As a former used car dealer, I know firsthand that dealers can usually come down on pricing, but this will depend largely on on your negotiation tactics as well as specific circumstances present at the dealership.
So, how much will dealers come down on a used car?
Simple Answer:
On average, dealers can typically drop asking prices on used cars by 5-25%. The exact amount you can save will depend on a few factors, some of which you can control and others you cannot, such as:
- The amount of time the car has been on the lot (Or in dealer inventory)
- Vehicle condition, mileage, and current demand
- Your negotiation skills and willingness to walk away
Important Fact: Everyone assumes that when a dealer says they are selling a car at a loss they are simply lying to you, and usually they are, but more often than you think, they arent.
Below we’ll discuss more specifically the factors that determine how much a dealer can come down on their price and how to spot them.
Key Takeaways
- Research vehicle history and fair market pricing thoroughly before negotiating
- Dealers typically knock at least 5% off, but 10-25% discounts are common
- Internet price reductions might be smaller than showing up in person
- Focus negotiations strictly on vehicle price before financing or trade-ins
- Leverage nearby dealer listings for lower pricing in negotiations
- Paying cash can yield bigger discounts; consider private sellers too
Related Articles You Should Read:
- How Much Does It Cost a Dealer to Keep a Used Car on the Lot
- How Much Do Dealers Markup Used Cars
- What To Look For When Buying A Used Car
- Buying A Car Out of State
- How do you find out how much a dealer paid for a car?
- How Much Will a Dealership Pay For My Car
Table of Contents
Factors That Determine Used Car Pricing
Several key components determine how dealers price cars and what dealers will discount them down to:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Age | Newer cars have higher prices; older cars depreciate faster |
| Mileage | Higher mileage lowers value; 100k+ miles see steep drops |
| Condition | Poor condition, body damage, mechanical issues bring prices down |
| Brand/Model | Popular brands hold value better; niche cars often discounted |
| Local Demand | Low-demand cars discounted more to attract buyers |
| Time on Lot | The longer a vehicle has been in a dealers inventory, the more likely they are to lower the price |
| Credit Score | A higher credit score makes it easier for the dealer to find more discounts |
| Down Payment | If you can offer a high down payment dealers are more likely to discount off pricing and/or financing |
| Certified Used | Cars that are Certified Pre Owned do not have as much wiggle room in the price |
How Much Will a Dealership Knock Off The Internet Price
A dealer’s internet price can usually be discounted at the same 5-25% rate, but I will say that if you call or email for a discount on an internet price, you are less likely to get the maximum savings than if you went in person.
Why?
Becuase dealers like to negotiate with serious buyers, and a buyer on the phone isn’t perceived by dealers to be close to making a purchase decision.
So, in the dealer’s mind, there’s no need to make their best offer until you’re actually sitting at their desk doing a deal.
Typical Dealer Pricing & Profits
Dealers make money by marking up the “wholesale” price they pay to acquire vehicles.
To determine your cars current dealer wholesale price, check out our Car Pricing Service.
This markup covers overhead and nets profit. On a $15,000 car, markup typically ranges from $3,750 (25%) to $6,750 (45%).
Understanding markup gives gives you leverage while negotiating discounts!
Dealers won’t share exact profit targets, but you can research wholesale pricing guides and use services like ours that get you very close to finding out what the dealer paid for the car.
Used Car Negotiation Tactics
Getting the best deal on a used car involves preparation and using effective negotiation strategies:
- Open with a realistic offer 15-25% below asking price – This gives you room to negotiate up closer to market value and a fair price
- Discuss vehicle price alone first – Don’t get distracted by financing or trade-in talks (Dealer strategy)
- Use nearby dealer listings for leverage – Cite lower local prices on similar vehicles in negotiations
- Make final “cash offer” to prompt discounts – Dealers like guaranteed cash sales because they take less time, and time is money at a dealership.
- Walk away if your budget target isn’t met – This flips the urgency tactic back on to the dealer to call you back.
Remaining consistent and persistent with these proven tactics can yield significant savings off a dealer’s listed used car price.
Quick Tip: Research How Long The Vehicle Has Been on the Lot
Leveraging extended time a used vehicle has sat at a dealer is an effective discount negotiation tactic.
Identify Stale Inventory
- Review online records for original listing dates
- Request exact on-lot arrival date from dealer
- Look for vehicles unsold for 60+ days
Extended Availability Prompts Discounts
When making an offer, reference lengthy time on the lot and cite lower pricing found on comparable vehicles to start negotiations.
- For example, a 9 month old used sedan priced at $22,000 has sat for over 70 days
- Make firm offer of $18,500 citing:
- Vehicle unmatched for over 2 months
- Similar models priced below $20,000 locally
Taking advantage of stale availability motivates dealers to cut prices in order to move aging used inventory off the lot quickly. Time left languishing is major bargaining leverage.
Choosing Between a Dealer and Private Sellers
Private party used car sales often allow for lower prices because private sellers don’t have overhead costs. Private sellers are also not typically trying to turn a profit and are more apt to need to get the car sold sooner rather than later.
However, benefits like financing options, warranties, lemon law protection, and professional certification favor dealer purchases.
Thorough vehicle history checks are essential when buying private party. Carefully weigh risks and benefits when choosing between dealers vs private sellers.
Relevant Article: Carfax vs. Autocheck
Can You Haggle More When Paying Cash?
Making an attractive cash offer prompts many dealers to provide bigger discounts – especially on cars languishing on their lot.
Time your cash offer strategically after negotiating vehicle pricing down. Cash represents guaranteed profit for dealers rather than waiting around for financing approvals.
However, there are instances these days where dealers make their money on financing while selling cars at lower profit margins.
Paying cash also boosts buyer power to negotiate the out-the-door price lower. Just don’t reveal intention to pay cash too early in negotiations.
Getting the Best Possible Used Car Deal
Doing your pricing research, focusing negotiations strictly on vehicle cost first, employing proven tactics that utilize market factors, and understanding dealer pricing procedures will put you in prime position to knock thousands off a used car’s asking price. Consistency, preparation, and persistence pay off.
Sources For this Article:
- https://www.reddit.com/r/CarTalkUK/comments/zttth7/how_much_can_you_negotiate_for_a_used_car_at_a/?rdt=40844
- https://forums.redflagdeals.com/how-much-haggle-room-when-negotiating-used-cpo-car-2031045/
- https://www.carcitycentral.com/blog/how-to-negotiate-the-price-of-a-used-car
- https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/managing-your-money-wisely/factors-that-can-affect-used-car-tradein-value/1224
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/090314/just-what-factors-value-your-used-car.asp
