How much should I pay for a Used Car in New Zealand?
Unfortunately there are no publications in New Zealand - such as those available in the UK and North America - which list expected prices for cars by year of manufacture, mileage and condition.In New Zealand you need to carry out your own research to get an idea of prices.
You can see expected sale prices at auction by looking at Turner's catalogues.
You can also see a selection of models offered by dealers and private individuals at Autotrader, Trademe and Trade and Exchange.
If you're interested in buying a model that exists in large numbers in New Zealand it will be easier to see plenty of examples - and get an idea of a fair price - than if you're interested in rarer models.
Once you've done your research, you'll be in a much better position to buy your car at the best possible price.
Negotiating the Price - Buying Cheaper
People with good negotiating skills will get a better deal than people who don't bother to negotiate over their car purchase. You will often be able to negotiate ten percent off the price of used cars with dealers - but if you have researched the market carefully, you will find these dealers have often inflated their prices expecting to ultimately give the discount.Solid research is the key to knowing prices and is also the basis of effective negotiation. The ultimate key to pushing a dealer to the best price he'll give you is to walk away from a negotiation, saying you'll think about things and might come back another time.
Car dealers know that you very well might not come back and many will lower their price (if they have any room left to) if they think you are genuinely walking away.