Just bought a car from a dealer, did I handle the transaction well or not?

The deal is done, so be happy. It sounds like a reasonable price for a Used Prius and if it is in decent condition , you did well. Next time have a used car checked out prior to purchase and don't fall for the "You have to buy now or the price will go up" BS.

here's my standard tactics when buying a car..

1) NEVER buy a car the first time you step on the lot.. instead spend the first day finding out everything you need to about the car.. miles, condition, etc..

2) Do research, look on some websites for average car prices, kelleybluebook, edmunds, etc..

3) Based on your research, figure out your target price and your cutoff price.. what you WANT to pay for the car, and what your absolute highest price you can afford.

4) Whatever they tell you at the dealership is BS, they will tell you anything to try and get you to buy the car today.. never take their first offer..

5) I find its best to be straight forward with them.. tell them you've done your research, this is what you think the car is worth and this is what you are willing to pay in order to buy the car RIGHT NOW.

6) When negotiating, never ASK them "Can you come down anymore on the price?".. instead make the statement.. "If you come down another thousand i'll buy the car right now."

7) Walk away. If the car is still above your target or cutoff price, give them your phone number and say sorry we couldnt make a deal. I wouldnt be surprised if they call you back a day later or so giving you a better deal.. if they dont call you, you call them.. tell them you really like the car and would be willing to give them another chance if they knock some more off the price.

8) Make them add some options to the car.. tell them the price is a little steeper than your comfortable with, but if they throw in some floor mats or some other option for free you'll buy the car.. My last purchase i got them to throw in some all weather floor mats and tint all my windows for free..

ultimately, it doesnt matter if you handled it correctly or not.. but what matters is if you are comfortable with the price you paid.

There is an excellent book by a former car salesman, Remar Sutton, titled Don't Get Taken Every Time.

Go buy a copy.

One key point is that once you decide today's not the day to buy, stick to that. Any store willing to deal that much that day will be just as willing to do it tomorrow or next week. They didn't do that for you.

Did you buy the make and model of car you wanted?

Did you compare the car you bought with others of the same type?

Did you pay the price you wanted to pay?

Did you get a good after sales deal?

Are you happy with the car you bought and the price you paid?

Do you really think you handled the deal well?

Its spilt milk at this point. Id never pay $8000 for anything with 100k but don't beat yourself up over it too much.

You made a number of mistakes and you have a number of years to learn not to make them next time.

Bottom line is don't even step on a dealers lot when they are open because its their job to sell you a car.