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Buying Tips - How Do I Get the Best Deal?

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  • ralph9ralph9 Member Posts: 88
    To have an apples to apples comparison I suggest that you get their bid excluding TT&L, but including destination charges and ALL fees. Good luck with your purchase. bTake care. Ralph
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    suze.....make certain that each dealer is giving you a true OTD price.

    Tax should be the same if the price of the car is the same. Tags should be the same price on the same car, too.

    If they're different, just go with the dealer that has the lesser OTD price.

    Remember, no other money should be coming out of your pocket with an OTD price...no more fees....no more "extra" $$ of any kind.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    To have an apples to apples comparison I suggest that you get their bid excluding TT&L,

    No to get an apples to apples comparison you should get the total OTD, keys in your pocket, title in your hand price. Because when it comes down to brass tacks it all boils down to how much $ went out the door to get the car.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Tax should be the same if the price of the car is the same. Tags should be the same price on the same car, too.

    If they're different, just go with the dealer that has the lesser OTD price.

    I would suggest that if the tax is different find out which one is right and go that route. Some municipalities can get a little nasty on getting their sales tax on big ticket items.

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

  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    I think that Consumer reports is THE biggest rippoff ever. They create this propaganda about the sales experience and build fear into the consumer and then CHARGE for information that is available on FREE websites, that is even more accurate. Talk about exploiting the consumer.
  • am153am153 Member Posts: 10
    I would sure like your source of free websites for this information. It could save me the bother of getting CR's new Auto edition and special individual buyer's reports.

    I have to suggest, also, that their analysis of "Best Buys" have not always been on target.
  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Not a free website - but how about your public library?
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I would sure like your source of free websites

    Well you are on one.

    I have to suggest, also, that their analysis of "Best Buys" have not always been on target.

    There is a reason for that. I have seen them give the exact same thing a great rating and a poor rating. Both were the exact same thing off the exact same assembly line the only difference was the name brand. :confuse:

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

  • hansiennahansienna Member Posts: 2,312
    AGREE. Consumer Reports is THE BIGGEST RIP-OFF .
    We can get MORE information FREE here at Edmunds than CR will provide for $14.
    Consumer Reports is BIASED and in-accurate. :sick: One reason I don't like my 2006 Sienna LE is because CR (and others) praised the Sienna and Odyssey to high heaven and badmouthed the Grand Caravan and Town & Country.
    I expected my Sienna to be much better than the less expensive 2002 T&C LX but the Sienna is actually NOT as good overall as the T&C.
    The Sienna has more power with a 5 speed AT vs 4 speed AT in T&C but gas mileage is only marginally better. The Sienna came with the right side bucket seat installed incorrectly at the factory. I am NOT impressed with Toyota quality. :shades:
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    No "Brown nosing"...but, I do agree that Edmunds gives you much more than CR....and, it's free.

    I don't know where you can get the pricing information, incentive information, real world buying advice, service info, reliability info... (and on and on)....all at the touch of the "post my message" button....no charge.

    Kudos to Edmunds.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    No "Brown nosing"...but, I do agree that Edmunds gives you much more than CR....and, it's free.

    Yes Edunds gives you all you need for your car ourchase needs and for free.

    Do I get paid now?

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

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Shush!! :)

    tidester, host
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    and it's free.

    Well, that would depend on what your definition of free is.(i.e advertisements, rules of the road, etc) But, I can't think of any source that has the wide variety of information available in one stop. The nice members who post what they have paid for a vehicle, and other pricing information, has definitely saved me money. And aside from the occasional use of the Jip-O-Matic, the hosts are pretty cool as well. ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    jipster....is that the same as the tradmarked...

    "warn-o-matic" employed by kirstie?

    Or the...

    "skip-o-matic" used by tidester?

    Then there's the "ignore-o-matic" ( a good one that I use)..."ban-o-matic"...."deal-o-matic"...."trade-o-matic"

    and...the ever present....

    "i hate your car-o-matic" that'll stir people up.

    "your deal is terrible-o-matic"

    I could go on....but, now I'm boring myself.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    I have often wondered how dumb CR thinks many of its readers are or how dumb they themselves are when it comes to name brands.

    There used to be several vehicles that with the exception of the badge on the grill were exactly the same. Made in the same factory by the same people using the same components but CR would rate one as above average reliablity and the others as below.

    Specificly I am thinking of the Dimaond Star Motors Triplets(Mitsi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser and Eagle Talon)
  • tsgeiseltsgeisel Member Posts: 352
    My big issue with CR (and with many other sites) is that they'll give a car a glowing review in text, and just let it slide, while they'll mark a car as a "Best Buy" with an absolutely scathing review.

