Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options

Purchasing Strategies - Questions & Success Stories

1272830323374

Comments

  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    It's in a salesperson's best interest to create a win-win situation, where everyone walks away happy in the least amount of time possible. That way, you haven't wasted a lot of time or money, and the salesperson can close a deal quickly and move on to the next customer.

    In this case, it is helpful for salespeople to provide info on some strategies that will or will not help to meet this goal. We LIKE having perspective from both sides, because it allows the consumer to read through ALL of the proposals, and the select which elements are the most applicable to him/her. No one strategy is going to be comfortable for every shopper, because not every shopper has the same goals.

    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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    First off negotiation strategies will stay pretty much the same.

    What about shopping at non-dealership places (ma and pop)??

    I would be leery of them, especially if they are one of those buy here/pay here places. Some times the buy here/pay here places sell a car repossess it and sell it again, maybe several times over. I wouldn't want that car. Plus you can get a better warranty from a dealer.

    The car was in excellent shape on the outside but was in not so great shape on the inside (the carpet was dirty and stained, the speaker cover on the one side was split, the sun visors had these weird rub spots on them possibly from a cd holder but who knows).

    That can be used to your advantage. If they say that car is $4,000 you can start questioning why so much for such a dirty interior, or something like that to try to get them to start coming down in price.

    Other than that I would agree with what Socal wrote. And I will emphasize learn how to inspect a car and give it a very good test drive.

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

  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    q....I never take anything on the message boards personally. Some people like to negotiate one way, others do it differently.

    Personally, I'm not a control freak. When I walk in to buy a car, I've done my research....here and elsewhere. I take note of the stock the dealer has on hand. I base my offer on the research and observations made. I don't have an issue making the first offer. I'm confident that what I offer is a good deal for me. I've bought enough cars to know I don't think I leave much, if any, money on the table. So, I just cut to the chase. No games. No waiting to get the dealer to make the first offer.

    I tell them up front "I like your Hupmobile....I want to buy it.....here's my offer". They either say "yes" or "no" to the deal....or they try to bump me. If we're close, I ask for something in return for the bump (oil changes, tire rotations, etc). If we're not close, I move on. 10-15-20 minutes later, we either have a deal, or we don't.

    I've got my own "quirks" when buying a car. I don't buy on a busy Saturday. I buy during the week, when the dealership has a slow day. I talk to the service people to see what they're like. I watch the sales people and choose the one I want to do business with (this keeps me from dealing with those dealerships that use the "up" system, for the most part).

    Matter of fact, I've bought so many cars for myself, and helped others in my family buy cars, that I know most of the GMs at the dealerships around me because we've crossed paths. When I get ready to buy something, I usually call them. They have whatever car I'm interested in ready for a test drive, and a salesperson ready to assist. They tell me up front what it will cost to get a deal done. I either agree with them, or I don't. It's really that simple.

    All those things go into making my deal.

    All that said, I do qualify for a lot of employee or supplier pricing for a lot of brands. So, that's even simpler and makes for an even better deal.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    It's in a salesperson's best interest to create a win-win situation,

    Its in every ones best interest to create a win-win situation (or the perception of one), if you didn't have it you wouldn't have a sale. That being said there is not just one price point where its a win-win situation. A win-win situation for the new GasGuzzler 2000 might be between $25K and $27,500. In that case it is the salesman job to get it as close to $27,500 as possible. The buyer would want to get as close to $25K as possible.

    With that there are time issues, the salesman needs to move from one buyer to another in a relatively short amount od time. The buyer isn't going to move to the next seller for several more years.

    For those reasons the salesman will most likely want the buyer to use tactics that may not be in the best of the buyer.

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

  • jlawrence01jlawrence01 Member Posts: 1,757
    Agree with you 100%. Seems to me that saving $200 on an item that you'll own for 10 years is really not all that much to get worked up about.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You would be an easy person to deal with and we would get along well.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    It's in a salesperson's best interest to create a win-win situation, where everyone walks away happy in the least amount of time possible. That way, you haven't wasted a lot of time or money, and the salesperson can close a deal quickly and move on to the next customer.

