“No haggle” promotions notwithstanding, you should certainly haggle if you’re in the market for a car, experts say. Dealers like to focus on the monthly payment, but you’re better off keeping your eye on the big picture — that is, the total price of the vehicle — if you want to drive away with a better deal.
Do your homework, especially if you’re looking at a used car, and find out what it’s worth beforehand, using a resource like the Kelley Blue Book. Don’t rely on the seller to tell you what a car is worth, says Rosemary Shahan, president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety. “If it’s a used car, insist on getting your independent inspection by a trustworthy auto expert,” she advises. If there are any repairs or issues that need to be taken care of, ask the seller to lower the price accordingly.
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