The Art of Negotiation: How to Get the Best Deal on Your Next Pre-Owned Car

Written by Certified Headquarters on September 5, 2024. Posted in Blog, Tips and Tricks

Negotiating the price of a car can be daunting, but with the right strategies and knowledge, you can secure a great deal. Here at Certified Headquarters, a trusted pre-owned car dealership in St. James, NY, we understand the importance of transparency and getting a fair price.

1. Do Your Research

   • Know your vehicle: Research the specific make, model, and year of car you’re interested in. Understand its features, options, and average market value in the pre-owned market. Websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can be valuable resources.
   • Check our inventory: Browse our extensive selection of high-quality pre-owned vehicles online at https://www.certifiedheadquarters.com/used-cars/ to get a feel for what we offer and narrow down your choices before visiting us.

2. Set a Budget

   • Determine your affordability: Figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car, including the monthly payments, insurance, and maintenance costs.
   • Stick to your budget: Be firm with your budget and don’t let a salesperson pressure you into spending more than you can afford.

3. Consider Financing Options

   • Pre-approval: Get pre-approved for a car loan from a bank or credit union before visiting dealerships. This gives you more negotiating power and can help you secure a better interest rate.
   • We can help: At Certified Headquarters, we have a dedicated finance team ready to assist you in finding the best financing solution for your needs.

4. Visit Multiple Dealerships

   • Shop around: Visit several dealerships in your area to compare prices and negotiate. This can help you find the best deal on a pre-owned car.
   • Leverage competition: Use the information you gather from different dealerships to negotiate a better price with us.

5. Start Low and Be Patient

   • Offer less: When negotiating, start with a lower offer than you’re willing to pay. This gives you room to negotiate and reach a mutually agreeable price on your pre-owned vehicle.
   • Be patient: Don’t rush into a deal. Take your time and be patient during the negotiation process at Certified Headquarters.

6. Be Prepared to Walk Away

   Don’t be afraid to leave: If you’re not satisfied with the deal, be prepared to walk away. Sometimes, the threat of losing a sale can motivate a dealer to offer a better price for your chosen pre-owned car.

7. Consider Additional Costs

   Negotiate extras: Don’t forget to negotiate the price of additional options or accessories, such as extended warranties or paint protection.