    I'm sorry, but that's not accurate. Car dealers do seek to create time investment from the buyer, they are not interested in extremely fast transactions. The "TO" (turnover) system, which involves three people in the selling process (salesperson, sales manager, F&I) is used in part to combine time pressures with a ganging-up process that is meant to work against the buyer.

    The goals of this are to get the buyer to pay more by becoming confused or uncertain of the purchase process, and to make the purchase process just difficult enough to discourage the buyer from going elsewhere. It is NOT to make the transaction easy for the customer, unless ease results in high prices.

    As for a "win win", this is not necessarily the goal of the seller, and it shouldn't usually be the goal of the average car buyer. For purposes of this discussion, I'll define win-win" as a deal in which both parties strive to meet the goals of the other, with the goal of both to be pleased that they wish to continue to do business together in subsequent transactions.

    The key to the difference between a "win win" and a "win lose" is this desire to truly satisfy the other party's objectives, which is not meaningful to the average consumer whose car purchases are infrequent and for whom the relationship provides no added benefit. For a fleet buyer or a buyer of exotics, for example, a relationship might make sense because price priorities may be offset by other needs, i.e. sourcing scarce inventories, timely delivery, etc., but for the average buyer who car shops on rare occasion, there's not much point in worrying about this. Win-wins generally result in buyers paying more money (cash is the grease the keeps relationships going), so why part with the money if spending it won't do any good?
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    jl....I'm not going to get all twisted up for that last $50. It's just not worth the "grinding". That's the most contentious part. I wouldn't feel good about straining for that very last nickel, and I'm sure they don't like it, either. If I feel a deal is good, I don't hesitate to pull the trigger. I know what I want before I walk into the dealership. I know what a good price is before I walk in, too. Every once in a great while, I'm surprised, but most times I'm not....everything goes according to plan.

    I know most of the people in the biz at the dealerships around me. There's a trust factor there.....on both sides. They know my offers are fair. And, I know they are offering me a good deal. There have been times I didn't even sit down at their desk. Salespeople go through some turnover, but the managers and principle's at the dealerships do not. So, with my initial phone calls to those folks, it's pretty much a done deal before I even get into the showroom.

    Those types of relationships got me a Mustang GT when they were first introduced (and couldn't be found) for X plan (under invoice)...as an example. Called the GM. Told him what I wanted. They know if I make the call, I'm a "buyer". Did the whole thing over the phone. He also knows that I've bought at least 4 cars at thier stores for family members over the last several years.

    I buy most of my cars like that. Same with my current Acura and my 4Runner. We agreed on a price before I even stepped foot in their door.

    Craig....you and I have talked in the past. Wish you were with a local dealership (OH). We'd have a good, long lasting business relationship.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    I'm not going to get all twisted up for that last $50.

    I'm curious -- why the repeated effort to cite lowball figures? If you are an effective negotiator, you will be obtaining far greater concessions than just $50. We've seen above in this thread examples of people cutting purchase prices by hundreds, and even thousands of dollars, not just $50.

    This method you've described above ensures that you will pay quite a bit more than you had to. The dealership is obviously happy with it, which I would take as a warning sign.
  • mirthmirth Member Posts: 1,212
    This method you've described above ensures that you will pay quite a bit more than you had to. The dealership is obviously happy with it, which I would take as a warning sign.

    That's why I don't post my prices paid on the forums - there's always somebody who's eager to tell you that you got a bad deal, whether they know anything about it or not. Forget them and enjoy your ride man.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    there's always somebody who's eager to tell you that you got a bad deal, whether they know anything about it or not.

    The methodology is sufficiently flawed that it this an easy conclusion to reach. The let's-make-friends-with-the-dealership approach, combined with getting-the-lowest-price-is-too-difficult mindset and the I'm-in-a-hurry-to-finish message, is pretty much a guarantee that a high price will be paid.

