You had $16,000 to spend on a pre-owned vehicle...

[Frosty]

Originally Posted by Archie F. Swin

So....lets say you find a clean, low-mileage 2011 model vehicle. the Dealer is asking $17,900. How do you determine where to start the negotiations? What's your first offer?

Go to edmunds.com's used car section

http://www.edmunds.com/used-cars/

Fill in the section on "Appraise a used car". Fill in mileage and options. It will give you are range of prices based trade in, private party and dealer retail. I would start a little under private party and go from there. Edmunds' prices are based on what cars actually have sold for in your area, unlike the arbitrary prices on Kelly Blue Book.

If you start too low, they won't take you seriously and will jerk you around. Make them a reasonable offer and be prepared to walk. if they say no and counter with an unreasonable offer, thank them and get up and leave. If they let you leave, you were way too low. More than likely, though, they will change the counter offer.

The best deal is the one you are happy with for a car you like. Don't worry about if you could have squeezed them for a few more dollars.