AboutRay Paulsen Expertise confused buying new or used...buy with confidence from dealer or private...consumer fears...paying to much...getting a lemon...accident car...fair value for trade...negotiation process...etc...you simply want a fair deal...
Experience over 30 years in automotive industry, management, retail, wholesale, appraisals, auctions, vintage
Question Hi there! Okay, i just passed my test (I am 18) and really really want a car and soon. Ive been looking for a couple of weeks on Autotrader.com and other sites and on the rare chance i find a good car and a good deal (i have a low budget) they are always gone when i ring :( . preferebly i would like a silver renault clio, and i have exactly £1,200. Ive now found a perfect looking one, but it has done 79k miles and is on there for £1490, which i cant afford but is rather alot too much considering its mileage dont you think? other than that its in perfect condition tho. on the topic of bargaining it down, seeing as i simply cant afford it unless i get it down to at least £1,200, and its quite far from home (about an hours drive) and my dad is going to have to reluctantly drive me there, dyu think theres any way i can find out if theres any chance they will sell it for £1200 without making the journey all the way down there? like email them outright asking if they would? or is this simply not the way to go about it. i know little about cars and have never bought one before. any advice and answer to my question would be very much appreciated thank you!!!!
Answer Hi Elle
First I really don't know what fair prices are in the UK as I am located in North America, but when it comes to how to negotiate a fair price, I am sure the process is the same.
I would call the seller and level with them about the amount you got, and your dad don't want to drive that distance if the answer is no. The one thing you got to watch is if seller tells you to make the trip, and they will see what they can put together " you want a firm " yes or no answer " before the travel...
Miles in your price range is not the main issue " CONDITION " that will outlast your investment is the only key factor that come into play,,, Buying any car is a process of steps that to many consumers have not got the time to study, and a large percentage of these buyers will end up with a lemon.
If you can spare an hour or two to study my website http://www.usedcartips.org/ and make notes, I guarantee you will be better prepared than the average buyer and not to be taken advantage off, perhaps your dad will help you with pointers should he decide to look at my website.
Here are the pages most important I would like for you to study and understand in order " Test Drive " Take to Mechanic " Vehicle History " How Dealer Negotiate " How You Negotiate " from there roam the site and pick up some more pointers " good luck "
Ray
PS.. If something is confusing or you need more answers , post it in my forum. Let me know how you make out...
