Negotiation Leverage Score Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my negotiation leverage when buying a car?
Improve leverage by: buying older vehicles, targeting cars on the lot 60+ days, shopping during slow seasons (Dec-Feb), choosing low-demand models, researching comparable prices, being ready to walk away, and negotiating at month/quarter end when dealers need to meet sales goals.
What time of year is best for negotiating car prices?
December and January are typically the best months due to year-end sales goals and tax write-offs. February and March are also good as dealers clear old inventory for new models. Avoid spring and summer when demand is highest.
How much should I expect to negotiate off the asking price?
Negotiation potential varies widely. Older vehicles or those on the lot 90+ days may have 8-12% room. Newer or high-demand vehicles may have only 2-4% room. Used cars generally have more negotiation room (5-10%) than new cars (2-5%).
Does my trade-in affect negotiation leverage?
Yes, having a trade-in can improve your leverage by reducing the dealer's inventory risk and giving you negotiation flexibility. However, don't let the dealer combine negotiations - negotiate purchase price first, then trade-in value separately.
