back to part II

Negotiating the deal
Often when you use a proper negotiation technique you can get a reasonable discount. Here are a few proven tips:
1. Start negotiating from the beginning. Try to get a discount from the very first time you phone about the car. If they ask for $15,000, ask them if it's worth to come if the $14,500 is your bottom line, considering that you are the real buyer. Usually they won't say "No", which means that when you come, you can start negotiating down from $14,500, not from $15,000
2. Negotiate the total price. Dealers always like to add something to the top of the sticker price. Ask for a total price "on the road" and use it for a negotiation.
3. Make a lower offer. Don't be afraid to make a lower offer. If they are asking $15,000, offer $13,000. If the salesperson believes you will really buy a car, he/she will go down in price, and maybe you will then get the car for $13,800 or thereabouts.
4. Be ready to leave if you feel any pressure or if you have any hesitations about the car - there are so many other cars available. You don't have to decide immediately. Do not give a deposit or sign anything until you are absolutely satisfied with the car and conditions.
5. Nothing works better than competition. Let's say you have two cars on your list that you're interested in. Show it to the salesperson and say you will buy a car from whomever gives you the better price. For example, if one of the salespersons offers you a $500 discount, phone to another dealer on your list and ask them if they can match it.
6. Whatever is promised by a dealer, ask to confirm in writing. Negotiate all the details of the deal. If the dealer promises to install new tires, make sure you agree on what kind of tires - cheapest available or of well known brand like Michelin or Goodyear. If there is some kind of warranty that comes with the car, make sure you understand all terms and condition. If the dealer promises to show you all service records, make sure you check them before you pay for a car.

Legal aspects of buying a car
Many questions may come up when buying a used car such as how to transfer the ownership, how to write a bill of sales, how to register the car from another state or province, what papers are required to register the vehicle, the owner's and buyer's responsibilities, etc. Because each province or state may have different laws and requirements for the sales transaction of the car, it is best to call your local vehicle registration office or Department of Motor Vehicles, or legal authorities. You can find respective website following the link: Vehicle Registration Authorities Websites for Canada and the USA.

Buying an extended warranty
Definitely consider buying an extended warranty if you are planning to buy one of those expensive-to-keep cars such as, for example, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volkswagen or Volvo. One option is to buy an extended warranty from a dealer when you buying a car.
Another, and often less expensive option, is to buy directly from an extended warranty company. You can buy it on-line. There are few reputable companies providing extended warranty and Warranty Direct is one of them.

Do's and Don'ts when buying a Used Car Do Check a used car history report This does not give you a 100% warranty that the car is OK, but may save you some money if it will show you some bad records, for example, if the car was written off after an accident or has had an odometer rolled back.
Do ask someone knowledgeable to inspect the car for you; it may save you a lot of money.
Don't buy a car after a serious accident - especially following a frontal collision. You wouldn't believe how many possible problems may arise later as a result of an accident.
Don't buy a car as soon as you see it. Take your time, test drive the car as long as you can. For example, some problems may only be caught when the engine is cold while other problems may only be discovered when cruising at highway speeds, etc.
Don't base your decision on what you have been told. "One Owner, highway driven" in fact, may be an ex-rental, heavily abused vehicle.
Don't buy a car if you have reservations or hesitate for one reason or another…if you don't have a good 'gut' feeling about it. If the engine seems too noisy or works as if it is in rough shape and sounds heavy, the transmission shifts harshly, some works needs to be done, something seems to be wrong with the papers, etc. - move on.
Don't buy a car if it needs some "minor" repairs. Often this results in spending big bucks for repairs that never seem to end.
Don't buy a flooded car; it may look good and still be drivable but later a flooded car may develop many expensive to fix problems: corrosion, electrical, electronics, wheel bearings, transmission, etc.
Don't be rude to a salesperson at the dealership. Regardless of the many stereotypes we share, many salespersons are genuinely nice people. Be persistent but not rude; treat them well and they will be willing to help you...

Good Luck