Buying a used car can save you loads over the price of a new comparable car.  Follow these tips to make sure you don’t get taken for a ride.

1.  Have a plan

Do some research first.  Narrow down your search by looking online at multiple dealers, private party sellers, etc.  Compare the prices and know about what the vehicle is selling for both at dealers and via private party.

2.  Know What You Want

Have all the features you need planned out ahead of time.  If you have a few kids, a third row seat may be needed, know how many miles you put on the car, etc.

3.  Do All Research and Shopping Online From Home, Not at the Dealership

There are way to many places online to research and find exactly what you need.  Don’t waste time by going into the dealership until you have narrowed down your search.  Look at the local dealers and find out which ones have cars you are looking for.

4.  Go to All of the Dealerships and Look before Making Any Offer

Check out all the vehicles on your list.  Get a asking price for all of them.  Since you know what you need, the salesman shouldn’t be able to ask you all the probing questions.  How many kids do you have, how much do you drive, etc should all be avoided.  Never let the salesman know if you are out of a car at the moment.  You want to stay clear of anything that makes you look like you can’t walk away.

5.  Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away

Even if you are in love with the car and know its the one for you, don’t be afraid to walk away.  Use your research to your advantage.  Let the salesman know that a comparable vehicle can be had elsewhere for less money.  If they don’t budge, walk away.  There are tons of cars on the market, you’re bound to find a similar one again.  Stay calm and don’t let the salesman get you.  Walk away.

6.  Leave Emotion Behind

Whenever you are shopping for a big ticket item, always leave emotion behind.  If you are sitting in front of your dream car, don’t let them know you fell in love.  If they know you want or need the car badly, they know they can probably get you for more money.  Keep a neutral face and attitude.  Let them know its the right car, but it needs to be the right price.

7.  Don’t Be Afraid to Be Rude

Salesman usually are, at least when it comes to getting the price down.  Being rude can show them you mean business and you are not going to tolerate the typical nonsense.  You are not there to make friends, you are there to get the best possible price on a very expensive purchase.  Again, don’t let emotion get in the way.  You only care about you, not how much the salesman makes in commission.  They will always say we can’t go any lower.  Its a lie.  Used cars have much more margin than new so there is much more leg room to negotiate.

Follow these steps and you will hopefully be on your way to a new set of wheels.