk away. Some salesmen will call back and accept your first offer if they think they have truly lost the sale.