    Those are pretty critical errors that each contribute to paying a higher price. If that makes you happy, fine, but that is not a strategy for paying low prices.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Although your point may be valid in some high volume "slam stores", the tendency to generalize doesn't help people in all situations. I agree with Kristie - especially in low volume high end situations. I don'e care if you are selling widgets or Hubmobiles - a good alesman will find a customers product needs, fill them and negotiate (which is easy to do in a non confrontational manner) a deal both can live with. Certainly I want to make the most on a deal that I can - it is my job and livelihood. There is no sin in that. Yet, the dealership will not walk away from a RESONABLE offer. REASONABLE will vary by the vehicle, dealership and personalities involved. Half of my business is repeat and referal. Relationships built over time can benefit both buyer and seller. If you are not comfortable negotiating with a dealer - walk away. Find one who will meet your price or justify why they cannot meet your price.
  • tkcoloradotkcolorado Member Posts: 39
    Yikes, I obviously did not make myself very clear in regards to the money. I do not want to buy a car for under $4500. I was actually thinking about using it as a down payment on a used car around 10-12k. Sorry about that (should not post things late at night). However regardless of the money your tips are well taken and I will continue to do some more research.

    I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. It has helped me out as far as what I obviously need to work on when looking at used cars.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    Certainly I want to make the most on a deal that I can - it is my job and livelihood. There is no sin in that.

    Of course, that's true. I have no problem with your efforts to make more money, I'm just pointing out that the higher margin deal isn't coming from people like me. You absolutely should be expected to play for your side of the house, but I am going to play for mine, too.

    Yet, the dealership will not walk away from a RESONABLE offer. REASONABLE will vary by the vehicle, dealership and personalities involved.

    Agree again. Throughout the thread, my point has been that this "reasonable" price is often lower than what many buyers believe it is.

    Relationships built over time can benefit both buyer and seller.

    And that's where we differ. In car sales, the relationship is generally far more beneficial for the seller than it is for the buyer. If I was buying Bentleys, then the relationship might be valid, but for your average Honda or Chevy (or that matter, a BMW or Mercedes) buyer who patronizes the showroom every few years, the "relationship" usually involves trading a higher price for nothing in particular.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    socal....If I've done my research, I'm not paying any more than I have to.

    By setting up business relationships, I'd say I probably pay a lot less on some of my purchases, as I pointed out in the Mustang scenario. When I bought it, there wasn't one to be found within a 250 mile radius of me. On top of that, dealers had addendum stickers on them because they were such a hot item. There were waiting lists months long for them. But, having set up a relationship with the SM, all it took was a phone call to him telling him I wanted one. He knows I'm a buyer. He honored X plan even though the going rate was MSRP at the time (BTW, I sold it for more than I paid for it 9 months later....as a used car).

    Same with my most recent purchase....an Acura TL. Spoke to the Sales Manager on the phone to see if they had the color I wanted. Asked him if he'd be willing to do a deal at $xxx over invoice for a quick sale.... taking delivery TODAY! He was! I made an appointment with the designated sales person. They had the car shined up and ready for my test drive before I even got there. Even the paperwork was done waiting for me when I arrived. Looking at the "prices paid" forum here, I'd say I was within $50 of the very best deal I saw posted.

    I'd venture to say I'm within $100 higher or lower than the price you "grind" over the course of time sitting at the sales person's desk....on most cars....probably much less than that on others. Difference is, mine is done in a few minutes....with no adversarial "back and forth" transpiring.

    Point being, knowing the market (local newspaper will tell you the going rate for the car you're interested in), knowing their stock situation, knowing the car before you walk in and the promise of a quick sale will go further in getting a good deal than "grinding and grinding" (and you still may not buy from them, after all that). It makes it a whole lot easier, too.

    But, each person buys cars differently. I like the way I buy. You like the way you buy.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • tkcoloradotkcolorado Member Posts: 39
    You : Some times the buy here/pay here places sell a car repossess it and sell it again, maybe several times over. I wouldn't want that car. Plus you can get a better warranty from a dealer.

