If you are planning on buying a new or used car and you think you might knock a little off the price by leaving your old car at the dealership, here are a few tricks of the trade that will make sure you drive away with the best deal possible. Rule number one, and this is firm: do not even mention the possibility of a trade-in until you have settled on the price of the vehicle you want to buy, and get it in writing. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit.

Sticker prices are posted with an understanding that negotiations are the norm. The dealer wants to turn a profit, he wants to make commission, but he can’t do that without making the sale, and if you, the buyer, feel you are being overcharged, you will go elsewhere. Likewise, if you feel you are getting a good deal, you will be more likely to buy again from the dealership and recommend them to your friends and family.

Of course, the dealer will probably anticipate the possibility of a trade in, and will ask you directly. While you shouldn’t deliberately mislead him, you should tell him that you are simply interested in settling on a price for the car you want. Keeping the trade-in out of the picture to begin with will ensure that you will not overspend by discussing the price difference after the trade.

Establish the base price first, then ask the dealer if he would consider a trade-in. Otherwise, the dealer could offer you a figure that is awfully close to the amount he was willing to come down on the price of the car. Be realistic, and know you probably won’t get the full Blue Book value of your car taken off the price of the new car. The dealer is, after all, assuming responsibility for the repairs, inspection, cleaning and detailing, maintenance, and the legwork of re-selling your old car. Those things can add up quickly, so be prepared again to negotiate with these things in mind. In short, don’t waste your time insisting that the dealership pay more than wholesale for your used car, or all you will be doing is wasting your time.

Also look out for any rebate the dealer offers-it could detract from the money you draw from you trade. This is why you should be sure to establish the price you’re willing to pay, first. Then the rebate should come into the picture, and after that you can ask the dealer if he would consider letting you trade in your old car as part of the payment. And keep in mind: if your car is clean and detailed, the dealer is much more likely to give you a good price. Make sure the tires are in good shape and slap a little shine on them; check your blinkers, wipers, and top off fluids. Make your old car look like something you would want.

Conklin Fangman is the leading dealer for used cars in Kansas.

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Author Bio: Conklin Fangman is the leading dealer for used cars in Kansas.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: Vehicle, consumer, money saving