If kbb.com says a car's value is $14,250 & the dealer's ad price is $18,999, where would you start bargaining?

The dealer seems to be reputable (at least with the BBB), I had the car taken to be checked out at Mercedes mechanic and everything is in order. I've not negotiated before and I'm a bit intimidated. I've bought 2 cars before from private sellers that were very honest and fair. From the outset of each of those instances, I knew I was getting the better end of the deal.



Haggling with a dealer/dreaded used car salesman is totally different for me. I think I should start bargaining at about $12,000 and work up from there. The car is a 2003 Mercedes Benz C230 Kompressor. The car is in good shape cosmetically and mechanically but I wouldn't say excellent or showroom perfect. Is this a good, bad, or ugly place to start? Should I bring someone with me to support my efforts in growing a backbone for used auto purchasing?If kbb.com says a car's value is $14,250 %26amp; the dealer's ad price is $18,999, where would you start bargaining?
Wait a second here. Which KBB Value are you looking at? Retail, trade or private seller? three different values for any car. trying to bargain up to trade in value will get you a handshake and "have a good day". I have to tell you in all fairness to the guy selling the car, that the salesman *does not set the price* If he is told that they wont go below 18999, that is what he tells you. When I sold cars, I always had the kbb and carfax ready to show on all used cars. so taking one with you, especially if you are looking at the trade in value, will end in embarrassment for both you and the salesman. He's on your side (if you let him be) as much as he's on the Store's side.No one wants to be told that they're wrong. no one want so to be the one to tell you it either. go in with the right value (retail)and work to get somewhere between retail and private value. There are 10 commandments when you got to a dealer to buy a car.

1)It's a store. Like Target, or the Room-Store, just a store.

2)The salesman Is not a snake or villain, S/He's working his/her A** off to find you the car you want at the price you *both* think is fair. Often for hours or even days at a time. sometimes for as little as $50!

3)Used cars are...Used. They will have issues because they are...well you know. don't expect perfect.

$Have your mechanic give it a once over.As a condition of the deal. 4)our Mechanic.

5)Its only a store

6) S/He's working with you, not for you.

7)It should be win-win. If you are trying to beat him/her S/He will do the same, If you're trying to be fair so will s/he.

8)Research is your best weapon, A store in my area has a slogan:"an educated consumer is our best customer" get an education.

9) S/He Really is trying to get to know you. I know all of the people who bought cars from me (almost). I left that aspect of the business and Still get Xmas cards from former clients.

10) It really is just a store. it sells shiny expensive things, but it is just a shiny expensive thing store.

good luck!
One rule of buying used cars is to never buy a car with a turbocharger. "Kompressor" is German for turbocharger.



Turbos are failure prone and cost a horrendous amount of money to repair. And Mercedes are among the most expensive of all of them to repair.



I would suggest looking at a different car. If you really want a German car, look at a 3 series BMW. Also expensive to repair but you do not have to worry about a turbocharger.If kbb.com says a car's value is $14,250 %26amp; the dealer's ad price is $18,999, where would you start bargaining?
you need to decide on the most you will pay. i would recommend not pay more than bb price. another thing to consider is the interest rate that you'll have to pay. 12k is a good place to start. they will try to tell you they can't go lower than the posted price. don't let them talk you into that. if they won't come down to bb then you should walk out.
Bring someone who you KNOW has experience in haggling (generally, someone who haggles and wins loves to tell anyone about it).



In this economy, cars are bountiful, and if you have a nice down payment or a great credit score...or both...you have the momentum on your side.



Know that you CAN walk away from a deal. NEVER let them EVER make you think that you HAVE to take the car. They'll use tactics like "well, such and such is going to buy it at 3:30 (and of course, it'll be 3:15 when you're there), but I'd rather sell it to you" and all sorts of things.



Of course I have no experience with purchasing imports, but to me, $12,000 on a 2003 is quite a bit steep...but that is in my realm of typically buying Ford or Pontiac. haha



Pick that car apart, too. They will use negatives about your trade, so use them on their car, too...I, for instance, once got $2000 off of a car when I mentioned that the car I was considering had higher mileage and worse tires (my tires had 500 miles on them and I had purchase receipts to prove it) than my trade in...so why would I pay $2000 more than my budget when I could just keep my paid for, free and clear car? ;)



Letting them know you KNOW you have the power to move on is a very key thing when negotiating.



Good luck!If kbb.com says a car's value is $14,250 %26amp; the dealer's ad price is $18,999, where would you start bargaining?
Bring someone with you who has purchased a car before and knows how to bargain. Also, bring the KBB printout with you and make sure it is a dealer used car price not anything else as KBB has different settings that if used incorrectly could weaken your case. However, ONLY invoke the KBB price if it is less than what the dealer is willing to negotiate to. Who cares if you start lower. You're the customer and the customer is always right. If they don't want to make a deal with you, walk away. Car salesmen are usually more willing to make deals when you threaten to walk away.