    Me: So when I pull a carfax report and look at the owner section what is a reasonable amount of owners for a car?? I also see that some cars are at the dealership for x amount of time, then are sold again at an auto auction, then are at dealer number 2, is that something to be concerned with??

    Anyway, truely appreciate the response and will try and learn how to inspect a used car.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    I'd venture to say I'm within $100 higher or lower than the price you "grind" over the course of time sitting at the sales person's desk....on most cars....probably much less than that on others. Difference is, mine is done in a few minutes....with no adversarial "back and forth" transpiring.

    Again, this is exactly the mischaracterization that I'm talking about.

    My point throughout has been that good negotiation doesn't generally take very long at all.

    And I avoid being adversarial. Even if the dealer may choose to play that card, I generally will not.

    Again, I find it funny to keep hearing this "four hours spent getting $100" rhetoric. The negotiation portion of my last purchase took perhaps 20 minutes of bona fide haggle-time, most of my time was spent in the friendly pre-haggle banter, test driving (something that I need to do, anyway), etc. If I spent four hours to get just $100, I don't think I'd be terribly good at what I do.
  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    ...and negotiate (which is easy to do in a non confrontational manner) a deal both can live with.

    Since a negotiation by its very nature is a confrontation you cannot negotiate in a no confrontational manner. Sure you can do it politely and with respect, but it still is a confrontation.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I do not want to buy a car for under $4500. I was actually thinking about using it as a down payment on a used car around 10-12k. Sorry about that (should not post things late at night).

    If thats the case have you thought about new? There are plenty of cars that you can get new at well below $20K and there are some to be had for under $15K. This will only increase your payments by a little (vs a 12K used car) or extend the payments by no more than a year. That way you will have a brand new clean car that should be worry free.

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

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    As for me the jury is still out on Carfax. I have heard a few stories that don't put them in a good light. Plus when I looked at my car on their site they say that there is like 8 or 9 items on it (not sure what they are since I am not going to spend $20 to find the history of my car). What they could be I have no ideal but it makes me wonder since my car had no work done on it from accidents and has only been to the dealership for work once.

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

  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    And that's where we differ. In car sales, the relationship is generally far more beneficial for the seller than it is for the buyer. If I was buying Bentleys, then the relationship might be valid, but for your average Honda or Chevy (or that matter, a BMW or Mercedes) buyer who patronizes the showroom every few years, the "relationship" usually involves trading a higher price for nothing in particular.

    Actually, relationship means a lot at many dealers. I will make sure that my repeat buyers get the best price I can offer on the next purchase. Also, my customers get me as well. I become involved in any problems that may arise during thier ownership. The relationship extends to the service department as well. Preferential tratment regarding service appointments and insuring the loaner car is our product and not a rental if possible are examples. I do agree that many low end dealers just care about the deal of the moment. But at high end that is not usually the case. You would also be suprised by the number of ridiculous offers we get from supossedly educated buyers. Actually, the easiest deal for me is where the cusomer knows the TMV for our product and market for both the trade and the new car. It makes for a quick win win. By the way, the true defenition of win-win is where both parties are satisfied. Not that the buyer or seller squeezed the last nickle out of the other.
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    Then it sounds like we're in agreement. You want the dealer to make the first offer. Nothing wrong with that. Me? I don't care who makes the first offer. That sounds like the only difference.....plus, I set it up as a regular business transaction by making an appointment and getting a feel of the deal via phone with my contacts....to cut even more time out of the process.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • graphicguygraphicguy Member Posts: 14,120
    lrguy....I told this story a while ago, but here's another situation where having a business relationship with the dealer proved to be helpful.

    About a year ago, I bought a new Toyota Tacoma. The day after I bought it, I was driving in a parking lot and the brakes went out. While I was fortunate enough not to be driving very fast, in order to stop it, I had to find something to "ram into" that wouldn't hurt me or someone else. I chose a sidewalk that was about a foot higher than the driving surface.

