How to Get the Best Price When Buying a Used Car

Our top tips for negotiating a better deal

  • How to Get the Best Price When Buying a Used Car

The used car market is a constantly fluctuating place, and if you’re on the hunt for your next set of wheels, getting a good deal can sometimes be a tricky business. How do you know you’re doing the best you can for your pocket, and for your peace of mind? 

As a used car dealership built on 25 years of experience, at Windmill Motors we’re used to helping our customers get the best price for their next used car. We have plenty of quality stock to choose from and a knowledgeable team of sales professionals ready to assist. 

But how exactly do we do that? Let us explain… 

Why buy a used car as opposed to a new one? 

To start with, let’s explain why we’re passionate about providing pre-loved cars. With finance deals facilitating faster upgrades, there’s a huge range of relatively nearly new cars on the market. They often come with low mileage to match, providing you with that new car feeling without the new car price tag! 

Just like on new cars, finance is available on used cars too. This solution helps make used cars far more affordable than if a lump sum was required up front. Discover the finance plans available here at Windmill Motors. 

How to get the best price when buying a used car? 

Once you’ve decided that a used car is what you’re after, your search can begin - but it can be a minefield! Ultimately, you want to make sure you’ve got a quality car at the right price from a team you can trust; here’s how to get the best price when buying a used car… 

Do your homework on the car you need, and the market for it

Knowing the market you’re entering is crucial to negotiating the best price for a used car, so spend some time browsing online at the class of car you’re looking to go for, and the general going rate. This will inform you on how much wiggle room you can give any sellers that you approach. 

Know the value of your existing car

By using your existing car as a part-exchange, knowing how much it’s worth can help you stand firm when it comes to valuation time, therefore getting you a better deal on your next model.

Choose a reputable dealer

An established dealership can not only offer the aftersales protection that could save you money further down the line (more on that later), but also do the pre-sale checks and preparations that will see you motoring worry-free in your new set of wheels. These include background history checks, an MOT and service if necessary, and a multipoint inspection. It’s something we’re proud to do here at Windmill Motors, as we’re a reputable dealership ourselves! 

Ask all the questions you can 

With knowledge comes power, and getting more information on the car that you’re interested in can highlight the areas you may be able to use in negotiations. This could include anything from incomplete service history, to the car having been on the forecourt for a while. 

Establish your top limit - and start negotiating lower than this

By knowing the maximum you’re willing to pay, you can begin negotiations below this so there is room for movement, allowing the price to ‘rise’ to a level you’re still comfortable paying. Don’t forget to keep this top limit to yourself!

Consider post-sale problems 

Finding a cheap used car privately might not work out so well financially if you find that the car breaks down, or develops a recurring fault that’s not only inconvenient but pretty costly too. Paying a little more at the point of sale through a dealership that can offer you buyer protection, such as warranty, will save you shelling out far more than you would have saved by buying privately.

How we ensure the best price here at Windmill Motors 

As a dealership with up to 200 vehicles in stock, it’s our job to ensure that we’re offering them to our customers at the best possible price. Therefore, our stock is price-checked daily to ensure the very best value for money. It’s a process we’re exceptionally proud of, as we know how vital transparency is to the customer journey. It makes our day when customers return to us again and again for their upgrades thanks to the trust they place in us! 

Choose Windmill Motors for your next used car 

Are you excited to find your next used car? We’re here to help you get the best price! Get started by browsing our wide range of used cars online, explore finance options, and discover the aftersales services we offer at our dealership in Bourne, Lincolnshire. There’s paint protection, driveaway insurance and warranty available too! Keen to negotiate the best price with our team? Get in touch today.