The 5 Worst Negotiating Techniques When Buying a Car

💣Negotiating a car deal as one transaction is a mistake. Separate the process into buying the vehicle, considering the financing options, and dealing with the trade-in.

🙅‍♂️Making lowball offers is ineffective. Do your research and negotiate a fair price based on market value rather than starting with an unrealistically low offer.

🚫Negotiating upfront, either in person or over the phone, is not recommended. Take the time to do your homework and negotiate through email or text message for a better deal.

🧭Being too far away from the dealership reduces your negotiating power. Stick to local dealerships to establish loyalty and improve your chances of getting a good deal.

❓Asking unhelpful questions like 'Is that your best price?' or 'Is that the best you can do?' doesn't lead to successful negotiations. Focus on open-ended questions that help you gather information.

Should I negotiate the price of a car separately from financing and trade-in?

—Yes, it is important to negotiate the price of the vehicle first, then consider financing options, and finally discuss the value of your trade-in as separate transactions.

Is it a good strategy to start with a lowball offer?

—No, lowball offers are not effective. It is better to do your research and negotiate a fair price based on market value rather than starting with an unrealistically low offer.

Can I negotiate the price of a car upfront?

—Negotiating upfront, either in person or over the phone, is not recommended. Take the time to do your homework and negotiate through email or text message for a better deal.

Does the distance from the dealership affect my negotiating power?

—Yes, the further away you are from the dealership, the harder it will be to negotiate. Stick to local dealerships to establish loyalty and improve your chances of getting a good deal.

What are some helpful questions to ask during negotiations?

—Instead of asking 'Is that your best price?' or 'Is that the best you can do?', focus on open-ended questions that help you gather information, such as 'What other options do you have?' or 'Can you provide more details about the vehicle's history?'

00:00In this video, learn about the 5 worst negotiating techniques when buying a car.

04:41The first technique to avoid is treating the car deal as one transaction instead of separate transactions for buying the vehicle, financing, and trade-in.

07:26Another mistake is making lowball offers. Do your research and negotiate a fair price based on market value.

09:32Negotiating upfront, either in person or over the phone, is not recommended. Take the time to do your homework and negotiate through email or text message.

11:39Being too far away from the dealership reduces your negotiating power. Stick to local dealerships to establish loyalty.

13:47Asking unhelpful questions like 'Is that your best price?' doesn't lead to successful negotiations. Focus on open-ended questions that help you gather information.