Can I still negotiate on a purchase?

[Mark V GTD]

It’s been a while since I have purchased a used car. This is a 2017 Mercedes from a main dealer. The price seems reasonable but not sure if, in today’s climate, it’s worth pitching them an offer? I know I have nothing to lose but would rather not even bother if it’s going to be met with horror and astonishment.

Anyone have recent experience?

[Dan W.]

Mark V GTD said:

It’s been a while since I have purchased a used car. This is a 2017 Mercedes from a main dealer. The price seems reasonable but not sure if, in today’s climate, it’s worth pitching them an offer? I know I have nothing to lose but would rather not even bother if it’s going to be met with horror and astonishment.

Anyone have recent experience?

We as a garage have not discounted a used car in a long time, We still get asked but the customer is just told a Firm no.

Cant do any harm for you to ask.

[Mark V GTD]

Thanks for that. Sort of expected that response. Off to see the car this morning so fingers crossed.

[Nemophilist]

Purchased a car last weekend and the dealer was happy to haggle.
If you’re not greedy then I don’t see why it’s not worth a try

[Dan W.]

Mark V GTD said:

Thanks for that. Sort of expected that response. Off to see the car this morning so fingers crossed.

Good Luck lets us know how it goes.

[Mark V GTD]

Was thinking £23.5k on a £24k asking price. No finance involved.

[Nemophilist]

Mark V GTD said:

Was thinking £23.5k on a £24k asking price. No finance involved.

Similar situation / values but also wanted 2 wheels refurbed.
Dealer agreed to £500 discount or meet half way and he’ll sort the wheels

[carreauchompeur]

Mark V GTD said:

Was thinking £23.5k on a £24k asking price. No finance involved.

Not cheeky at all. Start at 23.

[Pica-Pica]

Try and think of something that will cost them little, but worth a lot to you. Extended warranty, a service plan, or similar.

[DT1975]

Mark V GTD said:

Was thinking £23.5k on a £24k asking price. No finance involved.

They might be more willing to move on the price if you take out finance, which of course you can pay straight off. Its worth asking before you mention being a cash buyer.

[Mark V GTD]

Thanks everyone. I’m here now and I love the car. Will update.

[Sheepshanks]

Mark V GTD said:

Thanks everyone. I’m here now and I love the car. Will update.

Ask how much a month it is. Do the maths carefully without making it obvious but get the amount borrowed plus deposit / P/X plus final payment (if PCP) as low as possible. Then Withdraw after you pick the car up. Don't tell them you're going to do this.

[Mark V GTD]

Interestingly the sales guy actually suggested I do that and they will take £500 off. He worked out a PCP deal that has less than £400 a month to pay and said I can pay it off straight away and they still get a commission. So we did the deal at £23,500. They have just given the car a major service including the gearbox oil change so I’m pretty happy!

[goldbazinga]

Nemophilist said:

Purchased a car last weekend and the dealer was happy to haggle.
If you’re not greedy then I don’t see why it’s not worth a try

I was once advised by a commercial buyer, that if you are not embarassed by your own first offer, you didn't go low enough!

[Mark V GTD]

Haha yeah good call! To be honest, this car was such a mint example - under 12k miles and literally not so much as a scuff on an alloy that agreeing £500 off asking felt completely fair. Being a Merc main dealer it comes with a years warranty and breakdown cover too.

[Mark V GTD]

Here she is - SLC 200 AMG-Line (9G- tronic auto) with heated seats, ‘air scarf’ heaters and glass roof!

[Sheepshanks]

Mark V GTD said:

Interestingly the sales guy actually suggested I do that and they will take £500 off. He worked out a PCP deal that has less than £400 a month to pay and said I can pay it off straight away and they still get a commission.

Sounds good - I've been told this before when I was determined to pay cash, salesman said people say they're going to pay it off but then don't.

[Trevor555]

I've found you have to walk away before any deal is offered.

[carreauchompeur]

Car looks lovely. Well done!

[Canon_Fodder]

Should be a nice step up from your username OP

Nice spec - I've always liked these