It’s been reported that used car sales have soared in the past few years because Americans have been holding onto their cars longer and springing for shiny new rides less often. This likely has a bit to do with the economy, though it could also be a sign that the job market hasn’t improved quite as much as drivers had been hoping. Still, it’s all led to a staggering 40.5 million used cars, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles and more trading hands in 2012 alone.
When it comes to finding a good used bus, for example, prospective buyers would know enough to shop around, looking at dealerships and talking with friends to see what’s available in their area. But the area that tends to cause the most stress is the actual negotiating part of the deal. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of four negotiating tips to help you land the used ride you want. Whether you’re shopping for four-door sedans, sporty two-doors, pickups or even used buses for sale, keep these pointers in mind.
Name your price.
As Forbes contributor Jason Lancaster points out, sometimes the best way to negotiate is to not negotiate at all. Telling the sales associate up front what your price is — and vowing to close the deal as soon as that exact figure is reached — will often encourage the seller to work hard to get you the price you desire. Of course, this might require weeks of waiting, but sometimes that’s worth it in order to get the vehicle you want for the price you’ve specified.
Check registry sites.
As important as it is to stick to your guns, it’s even more important to figure out how the guns work in the first place. That’s where a little background check will come in handy. Finding a good used bus, van, sedan or motorcycle is all about knowing exactly what you want and where you can find it, so do a bit of digging on the models you’re interested in. Know what to expect, price-wise, and what prices you should absolutely walk away from when you see them.
Look into inspections.
Sometimes, buying a vehicle on Craigslist is just as sound as buying it from a local dealership. Of course, that’s not the reputation of online buying. But in theory, it shouldn’t matter where you purchase your new ride — whether it’s a 15 passenger van, a church bus or a vintage 1989 Ford Probe. Used a mechanic you trust to perform a thorough inspection before you buy. The seller should be cool with this, but if not, that might be a sign of trouble ahead.
Repeat the process.
Unless you live in a one-horse town, there’s bound to be several other used dealerships in the area. Find out what their inventory looks like, then visit them and repeat the process. Name your figure and wait around a while to see if anything budges. It’s not a bad idea to play other dealers’ numbers off of each other, but if all goes well, you won’t even have to. All you have to do is know your stuff and be patient.
For more information on finding a good used bus, truck, SUV or coup, talk to the local dealers in your area. This is a great source for more: www.carpenterbus.com For more information see this.
