Used Car Negotiation Tactics

[Anonymous]

Yes, I know that there is a chip shortage and a used car shortage. However, I have a bigger picture question about used car negotiations. Over the years, I had a lot of success finding new deals by emailing a ton of dealers and playing them off of each another. With used cars, I have no idea how much the typical markup is or expected percent to subtract from the listed price (or KBB price) as a first offer. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Being willing to walk away is the only real tactic you have.

Make your offer. Have a price that is your limit, and stick to it.

[Anonymous]

I agree willingness to walk produces the best outcome.

[Anonymous]

At this point, your best bet is to just buy new. Ignore all the old advice about buying a car that's a couple years old and still has a lot of life in it. Those cost almost as much as a new car these days.

[Anonymous]

you have little leverage today because there are so few vehicles available or sale.

[Anonymous]

Not the best time to buy a car, new or used. You absolutely have no leverage at the moment. Old strategies don’t work.

[Anonymous]

Agree. No leverage. Dealers don't have anything in stock they are not going to negotiate. It's MSRP or bust.

[Anonymous]

https://money.com/how-to-buy-a-car-worst-time/

"You're just not going to get a deal, by any means necessary," says Ivan Drury, senior manager at the car buying and research firm Edmunds. Instead of using the word "worst," he describes right now as the "most difficult" and "most aggravating time ever to try to buy a car."