Negotiating Tips for Selling to Dealers
Get the best price when selling your car to a dealership by using these simple negotiation tips on market research, car prep, and negotiation.
Selling your car to a dealership can feel like a daunting process, but with the right strategy, you can maximize your value. Read on to get the inside scoop on how to negotiate like a pro and discover the right steps to ensure you leave the dealership with the best possible offer.
Know Your Car’s Worth
The first step in negotiating with a dealership is understanding the market.
- Research similar cars being sold in your area and see how much they’re selling for.
- Google market demand and supply gaps.
- Know if inventories are high or low to understand your leverage.
- Use platforms like Kelly Blue Book, CarMax, and The Lasso so you can see multiple price points to guide negotiations.
Prep Your Car for Maximum Value
When selling a car, first impressions matter. Make sure your car is clean, well-maintained, and that you have all necessary documentation, including maintenance records. A well-prepped car will give the dealer confidence and increase your chances of getting a better offer.
Leverage Multiple Offers
One of the most effective ways to get the most for your car is by obtaining multiple offers. When you have several dealerships competing for your car, you can literally get thousands of dollars more for it. It truly creates a competitive environment that benefits you and ensures you receive the best possible deal.
Understand the Value in Larger Transactions
If you’re trading in your car at the same time that you are buying another vehicle, you gain additional leverage. Why? Dealerships have more flexibility with pricing when multiple aspects of the deal are involved and can play with the numbers more. For example, they could compensate by offering you more for the price of your trade-in or lower the price of the new vehicle in the transaction.
Ready to sell your car? Visit The Lasso to get multiple offers from trusted dealerships without the hassle of driving around to each of them.