Good points, especially the Theme Park one
Just be honest, and say that you're having an aimless mooch, and everybody's happy. You can look all you want on the stuff outside, but please don't be offended when the showroom closes: the clue is the sign with those funny numbers on, next to days of the week? I don't try and kick the doors in at Sainsbury's at 4.01pm on a Sunday, please don't do the same to me.

Brits are notoriously bad at haggling, but making a silly offer will get you nowhere, and will, quite frankly, make you look a bit of a tit. And 'discounts for cash' are illegal, try 'discount for no part exchange' and you might get somewhere.

Realistically, a new car will have a margin of 0-8%. Pre-registered 0-5%. Used varies from a loss (depending on how long in stock) to about 15%.

There you go, a free guide to sensible negotiation.

If it's a new car you're buying, buy something that's physically in stock at the end of the month/quarter and you MAY get a better deal.

Incidentally, not ALL car salesmen are fat, cheaply suited cunts. Just like ALL BMW drivers aren't inconsiderate dickheads, and ALL Honda drivers superannuated incontinent travel-rug owners (less said about S2000 owners the better....). One reason for some sales bods not spending too much cash on the old suit is the fact that working around cars, you get oil,grease etc on you on a regular basis, even in the showroom.

Oh, and I haven't been a salesman for quite some time, but the whole Arfur Daley Fing is receding into the past.
(osok Rebel without a clue, Tue 6 May 2008, 10:39, Reply)