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Tips for buying used cars?

ended 30. March 2026

Most drivers try to negotiate when buying a used car, but plenty are still
missing out on savings and value-boosting extras. 

New research from AA Cars has found 84% of drivers usually try to haggle when buying a used car, yet 16% have never tried to get a lower price.

Even among those who do, 11% admit they tend to give up easily if the dealer doesn’t respond well. 

The potential savings are significant. When it comes to the amount of money shaved off the asking price, one in ten drivers said they’ve previously secured a discount of £500 or more, while 7% got over £1,000. 

Among those who have successfully haggled when buying a used car, nearly three-
quarters (72%) have negotiated money off the asking price, while half (50%) have driven away with free extras such as mats, warranty or servicing.

  • Should you haggle when buying a used car? 
  • What other tips do you have for buyers?
  • Why do you think some people shy away from haggling?

Responses this morning please.

2 responses from the Newspage community

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Rohit Parmar-Mistry
Founder at Pattrn Data
Haggling is still worth doing, but treat it as a calm, evidence based conversation rather than a showdown. Before you view the car, check typical prices for the same model, age, mileage and spec, and decide your walk away number. On the day, ask for the full service history, MOT history, tyre tread depth and any recent advisories. Inspect in daylight, look for uneven panel gaps, fresh paint, mismatched tyres and damp smells. Take a proper test drive: cold start, brakes, steering pull, clutch bite, warning lights and any knocks.

If the seller won’t move on price, shift to value: fresh MOT, a service, new tyres, a warranty extension, a tank of fuel or fixing known issues. Be ready to leave, and be polite: silence and time to think often do more than pressure.

People avoid haggling because they fear conflict, feel under informed, or worry they’ll lose the car. Preparation removes most of that anxiety.
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Jamie Dinning
Marketing agency at Jamie Dinning
We put a lot of effort into pricing our cars accurately from the start. With prices now so transparent and competitive, many buyers are less inclined to haggle because they don’t need to. Well-priced cars benefit both buyers and sellers by making the process smoother and more straightforward. In the past, some buyers avoided negotiation because discussing money can feel uncomfortable. My biggest tip is to do your research: know what you want, check the car’s history, and don’t feel pressured to make a decision. Ask all the questions you need to feel confident. Ultimately, buying a used car today is less about pushing for a discount and more about making a confident, value-focused choice that suits your lifestyle. Jonathan Herman, Managing Director HPL Motors