So you’ve found that perfect used car and you’re ready to sit down with the seller to work out a fair price. If you think you can get a better deal but don’t know where to start negotiating, don’t worry! We can help you figure out where you may be able to shave a few pennies off of the overall asking price and save yourself a chunk of change every month. The best place to start any negotiation is with any major defects in the vehicle. If there’s body damage, how much will it cost you to have it repaired to your satisfaction? If you do your research and show the seller exactly how much you’ll have to pay to get the car right, they may be willing to work with you on the price a bit.

Similarly, big-ticket maintenance items may help you negotiate a price you’re comfortable with. Does the vehicle need tires? Tires are incredibly important to how safe your used vehicle is to drive, and a good set may cost upwards of $500. If the used car or truck you’re searching for needs new rubber, don’t hesitate to bring it to the seller’s attention. They’ll likely be willing to come down to a price you’re more comfortable with.

How long has it been since the used vehicle you want to purchase has been serviced? Maintenance like brakes, timing belts, water pumps and fluid changes will all require money out of your pocket if they haven’t been tended to recently. Get a good picture of what your used car or truck will require and ask a local shop for a quote. Doing so will give you a good idea of what you can barter with and how much money you’ll have to sink into the car post purchase.

Tags: Bargain, Bargaining, Bartering Chips, Purchase, Used, Used Car, Used Truck, Used Vehicle