Negotiating a Good Deal on Used Cars in Pakistan

After developing a list of used cars that are suitable for buying (refer to my last Articlebase post titled "How to Decide which Used Car to Buy in Pakistan") you're ready to start negotiating for the final deals. Here are a few basics to help you get the best price for your used car.

1. Show them the Money: On your first contact with the Seller, whether by mobile phone or in person, let them know you're a serious buyer and that you have the money available to buy the car. Buyers with ready finances are always more attractive to people selling their cars and they receive more attention.
2. Show them you've done your Homework: Mention that you have a list and tell them you're in the market for several makes and models. Mention your price range and the number of cars on your list that fit well into that budget. This will provide you with a level of authority and the seller will know that you're well researched in used car sales.
3. Talk Price: You can rest assured the person selling his or her used car has kept room for negotiations - in other words, the price is almost certainly higher than what the seller will finally settle for. In Pakistan this can range from a few thousand to about five percent of car value depending on the year of manufacture and condition of the car. In any case refer to your list and find the lowest price for that particular car make, model and year. Using your intuition, start negotiations a bit below that price. Don't go too low incase you need to raise your bid - big jumps in negotiations show lack of knowledge and seriousness. This is especially true for urban areas like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
4. Know your Maximum Price: Before you buy a used car in Pakistan you should decide on a maximum price and never exceed this limit. Your maximum price should ideally correspond with the budget you fixed after examining your savings and expenditures.
5. Walk Out: Do not be afraid to walk out or end negotiations if your price is not being met. This can be a great bargaining chip. If you feel that the seller is unnecessarily prolonging negotiations be the first to walk out (politely please!). More than often this is the point when a seller will cave in to your demands.
6. Do not fall for the Sales Pitch: Several times the seller will prove that the price set is justified because of a whole bunch of features that you're not even looking for. Don't get distracted. Focus on the car you decided on and let them know that the features you wanted are well justified within your offer.
7. Turn on the Charm: Be firm and authoritative but no harm in using a bit of charm and charisma. Complement the seller on things other than the car, try to find a common interest and build on that. The reason I would avoid complementing the car is that it could actually work against you in negotiating the car price downwards.

At this point you should have a few good deals ready to bag. Decide on which of the final cars you want to buy and after confirming the seller's credibilty and a test run, sign the check and start the ignition. You've just landed yourself a great used car!