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Buying Tips - How Do I Get the Best Deal?

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Comments

  • audia8qaudia8q Member Posts: 3,138
    will be going alone (I don't know anyone here) and I am a small female so I don't think there's anyway I can buy it below invoice price

    I wonder if there is a service that offers large ominous looking people for rent to go along for negotiations??? Seriously, if you have all your facts in order and do some quality research your half way home.....also don't be afraid to get up and walk if things seem shady. This is the part that most folks screw up. Don't forget to ask around and get a dealership referral. This can be very helpful compared to walking in and hoping you get a decent salesperson. Forget that your a small female and think of yourself as a future long term customer for the dealer and you will do fine.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Don't underestimate yourself danaf. The biggest weapon you have in negotiation is the power to walk away from a deal. If dealership feels they might be losing you to private sale or a buy here pay here lot... then you can use that to your advantage. The dealership desperately wants to sell you a car. But, don't let them know you prefer to buy from a dealer or need a car as soon as possible. If you're not comfortable with their "final offer" then tell them you will go home to think it over. They may call you with a lower offer, or you can counter with your final offer. You've played the game truth or dare before? Well, negotiation for a car is much like it. Have fun with it and let us know how it turns out. Good luck.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • tsgeiseltsgeisel Member Posts: 352
    Actually, large ominous people aren't necessary. But if you have someone along who can, at various times during the negotiation, just say "This offer's BS - let's go" and try and persuade you to leave, you might find the price dropping precipitously, until you get an offer you like.

    They want to keep you there. They want you to buy. They'll do what they can.

    And, as mentioned, embrace the power of "No".
  • danafdanaf Member Posts: 22
    Thanks so much everyone. Wow, you guys are very helpful and supportive. Yeah actually I can say no, and since I got a loan already so all I have to negotiate is the price.

    I will try to read as much as I can tonight and try my luck this weekend.

    Thanks graphicsguy for your step by step guide, I do need this kind of instructions. Actually I did post an ad to ask for a companion but got back replies for other kind of escorts :)
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    But if you have someone along who can, at various times during the negotiation, just say "This offer's BS - let's go" and try and persuade you to leave, you might find the price dropping precipitously, until you get an offer you like.

    Do you really need that? Couldn't you just say "This offer is BS - give me a reason to stay here"?

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    Ooops...

    You mean people on the internet would actually try and take advantage of a woman asking for help.... Well I am shocked. ;)

    I second what everyone else said you should be able to buy a Corolla LE for basicly invoice and if you qualify for the 400 dollars in new college grad marketing support then you can get that too.

    I helped my sister buy a 2006 Corolla S a couple of months ago and she bought the car for just a bit under invoice. They might have taken a little bit of extra money from her trade and they had a stupid high 599 doc fee but the car itself was bought for a little bit under invoice. I guess once you add the stupid high doc fee in she paid invoice.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I will try to read as much as I can tonight and try my luck this weekend.

    Main thing is to find a good price and if you don't get it walk away from the deal. Don't let them pressure you and if you feel uncomfortable excuse yourself and get to a place were you feel comfortable then review the deal that they gave you. Never commit to anything if you feel the least bit pressured.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    I did post an ad to ask for a companion but got back replies for other kind of escorts

    So did you hook up? ;)

    dana...don't worry. Everyone is giving good advice.

    Some phrases to use....

    "Sorry, I don 't like that deal."
    "Thanks, I'm leaving"
    "Can't see that happening"
    "Don't need nor want that"
    "That's too bad, we were so close"
    "You're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole"
    "I'm hungry. Call me if anything changes"
    "I need to discuss this with my significant other"

    These should help you.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Some phrases to use...

    You forgot the best phrase of all to use if dealership is playing games, "GO POUND SALT!" :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    dana,

    You've gotten great advice from the best guys around so be sure to use it.

    If you haven't gone out the door yet (I just got back after accompanying my wife at a day of shopping; everything from nylons to sectional furniture for the family room), so I just tuned in. If you don't mind, let me add, TAKE YOUR TIME you will probably have this car for a few years so don't rush into it. If you do and you find out later (usually the next day) that you made a mistake, you will kick yourself for a week.

    I will try to read as much as I can tonight and try my luck this weekend.

