The Best Thing to Say When a Dealer Won't Budge

When a dealer won't budge on price in the U.S., most buyers either cave or leave frustrated. There's a better move: one clear line that states your limit and gives them a final chance to move—without drama. Here's the best thing to say when a dealer won't budge and what to do next.

TL;DR Say: "I've looked at comparable cars in the area, and I need to be at [your target] out the door. If you can get there, I'm ready to buy today. If not, I'll need to look at other options." Then be ready to walk. Know your target with autopremo.com.

Why This Line Works

1. It's specific

You're not saying "can you do better?" You're giving a number (your target OTD). That's actionable. They can say yes, no, or counter. Vague requests get vague responses.

2. It's grounded in data

"I've looked at comparable cars" signals you've done research. You're not guessing—you're asking for a fair, market-based number. That makes your position harder to dismiss. Use autopremo.com so your target is real.

3. It's out-the-door

"Out the door" means price + tax + fees. No surprises. They can't "move" on price and add it back in fees. You're negotiating the number that matters.

4. It gives them a choice

"If you can get there, I'm ready to buy today" = clear incentive. "If not, I'll need to look at other options" = clear consequence. You're not attacking—you're stating the deal and the alternative. They can move or not.

5. It sets you up to walk

You've stated your limit. If they don't move, you leave. No guilt, no "one more try." You gave them a chance; they said no. That's how you avoid overpaying when they won't budge.

Get your target OTD with autopremo.com.

The Full Script

You: "I've looked at comparable cars in the area, and I need to be at [your target number] out the door. If you can get there, I'm ready to buy today. If not, I'll need to look at other options." Then: Wait. Don't fill the silence. Let them respond. If they counter: Decide if the counter is at or below your max. If yes, you can accept or try one more move. If no, repeat: "My number is [target]. If you can do that, I'm ready. If not, I'll look elsewhere." Then be ready to leave. If they say no: "I understand. I appreciate your time. If anything changes on your side, you have my number." Then leave. No drama.

What to Do Before You Say It

Know your target OTD. Not "around" — a real number. Use autopremo.com and OTD calculator to get there.

Know your max. The most you'll pay. If your target is your max, don't go above it. If your target is below max, you have a little room—but don't reveal that.

Be willing to walk. If you're not willing to leave, the line loses power. There are other cars and other dealers.

Set your target and max at autopremo.com.

What Not to Say

• "Can you do any better?" Too vague. Give a number.
• "What's your best price?" Puts them in control. You state your number.
• "I love this car, I have to have it." Signals you'll pay more. Don't say it.
• "I'll pay asking if you throw in floor mats." You're negotiating add-ons, not price. Focus on OTD first.

Your "Won't Budge" Checklist

• [ ] Target OTD known (from comps and OTD tool)
• [ ] Max OTD set; target at or below max
• [ ] Line practiced: "I need to be at $X out the door. If you can get there, I'm ready today. If not, I'll look elsewhere."
• [ ] Willing to walk if they don't move
• [ ] Leave calmly if they say no—no guilt, no aggression

Get your target at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

When a dealer won't budge, the best thing to say is: "I've looked at comparable cars in the area, and I need to be at [your target] out the door. If you can get there, I'm ready to buy today. If not, I'll need to look at other options." Then be ready to walk. Know your target with autopremo.com—and don't overpay when they won't move.