3 ms·

Actually, never trade in your existing car at the dealer where you make your new purchase (unless you are a skilled negotiator). Typically, whatever discounts y

• basseq 10y ago
  Alternatively, have another offer in hand. CarMax is a good way to establish a minimum quickly and easily. You can always get more in the private market, but you should weigh the trade-offs in speed of transaction. (E.g., I could spend 10 hours and the next 2 weeks posting on Craigslist and dealing with people and get $12k, or I could sell to the dealer now for $10k. That might be worth it to me.) I've done this a couple times: the first time the dealer came back with a better number, and I took it. The second time the dealer was way low and I sold on the private market for 100% more. The real key is to separate out variables. Negotiate only on the bottom-line cash value of the car(s), and know when to walk. Last car I bought, the dealer tried to play hardball and told me there was another individual looking to purchase the same vehicle for more. I told them to take the other offer, and put my coat on. I should have gone over and introduced myself to the other guy.
  • 15155 10y ago
    > was another individual looking to purchase the same vehicle for more The idea that a car is a scarce good is a fundamental ruse that car dealers have been establishing for decades. The car would be at an auction somewhere, not a car lot, if it were actually a scarce item. Never fall for the "it's going to sell fast!" story. Great. So it does sell fast, there'll be another truckload of them next week.