    Don't worry about reading all of those posts. That advice was from 'jipster' and since he has probably written at least 926 of them he would like to be sure that you read all of his words of wisdom also. Although he's very knowledgeable, he is just that kind of a guy, but don't hold that against him.

    Good luck and be sure to let us know how it went. We have huge egos and like to know if/when we are right.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    jipster....I've got the strange feeling that I'm never going to live down that phrase......LOL!

    j....you went shopping with the wife? BRAVE MAN!

    dana...keep us posted on how things go.....
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ....you went shopping with the wife? BRAVE MAN!

    Yeah, I did and bravery makes you BROKE real BROKE.

    I think she did what she intended to do; get me out of retirement and back to work. Just couldn't leave well enough alone.

    I see there are several dealers close by looking for help. What the heck, since I know all about cars I might give it a try but I know I won't like the hours.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    You know I had no problem going shopping with my wife before we got married but now it is just a nightmare. It is like there is a switch that gets turned on after the wedding.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...It is like there is a switch that gets turned on after the wedding.

    Yep, I noticed that too many years ago.

    Those ladies are masters at finding that switch.

    I wish I knew more about electrical stuff so I could find it and disconnect it without executing myself!

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • danafdanaf Member Posts: 22
    Thanks everyone. I was planning to go this weekend but then a co-worker told me that his parents know a good salesman and he will give me the contact info on Monday, so I will wait till Monday and do some more research in the mean time. After reading more posts I realize that it's not good to go on weekends anyway.

    Thanks jmonroe, but I won't keep the vehicle for more than 11 months because my employer will transfer me back home. So I am kind of in a rush because if I am not able to find a good deal in the next month or two I should just forget about it and keep renting.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I think it's pound sand and not salt.

    Bottom line, if an acceptable offer is made a deal will be struck. If not, the customer will go home without a car.

    And, this happens. Some people go all over town dealer to dealer making unacceptable offers until they finally come to the reality of the market.

    Sometimes I am just amazed at what people will go through in order to "save" a lousy hundred dollars!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    And, this happens. Some people go all over town dealer to dealer making unacceptable offers until they finally come to the reality of the market.

    Also there are dealers out there that do try their best to get the last dime out of anyone that walks into their store. The other day I went to a Suzuki dealer and they had a 3 grand "market adjustment" (18% price increase) on a SX4. If I was actually in the market for one I would have told them to pound sand.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Any business will attempt to maximize their profits and most customers will try not to let that happen.

    In the end, it's the prevailing MARKET that will determine pricing.

    In the case of anything Suzuki I don't think they ae going to get that extra 3000.00!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    So you are ok with a business trying to make a lousy extra $100 but you complain about the customer trying to save a lousy $100.

    In the case of anything Suzuki I don't think they ae going to get that extra 3000.00!

    Of course other dealers are not asking for it.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    "Some people go all over town dealer to dealer making unacceptable offers until they finally come to the reality of the market."

    That's the best way for us car buyers to find what a car is really worth.

    Besides, some of us like visiting car dealers and looking at what they are selling. We enjoy the whole car buying experience.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    No, I'm not complaining. I'm just telling it like it is.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    ...but I won't keep the vehicle for more than 11 months because my employer will transfer me back home.

    If this is the case, I don't think buying is your best choice. Rarely can you get your moneys worth out of a new car if you are only going to keep it for 11 months not to mention the problems you may encounter trying to time your sale with the time you will be leaving. If you go to a dealer to unload this car, he will surely steal it from you and you will definitely loose your shirt.

    I realize you have rental costs but depending on what you are renting you can easily loose more on deprecation of a new car (even with a good deal) than what you're paying for the rental.

    Maybe the answer is to get a bare-bones rental.

    Double check all your figures before you jump into a new car.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Sometimes I am just amazed at what people will go through in order to "save" a lousy hundred dollars!

    I don’t know about you but all of my $100 dollars have been very good.

    We here on this board have heard this complaint from every car salesperson, so I’d like to ask a question:

    If you are able to get that last “lousy $100” from a customer, how much of it are you, as a salesperson, going to get in you're paycheck if you win, $30, $40, $50? It seems that you are willing to fight for a percentage of this “lousy $100” but if the customer wins, they get to keep all of it. This is why I’m willing to fight for a “lousy $100” because in the end it’s not so lousy.

    At the restaurants I usually frequent, this will easily pay the tab for the wife and me.

