Reply #3: First . . . [View All]

[ET Awful]

Go to http://www.edmunds.com/ and use their tools, they have a very accurate calculator that will give you what a car is actually worth (both used and new) in comparison to your location, sticker price, etc.

There is ZERO reason to pay more than $100 over factory invoice on any average car.

ALWAYS be willing to walk out the door and go to the next dealer on your list.

When I bought my car (2001 Nissan Sentra SE) in Feb. of 2001, I picked the one I wanted, told the salesman "I will give you $100 over invoice, let me see the invoice." He looked shocked for a second, ran back to his manager, came back with the invoice and showed it to me. Then he started talking about my trade-in and offered me $1200. I told him I wanted $2000 for the trade. He turned a bit green, walked into his managers office again, came back and ofered me $1800. I said $2000, he looked pissed for a second, then said okay.

He still made commission of the deal and everyone was happy.

Edmunds is a GREAT source for finding out what the car is actually worth and arming yourself with knowledge before you even walk in the door.