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Author: Subject: Used car sales
liam.mccaffrey

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:02 PM Reply With Quote
Used car sales

Going to buy a used car this week (not private) and not having bartered much before I was wondering what sort of margins these guys work to.

are they more likely to succumb if i have a fistful of cash or a cheque?

Any advice appreciated

I have only bought relatively worthless bangers before and this would be my first 'proper car'





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Howlor

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:06 PM Reply With Quote
Just do your homework. Find out what the going rate is then barter. Unless it's a real gem then be prepared to walk away and see what result you get. You should be getting at least 8-10% off in this climate.

Steve

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will121

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:16 PM Reply With Quote
as above do your home work is the best bet, dependant on how much you are looking to spend, look in auto trader web site and get some ideas, i know some one with a car lot and at the moment would find it hard to turn away any offers, best thing is look around do set you heart on a specific car and make a offer be prepared to leave the dealer your number and walk away.
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BenB

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:29 PM Reply With Quote
I'd make it obvious from the offset that you're looking to buy and that it's between their car and one or two others (ie make it obvious that you're not just a day dreamer but you're not desperate to buy their particular car). Have a good shoofty at it and point out any problems it's got (preferably take those off your offer price too). Offer a reasonable price (considering the fact that nobody is buying), leave your number with them and ask them to ring you back....
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Wadders

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:46 PM Reply With Quote
If your after something fairly new, go to the auctions and cut out the middle man.
we have a Manheim near us, and its fit to burst, consequently prices are rock bottom.
A lot of the never stuff is one owner, full history etc and guaranteed HPI clear, so you can't go far wrong.

as an example an 08 plate focus went through last week for £3800

Al.












Originally posted by liam.mccaffrey
Going to buy a used car this week (not private) and not having bartered much before I was wondering what sort of margins these guys work to.

are they more likely to succumb if i have a fistful of cash or a cheque?

Any advice appreciated

I have only bought relatively worthless bangers before and this would be my first 'proper car'







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mookaloid

posted on 30/11/08 at 02:48 PM Reply With Quote
I would give car auctions a good look.

That's where a lot of these traders get their cars from and then they add their margin after hiding all the problems.

If you buy form the same source as them you get a cheaper car and you get to see it before it's had the 'treatment'

Just go along to a few auctions to work out what's going on before actually buying anything and have a good look over say 2 or 3 cars at the auction which you are interested in then stick to those.

take a price guide book and if you can can take someone who is experienced at auctions.

Have confidence in your ability to spot a lemon - take your time and choose carefully and you should be ok.

The worst that can happen is you do pick a lemon - all you do is polish it up and put it back in the next auction to get most - if not all of your money back.

Good luck

Mark





"That thing you're thinking - it wont be that."


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mr henderson

posted on 30/11/08 at 04:17 PM Reply With Quote
Dealers buy at the lowest possible price, and sell at the highest possible price, and exist on the margin in between. They hate their margin being reduced by aftersales problems, so tend avoid any obligations their customers may feel they have.

There are many reasons why people buy from dealers, but no good reasons

John






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JoelP

posted on 30/11/08 at 04:23 PM Reply With Quote
thirded auctions, rock bottom. My mate saw a 55 plate mondeo for 2.5k a few weeks back.

I got my van at Manheim, Alan!

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