    I seem to recall last year's Tiburon being an example of that, but without the book in front of me, I can't confirm.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    jipster...is that the same as the trademarked..."warn-o-matic" employed by kirstie?

    nahhh, kirstie don't be playing around. She breaks out the heavy artillery right off the bat, the awesome and feared by all... nuclear powered (with solar powered panel backup)... the DELETE-O-MATIC 5000. It's got all the features and fancy gadgets you listed above. As well as a special "speed" button feature she uses the most... designated as the Jip-O-Matic. :cry:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • doublehdoubleh Member Posts: 21
    with all the reading i've done lately i was getting confused with the different terms of invoice, wholesale. after looking at the carcostcanada report a little closer i see that they indicate wholesale is the same as invoice.

    now i know!
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I remember one time back in the 80's where they tested car stereos and gave Panasonic as the best. The only problem was everyone else and their brother were saying that the top two were Blaupunkt and Alpine, yet those two weren't mentioned in the CR report.

    Sorry I don't trust CR any further than I could trow a bull elephant.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    the DELETE-O-MATIC 5000.

    What? she's not using the the DELETE-O-MATIC 5001? The one with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time.

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

  • grandtotalgrandtotal Member Posts: 1,207
    Nope, the 5001 was recalled. I forget the details, but something about too much overspray.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    No that was the 5002 which was recalled because the glow in the dark paint was actually radioactive.

    Then there was the 5003 which was recalled because it was just silly to expand this gag to a 5003 series.

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

  • british_roverbritish_rover Member Posts: 8,502
    That dead horse stinks.
  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    As long as your paying invoice or sticker you are getting a fair deal in my opinion,in reality invoice pricing is about 1000-2000 difference, when you are making car payments that is not much of difference considering that you paid sticker, the main thing is be happy with your car because are the one that is making the payments, you bought your car done deal.
  • pch101pch101 Member Posts: 582
    $1,000 or $2,000 is a good chunk of change for most people. Why would you pay more when you can just as easily pay less?
  • melech37melech37 Member Posts: 18
    In buying (rather than leasing), I have used the OTD method many times with good results. In leasing, I have used the "monthly payment" method, but felt guilty because I know that monthly payments are used by salesman to exploit the uninformed buyer. But is there anything really wrong with a monthly payment method for leasing, if I have factored into the payment the cap cost, MF, etc? The only cost not factored into the monthly lease payment is the turn-in fee.
  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    I does not make that much difference when you are making car payments you still gotta pay tax so it rounds almost to the same thing, well i believe in getting deals but what im saying you are lucky to get a new car period even if you paid sticker on invoice a $1000-2000 difference is only about $5-10 difference per month in my opinion you are gonna spend it anyway regardless this my opinion okay.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    If done right there is really no issue using the monthly payment method as long as you have reasonable expectations on the monthly payment and hold firm on the down payment and term of the loan. Holding firm on those two means they can only lower the payment by either lowering the price or the interest rate.

    So is there anything really wrong? No not if your are smart about it.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    a $1000-2000 difference is only about $5-10 difference per month

    On a 6% loan a $1,000 difference would result in a $10 increase on a 12 year loan.

    On a 6% loan a $1,000 difference will result in a $21 a month increase on a 60 month loan.

    A $2,000 price increase creates a significant increase in a monthly payment, $40 or more (depending on the term and interest rate).

    Secondly if you are going to use the "your going to spend it anyway argument" you have to know that that means you are going to do without that thing you would spend it on.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    No that was the 5002 which was recalled because the glow in the dark paint was actually radioactive.

    Shuuuush, I didn't return mine cause I like the color and that radioactive thing is good for my sore toe.

    jmonroe

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

  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    Look here you are not going to pay other people car notes, you are just looking for a argument im just stating my opinion, focus on what you are doing instead of focusing on people that could really care less about you.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Since you didn't use the "reply" feature, we have NO idea to whom you're replying. However, when doing so, please keep the focus on shopping and not on making personally-directed comments. Thanks.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • dkarschdkarsch Member Posts: 72
    I agree!!! If any of you have that much money that you don't care about a couple of grand then you can send that money to me... :shades:
  • jack47jack47 Member Posts: 312
    ....As long as your paying invoice or sticker you are getting a fair deal....

    And, just think, if you pay "sticker" you are probably going to make two new friends...the salesperson and the dealer.
  • suzecruisesuzecruise Member Posts: 23
    Well, it's all over but the singing (or signing actually).
    I ordered my new Fit today!! Yea!!!

    Paid MSRP plus $199 doc fee. Should be here by next week.

    Thanks to everyone for your help and support.