    Don’t know about the others here but that’s just one of my reasons.

    jmonroe

    '15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl

  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    I can do a LOT with a hundred dollars. I don't think I would ever call a spare hundred dollars here or there "lousy". ;)
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    With comments like "a lousy $100" it sure sounds like complaining. Plus the fact that you seem to ignore what a dealership will do for that same lousy $100. It just seems odd that someone would complain about someone else looking to save some of their hard earned money.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    A few hundred here and few hundred there soon you're talking some real money. Say you saved $100 on every car you buy. On a 5 year note you are saving just under $2 a month. Now $2 a month doesn't sound like a lot but invested wisely over the course of ones working lifetime it can total upwards to $20K or more at retirement.

    Saving a little here and thier can really add up and a hundred on a car purchase and go a long way in that regards.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • danafdanaf Member Posts: 22
    Thanks again jmanroe. I spent over $700 per month renting so I thought I could save a "lousy" 2000 - 3000 by buying now and selling after 11 months. Maybe I should only consider buying used then. I figured that if I can buy a 04 Corolla for $13000 after one year I should at least get back $9000... or maybe I am too optimistic.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I would agree that if your only going to have the car for 11 months buy used. Maybe a 3 or 4 year old one. You will lose the least on that.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    If someone gave me the choice, I would much rather pound sand than salt. If one were pounding salt,they would have a tendency to get pounded salt clouds of residue up into their eyes and nose... which would not be pleasant. Pounding sand would be like a day at the beach... just wash out your underwear and forget about it.

    So saying to someone, "Go pound salt" is a much more effective way of telling them to get lost. :P
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Since you don't do what I do, you wouldn't understand.

    We are all different. For me, "saving" a hundred dollars isn't worth a whole lot of trouble. I'm not going to drive all over creation pitting one dealer against another in a frantic attempt to save a hundred dollars.

    You may feel differently and I understand.

    There are "smart shoppers" and miserly cheapskates. Big difference!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    If you have to sell in 11 months, I would go with a nice 2001 or 2002 Corolla. Still very dependable, and you're only out 2-3k.

    Now if you're just rolling in the dough like jmanroe or isnell. If you be going to those fancy restaurants laying down those Ben Franklins, for your sweetie, like they were nothing... then yeah, an 04' should do. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Since you don't do what I do, you wouldn't understand.

    What makes you think I haven't?

    There are "smart shoppers" and miserly cheapskates. Big difference!

    And the same can be said for the other side of the desk.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    There is just not another 100 dollars left in a deal. A line has to be drawn some where and a lot of people just don't understand that. Just like a buyer has to embrace the power of no so does the dealer.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    If you have been in my business you would definatly understand. I wouldn't have either.

    british rover is right. Some deals aren't worth taking.

    I do my best to make every deal happen and I'm pretty good at it. I have a lot of repeat and referral customers so I must be treating people right.

    Still, there comes a point I will lose interest and when that time comes, I honestly have no fear whatever of loss.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    dana...I can't imagine an 11 mo car deal being financially appealing on a new car. Personally, if the money is coming out of your pocket, I'd look for a $1,000 beater to use for 11 months. It won't be pretty, but I've bought $1,000 "specials" and nursed them along for a lot longer than 11 mos. Turn around and sell it for $500 (sometimes more). Net out of pocket for the purchase is going to be much less than buying a new car to use for 11 mos and then turn around and reselling it used.

    isell & BR....I think both the buyer and the seller looks at opportunity cost. If it takes you, or the buyer, hours to get that extra $50-$100 on a deal, then the opportunity cost isn't worth it. But, if it takes 5 minutes? I'd be all over that time well spent.

    Snake...we can all walk away from any deal, at any time. Dealer can do the same. I've yet seen a dealer shut down negotiations for $100, though. I'm sure it has happened. I've just never seen a dealer, that is $100 apart from where the buyer is (me), let a customer walk over that crisp $100 bill.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Dealer can do the same. I've yet seen a dealer shut down negotiations for $100, though.

    I have, one time me and a dealer got to about $100 apart, I walked and the dealer let me.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I can beat that. I had a customer who was leasing a 84,000 dollar Range Rover I don't remember what the exact lease payment was but it was over 1,400 dollars a month for a 30 month lease.

    For land rover leases the property tax is escrowed in a seperate account and paid by land rover for the driver. They use some formula to estimate the property tax and in general you only pay land rover 70% to 80% of what you would pay the state directly in property tax.

