First and foremost, be prepared. Find the car you want, and research it. Print the blue book values. There are three prices to be concerned about; retail, wholesale, and trade-in. Have them all for the car you want. Now that you know the value, it is time to set your price. Write down the highest price you are willing to pay for your new …show more content…
Selling cars is their business, never forget that. Look closely at the wiring for splices, new wires, and loose or disconnected plugs. These are all signs of backyard mechanics and wannabe customizers. Professional mechanics are trained to install components and leave a factory stock look. Check the fluid levels. The oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid should all be full. If any are low check again for leaks. Smell the transmission fluid, if it smells burnt the transmission may be about to fail and I wouldn't recommend buying the car. Transmission repairs can easily exceed $2,000 on some of today's cars. Don't forget to look at the tires. Uneven tread on one side or the other could mean either alignment problems or a damaged front end. Low tread on both outside edges are a sign of low pressure and could mean a slow leak. Look for cracked sidewalls, a sun dried tire is …show more content…
Let your negotiator go first. Be sure he takes it on the highway. Driving around town is nice and may be all you need it for, but slow speed can mask a myriad of problems only found at highway speed. If it doesn't perform well, don't buy it. If it passes your negotiators test drive and you are both happy with the condition of the car, it is time to make your decision whether or not to buy the car. Once the decision is made, go on your test drive and enjoy yourself. While you are driving the car your negotiator needs to earn his keep. He needs to work hard on the salesman to get a lower price. Negotiating a good deal can take as much as an entire day. All the information you two have gathered needs to come to bear on the salesman. When you get back, be prepared to leave without the car. The salesman knows there is an 80% chance you will not return and will do anything to stop you. Be prepared for his "best deal" and if it isn't what you decided on before you walked on the lot leave now. Eventually the salesman will get his supervisor. Be careful, he is a master at closing the sale. Stick to your guns and wait for the deal you