    I know the Toyota dealer's owner. His daughter is actually the GM. I called her up....told her what happened. She immediately sent a tow truck AND a new Camry for me to use while they tried to find out what went wrong with the truck. Long story short....she went to bat with Toyota corporate to take the truck back (which they did). While they didn't have another Tacoma that I liked, she knew I had also been interested in a 4Runner. So, she gave me a choice, they could give me my money back on the Tacoma ....or, I could buy a 4Runner, at their cost (including their holdback deducted) just so they could keep me as a customer.

    While I had purchased other vehicles from them, who do you think I'm going to recommend for anyone else looking for a Toyota.

    I was treated superbly by them. Also got a whale of a deal.
    2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD Long Range
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    Not to mention that they kept you from suing them for a life-threatening mechanical failure that would have cost them A LOT more money!Would you have been so eager to lay down for them if it was your wife or kid driving that truck at 60mph and the brakes failed?
    For the situation you described at least they tried to make it right.I guess that's something.
  • jqdrumjqdrum Member Posts: 1
    When the dealer has to swap a car to get the color and options that I want, do I lose any bargaining ability?
    Do I make an offer based on the invoice,msrp or tmv?
    Thanks, Jqdrum
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    The best price deal will be on an in stock unit. There may be costs involved in a trade (transportaion, holdback loss), plus a dealer is more anxious to get his inventory off of floorplan.
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    A dealer will most likely be more aggressive on a car that is in stock. If it is traded locally, usually the difference will not be substantial.If it is out of state, you are looking at shipping costs also.

    Based on Invoice, MSRP and TMV and general market trend,and make an offfer of what you want to pay based on that information and your budget.

    Good Luck!
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    But he is happy with his deal!

    If he is happy it is not a bad deal!!

    And just one thing to those who think their advice is more sound than a salesperson.

    When you shop for jewerly who would you rather go with you? The person who has bought a whole lot of jewerly? Or the person in the jewelery business?
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    When you shop for jewerly who would you rather go with you? The person who has bought a whole lot of jewerly? Or the person in the jewelery business?

    It depends. If the jewelry store owner is going to always look for justifications to pay more money, while the buyer is a savvy one who knows what he's doing, I'd rather go with the buyer. I want my advocate to play for my team, not the other guy's.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I look for a good deal as much or more than most people when I make a major purchase.

    But I'm not one of those people who go through life obsessed with paying the least possible dollar for everything. For me, that would be a miserable life.

    Life is short...to each his own.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    Well, a down payment of $4,500 puts you in a different league, obviously!

    Snake raises a valid point about looking at new cars. If you are going to use financing, you should be able to obtain a lower interest rate on a new car loan than on a used car loan. If you look way back through the thread, you'll find a bit of information about financing that you might find useful.

    A basic theme on this thread has been to have your loan pre-approved before you ever set foot on the lot. It's not necessarily a bad thing to borrow from the dealer, but you'll have the leverage to negotiate much better terms if you have your own financing alternative.
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    Not to mention that they kept you from suing them for a life-threatening mechanical failure that would have cost them A LOT more money!Would you have been so eager to lay down for them if it was your wife or kid driving that truck at 60mph and the brakes failed?

    I think you nailed it. It was a smart move for the dealer to protect himself from the threat of litigation. And the dealer would rather hold the manufacturer responsible than to have the finger pointed back at him, i.e. a sloppy PDI that could have made the accident his responsibility. It might have been good customer service, but the self-serving element is pretty obvious.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    I recently bought my GMC from a store that had to do a dealer trade to get the options and color I wanted. I got it for very close to invoice and with incentives. Judging by the other posts here maybe it depends on the dealer.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    Sometimes a customer that is HAPPY WITH HIS DEAL is an ignorant customer that doesn't realize he got a bad deal.And while I don't mean any disrespect to you it seems to me that going to a salesperson for car buying advice is like going to a fox for chicken buying advice. Okay bad example but you get my point... ;)
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    I do not mean patronize your jewelery store owner's store, but have him shop and negotiate for you? Someone who has absolutely no interest all he has to offer is his or her knowlege of the business?
  • bigdveedubgirlbigdveedubgirl Member Posts: 402
    SO what you are all saying is that for example My dad sells signage for a living in a California, but I am here in TX. I have been told to find the best deal on signs for our dealership. So should I have my dad help me get a deal or should I talk to someone who buys lots of signs who owns a tropical fish store?
  • socala4socala4 Member Posts: 2,427
    I knew what you meant, and my position stands.

