Negotiating a Deal

Once you’ve decided on a car, it’s time to talk about price and a deal that suits both you and the seller.

How to negotiate a fair price

Be aware that some car dealers or car buying services offer "no-haggle" pricing and don't negotiate on price. However, here are some tips for talking to dealers who will negotiate.

• Start low with your first offer, usually at the invoice price. Respond to counter offers by raising your offer slowly in increments. Decide at what price you will not go any higher prior to negotiation.
  
• If the salesperson tells you he can't go any lower, you can either accept his offer or thank him for his time and leave.
  
• Also check with several dealerships within a reasonable driving distance and tell them about the car you plan to purchase and the invoice price. Let them make you their best offer, then take the offers back to your local dealer and ask him to match or beat the best offer you received. If he doesn't, you may want to consider buying from the out-of-town dealership.
  
• Talk about your trade-in AFTER you've agreed on a price.
  
• The dealer will probably offer you less for your trade-in than you would get by selling it yourself. Find out your car's retail and wholesale value.
  
• If you decide to sell your car yourself, be prepared to put in extra time and effort. Also, be careful. Have a friend or relative ride along with you when test driving the car with a potential buyer. Or, hold the buyer's keys if they will be taking your car out alone.

Before signing on the dotted line

• Make sure you read all contracts carefully and don't allow yourself to be rushed.
  
• Make sure all the blanks are filled in before you sign.
  
• Don't accept a deal if there are added fees that you don't agree with. Ask for a new contract to be prepared and check that one too. If at any time you don't like the deal, just walk away. If you don't, you may be paying for that mistake for years.
  
• If you made a mistake by financing your purchase with another lender and later discover you could have gotten a lower rate at Virginia Credit Union, simply call us. If you qualify, we'll help you move your loan over to your credit union!
  

Please contact us if you have questions or we can help you in any way.