Purchasing a Used Car

[My Looh]

It's been many years since I purchased a used car. I usually purchase new, but with today's economy... .

Anyway, I found the car I want. Now it is time to negotiate a price. I am aware of some of the strategies for this, such as taking a friend to verbally criticize the car while you negotiate to force the sales person to try that much harder to cut you a good deal, also don't be afraid to walk away and have a cooling off period if you and the sales person are too far apart. I really think they should teach this stuff in school instead of Shakespeare.

My question is this..... If I want to get the car checked out by a mechanic before I buy, do I do that first before negotiations start, or do I wait until we reach an agreed price with the understanding that if major repairs are needed then the price will need to be negotiated down even further?

[Gen]

actually the mechanic should have gone with you to check out the car before you even think about a price

and make sure you are not buying a car that was submerged in flood water from hurricane sandy down here

[My Looh]

actually the mechanic should have gone with you to check out the car before you even think about a price

and make sure you are not buying a car that was submerged in flood water from hurricane sandy down here

Ahhh! Great point about the water damage Gen!!!

I would rather take the car to my mechanic so he can raise it on the hoist to check the car thoroughly. From what I'm learning I should take the car to the mechanic first, before negotiations. That way if there are repairs needed then I have leverage on my side.

[kia027]

Ahhh! Great point about the water damage Gen!!!

I would rather take the car to my mechanic so he can raise it on the hoist to check the car thoroughly. From what I'm learning I should take the car to the mechanic first, before negotiations. That way if there are repairs needed then I have leverage on my side.

Yes check the car out before negotiating price

[CeaBee]

Will the dealer allow you to take it off lot to a mechanic?

[My Looh]

Will the dealer allow you to take it off lot to a mechanic?

I think most dealers will because if they don't they are thought to be hiding something regarding the cars history. (ie. if there is signs that the car has been in an accident and not reported, and other things a mechanic may find). If they refuse to let me take it to my mechanic to check then I would walk away from that car.

[Pepper]

Will the dealer allow you to take it off lot to a mechanic?

Dealers here will allow you to take the car overnight and drive it. I did that two cars ago, I liked the car but wasn't sure....
Took it to a friend's house who was a mechanic. He checked it out, shook his head 'no'. I took it back the next day and selected something else.

[My Looh]

Dealers here will allow you to take the car overnight and drive it. I did that two cars ago, I liked the car but wasn't sure....
Took it to a friend's house who was a mechanic. He checked it out, shook his head 'no'. I took it back the next day and selected something else.

Sounds like you dodged a bullet there!

[My Looh]

escape.jpg

Just closed the deal. I get my car on the weekend.

[MsExced]

Glad it worked out for you Milo

[Emperah]

Nice move Milo, I too fi de fuss time in a long time hafffi buy used dis time. Mi jus stawt look roun now. Thinkin bout going south to look as well.

[RichD]

Nice move Milo, I too fi de fuss time in a long time hafffi buy used dis time. Mi jus stawt look roun now. Thinkin bout going south to look as well.

heard these guys on the radio

http://www.wefindyourcar.ca/

they will source your car int he US too. Just tell them what you looking for ..they will find it and if the price is right you make a deal