Once you have found a car that satisfies all your needs and one that you like and are happy with, the most difficult part of the whole business can be in agreeing the price that you will pay for it. In the majority of cases it is possible to get the price down from the one that was first suggested by the seller.

This operation is well known as the “haggle”, and it is something that many of us are not very good at doing or maybe are too embarrassed to even attempt. However, haggling is in the true tradition of car buying and whether you are buying from a dealer or privately, then you should at least give it a go.

Firstly you should find out the range of prices that particular model is being sold for both privately and by dealers. Then, and this is very important, offer a fair bit less. That can be the embarrassing part, particularly if the seller starts to laugh; but stay cool and calm and see what happens.

The seller is almost certain to come back with an interim price but one that remains too high. Now it is your turn, and this is where you need to be firm. You need to show that your next offer will be your final one and it is the maximum you will be prepared to pay for the car. You must be willing to walk away from the sale and to indicate that of your offer is not accepted then that is what you will do, so you make your offer.

There is likely to be a deep intake of breath from the seller as he sucks in through his teeth, and he will say that the car is worth more than that.

At this point you very politely thank him very much for his time, offer to shake his hand and walk away.

If you have got it right, then he will come after you with a much better offer than his first one, and this is as likely to be the best offer you will get, though you might add something like “add a tank of petrol and it’s a deal” as by now you will be feeling quite brave.

If you want to view some cars for sale visit www.motors.co.uk.