9. Negotiate the price

You can often get the seller to lower the price of a car. Mention the flaws that you or your mechanic have noticed and explain that the price should be reduced accordingly.

Online sources will tell you average prices for different model cars. Sometimes the same model will show different prices. For instance, Kelley Blue Book’s “private party” value is the price you’d normally pay to an individual seller. Kelley’s “suggested retail” value is what dealers typically ask for the same car—and this is higher. The price varies according to the car’s condition, mileage, and special equipment.

If a dealer won’t negotiate the price, you may be offered “sweeteners” to close the deal.

These sweeteners are typical:

• Maybe you’ll get some new floor mats.
• Perhaps the dealer will agree to fix some of the problems you’ve pointed out.