    Suze :)
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Nothing wrong with that as long as you do your homework. I've done that myself and enjoy seeing the salesman's eyes light up when negotiations start that way.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Thanks to everyone for your help and support.

    The true way of reciprocating is to take everyone who helped for a ride. Pickup and delivery is the preferred way to do it. That way you can put on some check out miles while getting acquainted with your new wheels and the helpful. Since this isn't considered a test drive per se, Security won't have a problem with this.

    I know I don't qualify for this experience since I was a wise guy with some of my comments.

    Here's hoping the rest of you posters enjoy 'suze' new ride.

    I shouldn't have done what I done, congratulations anyway. :sick:

    jmonroe

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    suze....congrats on the new ride.....you did fine.

    Let us know how you like it.....

    GG!
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    You bought you a new car be grateful as long you can make the payments that is all that matters, damn what these other people think you are paying for your vehicle they are not, put it in one ear and out the other

    congratulations on your new car.
  • pch101pch101 Member Posts: 582
    Being that car loans are typically 2-5 years, and the current average car loan rate according to bankrate.com is about 6.875%, let's take a second look at this --

    If you borrow an unnecessary $1,500 at that interest rate, this is the extra amount that you pay:

    2 year loan - $67.07 /mo. - $1,609.77 total
    3 year loan - $46.23 /mo. - $1,664.28 total
    4 year loan - $35.83 /mo. - $1,719.96 total
    5 year loan - $29.61 /mo. - $1,776.80 total

    And of course, that's on top of whatever it is that you are already paying.

    There's really no good reason to pay extra if you don't have to. But if you insist, drop me an email, and I can provide wiring instructions to my Swiss bank account, I'm sure that my banker would appreciate your donation!
  • flc2006flc2006 Member Posts: 81
    Well that is not that much you people are always pointing out what others should do, i wonder if all of you people giving advice are diving new vehicles it makes me wonder, people that tell you what you should have done usually don't have anything.

    I have investigated people that tell me or anyone what they have should have did are driving 6-10 year old vehicles

    Im making my payments, when i signed the contract it is over with, i bought my car done deal that is my business not yours.

    it is just a blessing have something new, it is better to do something than nothing.
  • pch101pch101 Member Posts: 582
    i bought my car done deal that is my business not yours.

    Well, you posted about it on a public forum, so of course you have to expect that some people who don't agree with you might respond to you! (You're not the only one with an opinion, you know.)

    Your opinion is yours to keep, but it is a very expensive opinion. I have my doubts that people who don't care about blowing an extra $1,700 would be reading a forum about buying tips.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    i wonder if all of you people giving advice are ...

    Let's not go down that road. If we all start making and broadcasting opinions about people we don't know then we'll never get to discussing "Buying Tips."

    Let's move on.

    tidester, host
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    There's really no good reason to pay extra if you don't have to.

    I never advocated doing any such thing. And the figures you posted are in line with what I posted.

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

  • suzecruisesuzecruise Member Posts: 23
    I'd be delighted to take everyone for a ride in my new Fit! ;)

    Where's everyone from? I live in Nashville, TN.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well that is not that much you people are always pointing out what others should do,

    Well this is a forum on how to get the best deal. When you post something here about buying a car expect to get some advice. Just remember it is only advice, you are free to take it or reject it.

    I have investigated people that tell me or anyone what they have should have did are driving 6-10 year old vehicles

    And that means what exactly? Those that drive 6-10 year old cars had to buy them and most likely have bought more than that one car. You don't have to buy a car every other week to know how to get a good deal on one.

    But there is one difference between someone driving a 6-10 year old car and someone driving a brand new car - car payments :P

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Where's everyone from? I live in Nashville, TN.

    Oh really what part? I used to live in Nashville, by the airport.

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

  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    I'd be delighted to take everyone for a ride in my new Fit!

    Where's everyone from? I live in Nashville, TN.

    Thanks for being so forgiving.

    I live in a Pittsburgh suburb. Not too far from the PA Turnpike. So, pick me up first so I don't have to sit in the back with 'graph' and 'snake', that could ruin the whole experience.

    Thanks again,

    jmonroe

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    No, no, no, I call shotgun.

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

  • dkarschdkarsch Member Posts: 72
    i wonder if all of you people giving advice are diving new vehicles it makes me wonder, people that tell you what you should have done usually don't have anything.

    Thanks very much but I am driving a 2007 Corolla that I bought 3 weeks ago for $173.00 below invoice. I chose to use the packet from www.fightingchance.com

    Other posters to this board have also given good insight into how to save money on a car purchase. If you are only concerned about payments then you are a salesman dream!!

    Can you please explain why would you overpay for any product if you don't have???

    It just boggles my mind that you would be so loose with your money.
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