What is a good deal on a used car?

[d000hg]

Not so sure it's "common sense". It's like how we get work through agents. Clients could go direct and save themselves a bit of cash but they don't consider it worthwhile. The agent (IT or auto or estate, etc) is providing a service making it easier to buy & sell, and taking a cut.
When you have the time to scrimp on every penny then sure you can do better, but as they say time is money and convenience is time.
At least this is my guess how most think, when unemployed you have more time to get motivated in the best deal.

[Bagpuss]

Not so sure it's "common sense". It's like how we get work through agents. Clients could go direct and save themselves a bit of cash but they don't consider it worthwhile. The agent (IT or auto or estate, etc) is providing a service making it easier to buy & sell, and taking a cut.
When you have the time to scrimp on every penny then sure you can do better, but as they say time is money and convenience is time.
At least this is my guess how most think, when unemployed you have more time to get motivated in the best deal.

It's common sense if making the most of what you have is desirable, with car dealers we will never be taking pennies, in most cases it will be over a grand loss. It's a pretty simple equation to my mind...
If it takes me a day or two extra inconvenience to gain over a grand I would have that inconvenience, based on what I consider my time to be worth. Now, the median wage in this country after tax is probably about 18k that's a lot of time joe public would have to waste before it's not worth it. Those who don't consider these sorts of equations in life will always be poor. Of course it's further complicated by the fact that dealing with car dealers is certainly not hassle free. No, selling low and buying high is not for me!

[kaiser78]

Bought a new (secondhand) car today - managed to 'negotiate' a reduction from £7300 with 3 month warranty to £7000 + 12 months warranty and a tank of petrol. Car will also be MOTd day before pick up and given a full service.

When you read about all the tips for haggling the price down etc, I tried a couple of these and rather amusingly looking back the salesman wasn't bothered either way. £7000 take it or leave was his stance without the eventual agreed extras.

Think I am happy with the deal I have - picking up at end of week.