Haggling tips?

[Anxtroferukao]

I'm 19 with only about 3.5k loan (authorized 6.5 but can't afford the payments for that amount.)
buying a 2002 chevy cavolier 110k miles at 3,995$

I'm paying it all up-front from a dealer hoping to drop him down. I know he didn't pay more than 2k for it how far do you think i can get him to go, what's the best way to haggle

and most of all do you think that it's a good car, my dad had a 96 that was excellent low maintenance and great fuel efficiency. I'm thinking that newer models might be less efficient to aide the great gas-price scam.

All advice welcome, thanks!

[rob2uk]

Top 10 tips on haggling

* Remember haggling is a game and is meant to be fun

* Don’t be rude or lose your temper or you turn the haggle into an argument

* Be reasonable – the vendor needs to make some profit

* Make sure it is appropriate to haggle or you will only end up looking cheap. Flea markets are okay; the grocery store is unlikely to be

* Try and research the price of the item you are going to haggle on beforehand by looking in other local shops or online if practical

* Decide how much you are willing to pay before you start haggling. Start with a lower price so that you can move upwards as part of the negotiations. A rule of thumb is that you should start at about half what the vendor asks and expect to pay a third less

* Point out any imperfections before you start as this will help you get a better price

* Dress down when you go out haggling. Wearing a Rolex or large diamond ring won’t help your case, as the vendor will know you can afford to pay the full price

* Don’t be afraid to walk out and say you will try another store – most of the time the vendor will follow you with a better offer

* And finally, never become attached to something you want to haggle on – you need to be prepared to walk away empty-handed.

[Kim R]

Try to find a car that's for sale by a private party because there is always a markup at a dealer, and you'll end up paying too much no matter how good you are at haggling. Paying all cash up front is helpful, though. Check www.kbb.com to see what the car is really worth. If it's close to the sales price, you won't be able to haggle much, unless you can find something "wrong" with the car that would cost you down the road (worn tires, squeaky brakes, bad a/c, torn seats, etc.).

[FuzzyDoggie]

First do a blue book search on its true worth, and pick an amount lower than that. He'll say no, of course. He may drop the price a little, then be prepared to make another offer.

The end result will be that you will be paying a little bit over book. When that number is arrived at or close to, say that you will be paying by certified check for the total amount. That will help him agree to it.

Get dad to help with the haggling. The salesperson will be less apt to try to take advantage of him than you. I know that's not fair, but it's just the way it is.

Good luck!!!

[tenofeight]

When you haggle prices it helps to know the value of the car based on "book" value, such as Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com).

It might be that the seller is already asking a fair price, based on book value. If he's asking more, show him your pricing research and get him to lower his price. If he's asking less, find out why.

The value of a car is based on it's actual condition. You should get a mechanic to check the car out so that you know what you're actually buying. Don't take the word of the seller.

Used cars are sold "as-is" which means you can't take it back if you find problems later.