Many used car buyers pay more than they should because they don’t want to, or don’t know how to haggle properly. When shopping for used cars, a little lit of haggling is expected, you will not offend the seller as long as your offer is reasonable.

Before haggling, make sure the vehicle in question is worth haggling for. Check the vehicle carefully, including taking it for a test drive. There is no sense haggling for a car that is a piece of junk. Next decide what you would like to pay for the car, what the car is really worth, and the most you would pay to have this particular car for yourself. You should know ahead of time what the usual selling price is for models that you like.

Don’t start an argument while haggling for a car. There is no need to disparage the vehicle, if it really was that bad, you wouldn’t want it anyway. Let the seller know you are serious about making a purchase. If you are paying cash, let them know you are ready to buy if they can make you a deal. Always ask open ended questions like “how much will you reduce the price?” not “will you reduce the price?” You are just asking for an answer of “nothing” if you do. Whatever you do, don’t feel guilty. No car dealer will sell you a vehicle that they lose money on.