Tricks of the trade
Buying a used car privately can be a daunting prospect. However, even some car salesman also use certain tricks to increase their sales. We help you find out some of the more common ones.
First of all, it’s important to understand that this article does not in any way, shape or form describe how each and every car dealer operates. However, there are a small percentage of dealers out there that will use the odd trick to persuade you to part with your hard earned cash. We’ve described the most common ones below:
1. Attractive advertising price
In this scenario the dealer will advertise a car at a very attractive price. However, when you show up to view the car you will be told that the car has been sold. The idea is to then try to sell you a similar but more expensive car. The simplest way to avoid this is to call up the dealer first and ask whether the car is still for sale. You could even ask them to email or fax you a signed document stating that the car is still for sale at that particular time, date and price.
2. Small fee per month
Buying a car is not cheap and dealers know this. This is why they may try to get you to focus on a small monthly fee rather than paying the overall cost price outright. £250 per month will always sound better than £12,500 when you’re looking at a car you really like but that you can’t realistically afford. Dealers can always find ways of reducing the monthly payment level yet not reducing the overall price. For example, they can offer you less for your trade-in or simply extend the length of the loan. You should always try and keep to your overall budget and base it against the actual cost of the car. Treat every part of the transaction as separate parts and negotiate separately on each one.
3. Pressing the right buttons
An experienced salesman will have analysed you from the first moment they see you. They will see what type of car you are looking at and based on a few questions they’ll know what your “hot buttons” are and how to press them. For example, if are looking to trade your old car as part of a deal then the dealer will know you already have a price in mind for your car and they will offer you what you want for it. However, he will not be doing this for your benefit, in fact he’ll simply raise the price of the car you are looking to buy. If they know you want to pay in fixed instalments then they will work out an agreement that fits your monthly budget but will do this by extending the loan period. Again, look at treating each part of the transaction separately. Try to not let the dealer bundle everything in a single agreement.
5. Questioning your own valuation of your car
If you’re looking to trade in your vehicle against the purchase of a new one then the dealer may well offer you considerably less for your car. Firstly, they want to know if you’re desperate (excuse the pun) enough to take their offer. At the very least they will hope that this offer will make you question your valuation of your car. As the dealer increases their offer it becomes more attractive to you even though you still won’t be offered your original asking price. You need to keep a strong head. As long as you have the right valuation for your car then you’re still in a position of power. You can get a valuation for your car using our free valuation tool. If the dealer does not offer you close to your own valuation then simply move on to the next dealer.
In conclusion, the most important thing is to know exactly what you want for your car and are prepared to pay for your new one. It is vital that you do your research as car buyers that are ill informed frequently get confused and readily accept whatever it is a car dealer has to say.
The chances are high that you will not have any negative experience when dealing with a dealer, especially any dealers listed on the DesperateSeller.co.uk website. A dealer has to build their business on repeat business and recommendations as these are key to successful selling.