    I want someone who will act as my advocate, not someone who will keep justifying the other side's positions.

    For the most part, the salespeople on this thread have offered justifications as to why we should be happy to pay more, rather than solid in-the-trenches advice about how to reduce purchase prices. You apparently have more empathy for the car dealer's position than you do for the consumer. To be most helpful, you need to be willing to swap hats when rendering advice, otherwise you are merely being an advocate for the opposing party, not us.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    First I would ask that if you don't value dealers or salespeople, why are you on this forum? I must also add that a relationship building dealership does many little things for our customers that we would not do for a service or parts customer who purchased elsewhere to save a few dollars. Also, I have been in many fun negotiations with customers. We both know what our objectives are and it is approached with humor and respect. Usually this results in a good deal for the buyer and the dealer. And yes, that is possible.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    Great example! :D
    If my father was a car salesman then I might just find a way to trust what he says and he's probably got my interests at heart. Are you saying that you can trust a salesman as long as he/she is related to you?
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    You may as well give up. If you and I buy something and are comfortable with the prices we paid, we feel we got a "good deal" and we are happy.

    Other people just obsess over money. They go through life worrying that someone may have paid "too much" for something.

    These people don't understand us, and we don't understand them. They think we are foolish to spend more money then we have to and we think they are cheapskates.

    Nobody is going to change anyone else's posture on this.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    First it's none of your business why I'm on this forum. And as for the rest of your post I think socala said it best in post # 1540. I think he states it very well.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Well said.
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    I respect what you are saying. However, I wish you could sit on tis side of the desk and listen to all the offers we get from people who seem intent on turning a dealer into a non profit organization. And I am sure that in thier hearts they believe it is a fair offer. Professional sales people do not prey on the ignorant - but rather come to a reasonable conclusion with educated buyers. And believe me - selling cars that go from $42k to $98k, the vast majority of my customers are educated buyers.
  • hunnydewhunnydew Member Posts: 26
    The car was in an accident years ago before I was the owner. I'm guessing they didn't do such a great job repainting the hood and that's why it's so bad now.

    The quote was from Maaco :\ I'm guessing that's bad.

    Okay all you car salespeople out there, this question is for you guys! Would you laugh at me and offer me $50 for the car when I drive into your lot? It's a 2000 and has 89000 miles on it.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    O.K...I'm done.

    I should have known better than to try to answer another hostile poster.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    You obviously sell higher end cars (42 to 98K) and I can believe your statements. I'm sure you sdo get ridiculous offers. But I think most of us on this forum are talking about more real world cars(for want of a better term). Chevy,Honda,Toyota, Ford etc...I think it's a whole different ball game in that arena. And I'm sorry but A LOT of proffesional sales people prey on the ignorant. Ask just about any female buyer about that. Of course women aren't the only ignorant ones about car buying. Look at some of the other forums for hundreds of horror stories.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Well, you might want to get an estimate from a quality shop with a good reputation. I think you will see a big difference in the estimate.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    I'm not trying to pile on you but you haven't answered anything.
  • akenatenakenaten Member Posts: 122
    Those of us on both sides that are regularly posting on this forum are'nt getting anywhere. So I propose the following: what about the "non-negotiable" dealers? The price you see is what you pay?I would be interested to hear what those of you in the business think about those. I've had some experience in the past with those type of stores. :shades:
  • lrguy44lrguy44 Member Posts: 2,197
    Just a quick comment and then I'll move on. Women are the decision makers in about 85% of my deals - and in many of those cases they do the negotiating. Informed and intelligently I might add.
    As for one price dealers, I've been told they have better grosses that stores that negotiate.
This discussion has been closed.