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Buying a new car can sometimes feel like stepping onto a battlefield, but instead of swords and shields, you must arm yourself with information, confidence, and negotiating tactics. If you’re new to the process or don’t like haggling with salespeople, it can be challenging to get the best price.
To help, we’ll walk you through how to negotiate a car price. Whether you’re a seasoned negotiator or a first-time car buyer, these tips, tricks, and strategies can help you snag your dream car at the best price.
1. Establish a budget
Before you even set foot in a car dealership, know exactly how much you can afford to spend on a new or used car. The average cost of a new car is currently more than $47,000¹, but it’s possible to find vehicles that are cheaper.¹
This isn’t just about the sticker price; you should consider the total cost of ownership. That includes:
- The cost to buy the car, including taxes and titling fees
- The cost of car maintenance
- Monthly auto insurance premiums
- Fuel prices
For instance, purchasing a luxury car doesn’t just mean you’ll make a larger monthly car payment; car insurance prices are typically higher for luxury models, too.²
Buying a large truck will cost you at the dealership and every time you fill up the gas tank, for example. Larger trucks tend to be less efficient than smaller passenger vehicles.
How budgeting can help
The solution to managing these various costs? Set a budget before you begin researching a vehicle to purchase. Drafting a comprehensive budget will prevent you from falling in love with a car that’s beyond your finances, whether it has a high sticker cost, high maintenance cost, or high fuel costs.
Your budget helps you filter out expensive options from the get-go and keeps you grounded when sales tactics try to sway you. Having a hard line can empower you to negotiate with confidence and clarity.
A monthly budget can also help you determine if it makes more sense to buy or lease a car.
Need help figuring out your car budget? Our auto loan calculator can help you get your numbers in place.
2. Do your research
Knowledge is power, especially at the car dealership. It’s essential to do several types of research before buying a car.
Research the new vehicle (and your current one)
Research the car model you are interested in. Dig into details like:
- Dealer fees
- Any available incentives
- Local sales tax estimates
You should also calculate the trade-in value of your existing vehicle if you have one. Kelley Blue Book is a great resource for determining the value of your current car – with estimates for private sales and trading in at the dealership.
Research does more than prepare you for negotiation. It can help ensure you’re not caught off guard by hidden fees or flashy dealer incentives that might not be in your best interest. Plus, knowing the true market value of your trade-in can prevent you from accepting a lowball offer.
Research your credit score
Beyond researching the value of your current vehicle and fair prices for the new model you’re purchasing, you should also research your own credit score. Knowing your credit score will help you determine the type of interest rate you’ll likely be offered on a car loan. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you’ll be offered in general.
Though it varies by lender, 661 or higher is generally considered a good credit score to buy a car.
3. Get financing preapproval early
Securing financing before stepping into a dealership gives you a significant advantage by streamlining the buying process and keeping you in line with your budget.
With preapproval, you’ll have a good idea of the loan terms you’ll be offered, including the interest rate and loan amount. This protects you from high-pressure dealership financing tactics that could end up costing you more.
Preapproval acts like a ceiling on your spending, keeping you from going overboard during negotiations. It also shows the dealer that you’re a serious buyer, which might motivate them to offer you a better deal to close the sale.
Most lenders do not do a hard credit check to prequalify you for an auto loan, so you can shop around with multiple lenders to find the best car loan option for your needs.
4. Negotiate confidently
When it’s time to talk numbers, the way you negotiate can make or break a deal. Here are a few dos and don’ts:
- Do start negotiations on your terms. Consider making the initial offer rather than responding to the seller’s offer.
- Don’t feel pressured to agree on extras like extended warranties or additional services you don’t need.
- Do bring a trusted friend or family member experienced with negotiations and cars, especially if this is your first time.
- Don’t let your emotions get the best of you; if you’re feeling flustered, excuse yourself and try another dealership.
- Do consider visiting multiple dealerships to see where you can get the best offer – and use competing bids to get a lower price.
- Don’t mention your trade-in until after you’ve agreed upon a price for the car you’re purchasing.
- Do make it clear to the salesperson that you’ve done your homework and know exactly which model, trim, and features you want – and already know what a fair price is.
Another tactic is to negotiate remotely. Many dealerships now offer online or phone negotiation options, which can be less intimidating than face-to-face negotiations and may lead to a better deal.
5. Walk away if necessary
Your greatest leverage is the power to walk away. Don’t be afraid to walk away if a deal doesn’t feel right or negotiations reach a stalemate.
Sometimes, the dealership may call you back with a better offer. Even if they don’t, leaving the negotiating table empty-handed is still worth it if the alternative is an offer that’s not right for you.
Don’t give in to pressure to close a deal on the spot.
Knowledge is power when car shopping
Whether you’re researching how to buy a used car on a budget or are ready to splurge, knowing how to engage with a salesperson – and when to walk away – is just as important as knowing which car you want to purchase and how to get funding.
Once you’ve successfully purchased a car at a price that works for you, start working toward lowering your overall costs by paying off your car loan early.