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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Going shopping

for a used civic. Any tips you guys got?

Some questions...

1) how much should I be able to haggle down a dealer on a sticker price of 10 grand?
2)Should I insist on having a mechanic I know look over the car?
3)Certified used cars just a scam to up the price?
4) How to not look like an idiot when I am one?

Never put this much cash into a car before. Appreciate any advice.
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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

- Check KBB.com or do some research first before signing that paper. Make sure you know how much it would cost at least. Go as low as you can go. play along with the salesman, "hey i found this dealer offering me this much, can you offer a better price" yadda yadda. if they resist, act like you don't care and about to leave them.

- if you can get a mechanic to look at the car, it's always a good idea.

- well certified used cars are supposedly been prechecked for defects prior to putting it on the market. i guess some dealership might give you a warranty or something for their certified vehicles... iono, just a guess.

- You're alone on this one... i guess try not to talk?? bwuahahhahaha!!!


before i go, one good advice i can tell you upon buying a car is that don't be so gullible and believe everything the salesman say. make sure you know the car you're purchasing and do some research. don't buy compulsively, always think hard about it before making a decision. another thing is when you're at the dealership, play by your rules cuz u are the buyer, not them. don't be a push over, although sometimes i am too... LOL... but just act like you know you're grounds you know?
Last but not the least... GOOD LUCK!!!!
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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

1. Not sure about haggling, I haggled for mine but simply because I refused to pay the price they were asking and would have actually walked if they didn't move. It was priced at $18,900 and then $17,900 and I got it for $17,300.
2. Any mechanic should be fine, they have no reason to lie if it's not in their favour. But make sure it's at least neutral, not their in house guy.
3. Never heard of this before.
4. Walk in with a monocle and spew things like, "Which advantages does this car have over....say.....a train which I could also afford?"

Oh, and they're going to for sure tell you that there are other people interested in it and it should be gone by the end of the week. That happened to me and I never even called the dealership back for over a week and it was still there.
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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

Some help

Originally Posted by Aly
for a used civic. Any tips you guys got?

Some questions...

1) how much should I be able to haggle down a dealer on a sticker price of 10 grand?
Used cars usually give dealerships the greatest profit margin because each car is unique in terms of condition and mileage. It's not like a new car where EVERY new car is the same so there is a line (invoice price) that can be drawn to determine your paying price. You'll have to do a lot of research on each car you are interested in because no two used cars will be the same.
2)Should I insist on having a mechanic I know look over the car?
Yes, have someone look over the car if possible. A neutral person like someone mentioned.
3)Certified used cars just a scam to up the price?
Certified used cars are usually within a certain range of miles and years and usually come with a warranty. Certified used cars can never be old beaters that'll break down on you the minute you leave the lot. The extra you pay is probably piece of mind knowing that the car was given a full inspection and a longer warranty than that of a non certified car.
4) How to not look like an idiot when I am one?
Always walk into a dealership prepared to walk out if the deal isn't to your liking. They want your business (money)...they know better to let a sale walk out the door. Always bring a trust worthy friend with you to keep you in check + for a second opinion.

Never put this much cash into a car before. Appreciate any advice.
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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

I met this guy through a friend, he was an editor for a car magazine and he was driving a new car every week to write up reviews on them. He told me that the best advice he can give to someone buying a car is to "test drive the hell out of it." He said to test drive it in the rain, in the snow, in heavy traffic and on back roads. Take it for a road test, swirving the car to each side and parallel parking, the whole deal. He said that is the only way you will know you will be comfortable driving the car all the time and that is most important. No one wants to invest money in a car that they don't like driving. So thats my 2¢.
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Old Oct 12, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

Main thing is once you find a car you like, have them give you a carfax report on it and you set your price on what you wanna pay for it. Back when my parents bought my car in 04 we found my 01 LX with 31k with dealer installed 17s "on sale" for 13,800. My parents said 12,000 and stuck to it, as we were walking out the door they said sold, so ya, pick you price and stick to it. If they don't wanna give it then walk out.
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Old Oct 18, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

Thx guys, a lot of good advice in here. Appreciate it. I'll be hitting the dealerships this friday.
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Old Oct 18, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

good luck with your deal...
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Old Oct 18, 2007
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Re: Going shopping

my car is forsale you know you wanna buy it!
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