Many people still buy a used BMW without haggling over the price. Most used cars are priced so that the dealer can afford to knock a few hundred pounds or so off the price and still make a decent profit. Most car dealers now expect people to haggle over the price so dont let them down ! Here are a few hints and tips for effective haggling.

1. Research - The worse thing you can do is go to buy a used car with doing your research first. How much are similar cars selling for ? What features do the different models have ? Are there any particular problem areas to look for with the BMW model you are interested in. The Internet is a great tool for research.

2. Pick a quiet time to visit the dealer. The sales people will be more attentive and be able to spend more time with you.

3. Take control. Some sales people can be pushy and steamroller you into making a decision. Take your time and if necessary ask the sales person politely to leave you alone whilst looking at the cars you are interested in. BMW cars are generally expensive so take your time. If you want to spend 3 hours looking at the car then do it. Its your money so you decide when to spend it.

4. When you find a BMW that you may be interested in buying take a good look around it. Check the tyres. Check for any scratches or dents in the body work. These are all things that can be used to haggle the price down. Go for a test drive.

5. Check how many models of that vehicle are up for sale. The dealer may be able to offer you a discount on older BMW stock.

6. When the time comes to discuss the price sales people will almost always ask what your budget is but never ever reveal that. You don't want to spend your maximum budget. That's the whole point of bartering !

7. Its a good idea to ask the sales person what discount they can give on a particular car. This is the starting point for dicussions as the discount they offer will always be more than what they can actually offer. When making a counter offer be realistic. You are not going to get a £10000 car for £5000.

8. One thing you must always be prepared to do is walk away from the deal. Once the sales person knows that you will have control of the situation. Its amazing how an offer than was previously impossible to do suddenly becomes possible once you say goodbye and get up to leave.

9. If you cannot get the discount you want then ask for extras such mats, an upgraded CD player or even free servicing.

10. Ensure you visit not only main BMW dealers but also independent dealers who may be able to offer a bigger discount on their BMW cars.

Happy haggling !