In review, we explained that buying used cars is really all about the mindset. It is in how you approach the used car lot and the salesperson. If you approach with confidence, your odds at getting a deal increase incredibly. If you approach with low confidence and don’t know your stuff, your odds at getting a deal aren’t as good.

We also described the importance of research. Knowing your stuff and using resources from online and magazines can help tremendously with getting a deal and knowing your price. By taking the proper test drive and establishing your principles and limits, you can be inside of a used car in no time with a great price and great special features.

If we’ve accomplished anything over this series, we hope we’ve removed some of the stigma of buying used cars. It is a business transaction like any other and the most prepared, most confident, most intelligent person will usually come out on top. Just try to make sure that you’re that person, okay?

The trick here is to make a low offer and sweeten your sweet deal slowly. When you decide you’re ready to open negotiations, start with a low offer. Don’t go too low or you won’t be taken seriously. Roughly make an offer that is 2-3 thousand dollars lower than the price of the car. Of course, you want to adjust relatively depending on the make and model of the car.

The general idea is to go below the asking price by a considerable margin and ask the salesperson to “take it to the boss and see what happens,” so to speak. By sending your salesperson in to see the boss, you can buy time and work on your next move. With a low price on the table and a world of possiblities, the process can take quite a while and can be tiresome. But if you hold your ground and work the low price deal sweetener, you should be on your way to one of many beautiful used cars.