    Well after I gave this guy all the lease numbers he worked it all backwards and called me back a couple of hours later with a question. When he was working the lease he figured that the payment was $4.92, I don't remember the exact number but it was something like that, higher then it should be and he wanted to know where the extra money was.

    Well I broke out my calculator and back tracked the lease. Property tax on that car was about 82 dollars a month and sales tax in CT is 6%. Well 6% of 82 dollars is $4.92 and that is where the extra money is coming from. Since Land Rover is providing a service by escrowing the property tax in a seperate account the state requires that it be taxed. I called and confirmed this with the state and had them email me an explination of the law as well.

    I explained this too the guy and showed him my math along with the letter from the state. He exploded saying he was going to sue land rover and sue us and sue everyone because they can't tax a tax and we are robbing him of extra money. He has a garage full of cars that he always leases and has never heard of something like that. On and on and on he went and was probably still going on after I hung up on him.

    I never bothered to contact him again and have not spoken to him since.

    Some people are just crazy to get that worked up about something that is less then one half of one percent of the lease payment on the car.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Property tax on that car was about 82 dollars a month and sales tax in CT is 6%. Well 6% of 82 dollars is $4.92 and that is where the extra money is coming from.

    Well if that don't beat all, charging a sales tax on a tax payment. :confuse:

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    Snake....the most a dealer has ever let me walk out on was $250.

    This was a while ago. I told them I was "all-in". Dealer said the very best he could do was knock $50 off that $300 difference. I walked.

    In fairness, he called me back the next day and wanted me to come back for more negotiations. Don't know what the deal would have been if I went back in. Didn't want to make the trip to find out, though.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    In my case during the negotiations the dealership stopped coming down. I upped my offer twice and got do counter offer. That told me they were not coming down and the price they were offering was above my limit (but not by much).

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Wow!

    Well, we are very much different than one another.

    100.00 ?

    It sounds like the dealer was having second thoughts about accepting such a low number and your demand they shave another 100.00 was maybe a relief to them.

    Either that or you really ticked them off and they just didn't want to sell you a car?
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It might have been $100, it might have been a little more or a little less. Either way two things made me walk, first was that they were not coming down even though I went up twice on my offer. And two, their price was above my maximum, not by much but above.

    They called me a few days later with what I was asking at then end. By then it was to late I already bought from another dealer, at a lower price.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    I've never had a deal hinge on $100 (or $500 for that matter), at least not directly. Typically, I shop around a bit to get a feel for the market, both locally and out of town. It is immediately apparent who's in the running and who's not. If they want to play games, they can do by themselves - my time is too valuable to waste with stores that want to jerk me around.

    Once the list is whittled down, the best overall deal gets my business. Now it may well be that the difference between best and second best is relatively small but usually not. On my last new purchase, the selling dealer was, as I recall, at least $600 better than number two.
  • aeyllonaeyllon Member Posts: 3
    Why would you only give the dealership 15 minutes for a best offer?
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    15 minutes is all it should take.

    The sales managers are very experienced and they know very quickly if your offer is acceptable or not.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    You should be able to get their best deal in 15-20 minutes.

    2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D

  • carlah1carlah1 Member Posts: 2
    I am considering buying a 2006 Jeep Liberty demo with a sticker price in the mid 20's. It has about 5,000 miles on it. Any suggestions as to a fair price?
  • bobstbobst Member Posts: 1,776
    Carl, how about going to forum where people discuss vehicles like that. Personally, I have never even heard of that vehicle.
  • cccompsoncccompson Member Posts: 2,382
    Invoice less rebates less whatever you want to figure each driven mile was worth. The dealer may believe the 5000 miles only merit a $500 to $750 discount (10 to 15 cents per mile).

    Personally, I would just evaluate it as a used car and utilize the popular pricing guides to calculate its value.
  • tsgeiseltsgeisel Member Posts: 352
    Personally, I would just evaluate it as a used car and utilize the popular pricing guides to calculate its value.

    Same here. Especially since demos see a wider variety of poor driving than a used car might, in addition to not being garaged or carported and if they can't show you that the oil was changed every three months (3 mos/3k miles), that's another strike against it.

    Buying a demo car is only a couple of steps above buying an old rental car. Don't let them treat it like a new car.
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