That first step is being educated. While it comes to car prices, most people are woefully ignorant.
Such as, do you know what MSRP is? It really is the manufacturer's recommended retail price. That second word is seriously significant. A dealer does not need to get the suggestion. He be able to rush more or lower than the MSRP. Here is how the process usually works.
The supplier purchases cars from the manufacturer at a wholesale price, known as the invoice price, or manufacturing unit invoice price. The difference between the invoice price and the MSRP is profit for the seller...sort of. Dealers have other costs, like the assistance they make to marketing. Those costs cut their profit margin. But they also have some things that pad their profits, like "hold-back" from suppliers (essentially an incentive to sell the vehicle), documents charges and selling trade-in vehicles. These profit boosters can allow sellers to sell below their invoice price and still make money.
What you end up with is the selling price of the car. It's frequently in between invoice price and MSRP, and it is pretty flexible.
Once you know this stuff, this is easy to see how to win.
First, find the car you want. Select the model, the features, the color and anything else you want.
Second, use Edmunds.com or Consumer Reports to look for the invoice price a dealer pays for the vehicle. That's where you must start your negotiation.
Third, offer $100 more invoice for the car, not a penny higher, at the least not at the beginning. But in addition know your actual price ceiling. If you're willing to pay $500 over invoice, you require to have that number in your head.
Fourth, say no to talk about monthly payments or financing. Stick to the total rate of this vehicle. Tell the salesman you're ready to sign and drive the vehicle off the lot today if he takes your offer. That's tough for a salesman to resist.
Fifth, do not be shocked when they attempt to reject. They will pull out every stop for getting your pay more. They'll talk about salesmen having to eat, the dealership having to pay their overhead, you not being fair. Let it all roll off your back. Stick to your price, and maybe reluctantly increase your present by $50-100 up for a price ceiling.
Sixth, do not crack your ceiling. Tell them you will simply walk away, because you do not have to purchase a car today. That will make them nervous. Once they know you are serious, they're going to be much more likely to give you a deal.
Seventh, all through the entire process, keep your cool. Be nice, not provoking. Smile. Be firm but pleasant.
If you go in armed with price in order, stick to your guns and maintain a pleasant attitude, your car price negotiation might just have a happy ending for your pockets.