Top 5 Tips to Negotiate with Dealerships

Satin black Mercedes AMG GTR

In today’s economy, buying a car feels like it costs an arm and a leg. With vehicle prices soaring, making a smart purchase is more important than ever. Thankfully, with today’s buyer’s market, it’s an excellent time to upgrade or find your dream car—if you know how to navigate the process. Here are five key tips to help you make confident and informed decisions.

1. Take Advantage of the Buyer’s Market

With demand low and supply high, buyers have more power than ever. You’re no longer limited to shopping locally; with affordable transportation costs, you can easily find better deals in other cities. By expanding your search to the whole province and comparing prices from multiple dealerships, you’ll have the opportunity to be selective and avoid settling for the first offer. I’ve personally seen clients save thousands by broadening their search beyond their local area.

Pro Tip: At Avantay, we’ll help you expand your search and identify the best deals, whether they’re in your city or beyond.

2. Stay Confident During Negotiations

Negotiating can feel intimidating, but it’s crucial to approach it with confidence. The golden rule? Be ready to walk away. Salespeople often rely on emotional attachments to close deals, so keeping a neutral attitude when test driving a car is key. I once fell in love with a car during a test drive but kept my poker face on. I even threatened to walk away three times, which resulted in the dealer cutting more than 10% off the price. Sometimes, saying no and stepping back can work in your favor.

Pro Tip: At Avantay, we negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get the best deal without the stress of face-to-face haggling.

3. Know the Value of Your Current Vehicle

When it comes to trading in or selling your car, knowing its true market value is crucial. I’ve been there—trying to figure out what my car was worth before heading to a dealership. Platforms like Kelley Blue Book or Autotrader are a good place to start, but keep in mind that they often reflect wholesale prices, which dealerships use to justify lower offers. To get a clearer idea of your car’s private market value, check out peer-to-peer marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and see what similar vehicles are selling for.

Trading in your car might seem convenient, and it can save you some taxes on your new vehicle, but it’s not always the best choice financially. Selling privately can often get you a lot more money, even if it takes a bit more effort. I once sold a car privately for five times what the dealership offered me. Sure, it took some extra time, but it was absolutely worth it. Plus, with many vehicle loans being open-ended these days, you can sell your car privately and put the lump sum directly toward your loan balance without any penalties.

Pro Tip: Avantay can help you assess your car’s true market value and find the best way to sell it, whether privately or through a dealership. We’ll set up professional listings, handle the communication, and filter out the annoying tire kickers so you don’t have to!

4. Utilizing EV Rebates During your Negotiations with the Dealership

Electric vehicle rebates can save you thousands, but it’s important to understand the current programs. While the federal EV rebate program ended in January 2025, British Columbia still offers rebates of up to $4,000 for qualifying vehicles. Your income and the type of vehicle determine the rebate amount, and plug-in hybrids with ranges below 85 km receive smaller rebates. Be sure to submit your application early, as approvals can take up to three weeks.

Pro Tip: Learn more about BC’s rebate program with our detailed guide: Everything You Need to Know About BC’s Electric Vehicle Rebate Program.

5. Be Thorough When Inspecting Used Cars

When buying a used car, I’ve learned the hard way that you should never just take the dealership’s word for everything. Always ask for the Carfax report, receipts for any work done, and photos if the car has been in an accident. Trust me, rebuilt status cars might look fine on the surface, but there’s a reason ICBC wrote them off. Hidden damages that weren’t fully repaired can cause major headaches later on.

I’ve made it a habit to do a thorough visual inspection of every car I’m considering. Check the body panels for alignment (misaligned panels often indicate the car was in an accident and had that panel replaced—so if the Carfax says no accidents, something might not add up). While you’re inspecting, document any blemishes or issues you find. For example, I once discovered a misaligned rubber trim that had fallen off due to wear and tear. I used that note as a negotiating tool, and the dealership agreed to fix it—a repair worth $800 that I didn’t have to pay for. Measure tire tread depth (even using your finger works in a pinch), rub your fingers over the brake rotors and pads to check for thickness or wear, and look under the car and in the engine bay for any signs of leaks. Use your findings to make the dealership work for their money! And if the dealership refuses to let a mechanic inspect the car onsite, that’s a major red flag.

During my car-buying journey, I’ve uncovered so many potential issues just by taking the time to look closely. That said, warranty coverage is also essential. Whether you’re buying new or used, warranties can save you from unexpected problems down the road.

Pro Tip: If we visit the dealership with you, Avantay can guide you through a visual inspection and help you ask the right questions for peace of mind. If you’re buying online, we’ll help you dissect Carfax reports, receipts, and dealer-provided information to spot any discrepancies or concerns before you commit.

Conclusion: Drive Smart with Avantay

Buying a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By staying informed and making confident choices, you can avoid unnecessary stress and get the best value for your money. Whether it’s researching vehicles, negotiating deals, or understanding rebates, Avantay is here to help make the process seamless. Ready to upgrade your ride? Let’s get started!