Tips for Negotiating with Used Hyundai Dealers in Los Angeles

If well-maintained, a Hyundai car can last for 15+ years or exceed 200,000 miles. Therefore, you want to spend your time wisely at the dealership. Knowing how to negotiate can help you get the price and the car you want. It’s not often you set foot into a dealership to buy a used car; salespeople live the process every day. Here are some tips for negotiating with a used Hyundai dealer in Los Angeles.

Negotiating Tips for Your Next Car Purchase

Know What You Need and Can Afford

Knowledge is the foundation of your negotiation strategy. Think about why you’re buying a used car. Do you plan to travel with your family or need a ride to work? Determine the model you want by using online tools to compare features and prices. Pay close attention to safety and reliability ratings.

When budgeting for a used car, subtract your monthly expenses to see what is left over. You don’t want to sign a contract for a vehicle that exceeds the amount you can pay. It helps to have a solid number in mind when speaking with a salesperson. Also, track your credit score, as it determines the interest rate you qualify for. 

Get Preapproved for Financing

If the financing offered by the dealership costs more than you qualify for, you can use that knowledge to your advantage. Either you can negotiate a lower rate or move on. Knowing your credit score in advance gives you leverage when you sit down in the financing office.

Know Everything About the Vehicle

Once you choose a Hyundai in South Gate, research its vehicle history report. It will show how well it was maintained, if it had major repairs, or was in any accidents. If possible, take it to a mechanic to be inspected. You can use its condition or any issues to negotiate a lower price.

Also, research market prices for that model. It helps negotiate a sale price and when valuing a trade-in. But your journey doesn’t end there. Research the cost of insurance for your future Hyundai as well. Using that knowledge, you can find a vehicle that costs less to insure or calculate the cost of ownership to determine a comfortable price to negotiate.

Research Your Financing Options

Car dealerships profit from the financing they offer used car buyers. But dealer financing isn’t your only option. Research your car loans with local banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Some websites allow you to use one application to obtain quotes from multiple lenders. If you’ve secured financing, wait until later in the negotiating process to reveal that; the salesperson may adjust the pricing more in your favor.

Know What You Can Negotiate

When visiting a used Hyundai dealer in Los Angeles, there are things you can negotiate and things you can’t. The dealership has no control over taxes, registration fees, or the cost of shipping the car from the factory. The cost of acquiring the vehicle is part of the sticker price. But question the dealer if the paperwork lists a second freight charge. 

Nonetheless, you can negotiate:

• The Car’s Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price: The sticker price is just what an automaker suggests the car is sold for. Dealers can sell cars at whatever price they decide to.

• A Trade-In Price: If you know your vehicle is worth more than the dealer offers for a trade-in, let them know that and show proof of its value.

• Dealer Fees: A dealership may add preparation, documentation, and advertising fees, among other miscellaneous costs. If you feel these are too high, try to negotiate them.

• Add-Ons: If the dealer installed add-ons in the car you buy, and you didn’t ask for them, request they be removed or discounted.

• Insurance Extras: Credit insurance and gap insurance are optional and not requirements. Insist this is the case if your dealer says otherwise.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Decide for You

Buying a used car is a business transaction. You need to think logically. If you become emotional, the salesperson can take advantage. Don’t let your anxiety or sensitivity take control. The worst thing here is you end up paying more for the car, or the dealer accepts less than they wanted. But this is a negotiation, after all. Being professional and honest will help you get a fair deal; if not, you can always walk away. 

Trying to bully or intimidate the salesperson into providing a great deal will backfire. And if the salesperson tries to confuse, manipulate, or persuade you to approve a deal you can’t afford, don’t let them. Or, bring a trusted friend along; their support can help you stay focused and level-headed.

Time Your Purchase

Don’t show up at day’s end hoping for a great deal before closing. Although a motivated salesperson may stay late or remain in contact with you, they’ll most likely suggest coming back another day. The best strategy for timing a purchase is to meet with the dealer at the end of the month, quarter, or year when they’re focused on meeting their sales goals. If they haven’t, you have a better chance of negotiating a good deal.

Other Useful Negotiating Tips

Here are some other considerations when negotiating with a used Hyundai dealer in Los Angeles:

• Trade-In the Car Separately: While a dealer handles all the paperwork when you trade, a trade-in can complicate negotiations. They might offer a great value for your trade, but raise the price of the car you want, or offer less for a trade-in but lower the cost of the vehicle you buy.

• Get the Salesperson to Throw Out the First Price: Whether by email or face-to-face, get the price of the car, including fees and taxes. A salesperson usually wants you to tell them what you want to pay. But as a general rule, you can’t go lower once you mention a price. The seller, however, can’t go higher than the price they state.

• Decline any Extras Offered: Politely decline any offers in the financing office, including interior protection packages, subscription services for one-time purchases, and extended warranties. 

• Read the Contract Carefully: Every used car contract has fine print that may have confusing numbers and sometimes errors. If you find any inaccuracies, politely ask for them to be corrected. Doing so after signing the paperwork is more difficult. 

Walk Away

When negotiating with a used Hyundai dealer in Los Angeles, or any dealership, you also have the leverage of walking away. As stated earlier, this is a business transaction. If it’s not going your way or you aren’t comfortable with the deal, don’t sign the contract, and don’t worry about disappointing a salesperson you’ve become friendly with. Leave your contact information with them and be open to further negotiation. A better deal may come through, even if it takes a little time.

Visit Hawthorne Auto Square Today

We have hundreds of high-quality, pre-owned vehicles. If you’re shopping for a used Hyundai,  such as an Elantra or Sonata, we’ll help you find the right car. To make your purchase more affordable, we have an exclusive trade-in program. Our in-house financing options are available regardless of your income or past credit. Get pre-approved for a buy here pay here loan with low payments, or schedule your appointment by calling 866-707-7664 today.