Several great points came out after your initial post. All of them have bits of wisdom. I'm not sure that I can add to what's already been presented. However, I do wonder how the time of the month played into the dealer's rejection of your offer. Friday was the 1st. Had it been late in the month without a 3-day weekend, what would they have done?
Be patient and wait for the salesperson to call or give them a call in a few weeks. You are the driver of this purchase and have many options when you receive that call.
a. Hold firm on your price. b. Split the difference (or some portion of it). c. Meet their price. d. How about meet their current price offer, but make it an '07 in the color you want rather than an '06?
Checking out a few other dealerships is also a good move. This will really let you know where you are in the pricing. You may find out that the current dealership, although very pleasant, is way to high. If so, you could add (e) to the above and lower your offer.
If you wait for the '07 model, I've always had better luck buying in January/February.
I want to buy a Honda Fit. Not a Sport Fit but a Fit. I want to pay a fair price (the TMV works for me) for a Fit with the options I want but it seems that Honda dealerships don't really stock this car. After checking the (online) inventory at about 15 Honda dealers in my area, only three of them had a car I could test drive and then only the Sport model. I'm told by salespersons (with much hand-wringing and eye-rolling on their part) that it could be months before a Fit arrives.
I have the cash in hand to purchase the car this afternoon. So far, I've only seen one dealer with a car in stock and he wanted $3,000 OVER sticker for the Sport model. When I balked, he let me walk and I haven't heard from them since. I stopped at another dealer who, as it happened, didn't have one in stock and they said they would ring me to let me know if a floor model came in. It's been a few weeks and no phone call.
In this case, is it best to go the internet bid route? Should I be calling around every few days to find out if any Fits are in stock any place? Clearly it's harder to negotiate on a car which is rarely available. And where can I go to get accurate information about the availability of this model?
They are all pre-sold two to three months before they arrive. Also, we don't order many base models or five speeds because the Sport automatics are the big sellers.
Thanks for the response, isell. So if I want to order one and wait, should I be prepared to buy OVER or AT sticker? Do all dealers get the same number of cars or do some dealers get more Fits? If so, how do I figure out with whom to place my order?
What IsellHondas is telling you is true. Dealerships get anywhere from 1-8 Fit's per month, based on your volume. We receive 5-7 a month and when we submit to Honda ouir allocation we have the option to request Sport or Base.
The vast majority of buyers are looking for Sports, however we do have the ability to "electronically" change a given Fit from a Sport to a Base.
The odds of you finding a dealer with a Fit in stock and at the price you are willing to pay is slim to none. Your best bet is to find a dealer that will sell the car at MSRP, no mark-ups or accessories and then order it. It seems that most dealerships won't do this, we do and maybe that one of the reasons that we are out until November for available Fits.
For every base model we order, that's one Sport we can't get! For that reason, a lot of the smaller stores don't bother ordering any. Same applies to the five speeds.
From what I've been reading Honda hit another home run with the Fit as it did the Civic. As long as gas is way up and Honda still has it's good reliability reputation, Honda's small cars will go for a premium. I was checking out the car lot when I took my 05 Civic in for an oil change, not even one Fit and about two 06 Civics.
So, with 15 Honda dealers to choose from, how do I decide where to place my order? I've only owned VWs for the last 21 years and am not familiar with the local Honda dealers. Would this be a good time for auto-by-tel or another internet/email approach? I'm willing to pay MSRP, which is the Edmunds TMV, but not over that.
If I were in your shoes and could do so I would wait until all the "I have to have one" buyers have gotten theirs. There are few cars I would pay over sticker for and the Fit is not one of them. You would be much better off going with something else at below sticker than with a Fit at or above sticker.
If you really want a Fit, wait if you can for it to cool off.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
This business with the Fit is very similar to all the people who had to get DVD players, Xbox 360s or HD/Plasma TVs right away. Your impatience will cost you a premium. You know, there are plenty of other vehicles out there that get similar mileage without paying upwards of $3,000 over MSRP. No matter how economical the Fit is with fuel consumption, it would be pretty tough to recover that extra money you're paying by saving on gas.
...it would be pretty tough to recover that extra money you're paying by saving on gas.
Very true and wise. This is the same reasoning behind why some people do not choose hybrids. Unless you're a cross-country salesman who will keep the car for seven years, you have a hard time getting your money's worth.
I drove a fit back in May. I really liked the space in the car, but it wasn't a smooth enough ride for my 600+mi./week commute. Then I heard the gas tank was under the front seats :surprise: . That made me a little skeered (as we say in rural AL.)
:confuse: I have been goin crazy every dealer tells me something different so I REALLY need some sound advice here.
I am looking to lease a 2006 or 2007 Mercedes CLS
Okay, heres the problem. 1 dealer tells me to make payments less is better to lease 06 for 27 months AND another tells me no, no no better ro get the 07 for 39?
I am real confused, I am was assuming get a leftover much lower price can pickup vehicle for $71,000 with original MSRP of $78,400. While the 07 with same options is $80,000 and havent done much negiotated at this point with 07 as I figured small monthly payments on a 06 i.e. lower price? am I wrong? Need some help fast 2006 models are clearing quickly with the option I want, Thank you thank you thank you
In my case, it's not the mileage that matters, though of course, I'm very happy with it! If you'll pardon the pun, it's the fit that matters! I'm 5'0" and that more than anything determines what car I will buy. Up until now, the Golf has been the car for me but with the gen 5.0, when I pull the seat forward enough, I hit my knee on the telescoping steering wheel mechanism when I move my car from the gas to the brake. Because I drive 90% of the time in the city, I need the smallest possible car for parallel parking.
I mention all this just to say, I'm not into the Fit fad, just the Fit fit.
I almost bought my 16 year-old son his first car tonight, a 1997 Tacoma with 100K. This was at a Toyota dealership where I've purchased 5 new trucks in my life. The salesman told my son that he had just taken the truck in as a trade from a young woman who bought it new from him in 1997, took excellent care of it, never been in an accident...blah, blah, blah. The salesman told him, "I'd love for you to be the second owner and you should enjoy at least another 100K miles with it." The closer was sent in but something told me to walk.
When I got home, I ran the Carfax. I find it began as a fleet vehicle in a far away state, had four owners, been sold at auction three times and been involved in two accidents. The last owner had it nine months at most and hit a deer sustaining moderate damage.
Obviously, we are not buying the truck. I'm :mad: . What do I do when the salesman calls tomorrow? My son has begged me not to call him a liar,he says perhaps he just was "mixed up"? There is another truck, with a clean Carfax report, at this dealership which I would strongly consider but I am so angry I don't want to ever do business with them again. Am I overreacting?
Smallest possible car for parallel parking, you say? Maybe you should wait for the Smart for Two. It may even fit you well and in the end, it could possibly cost almost the same.
Show him the report and see what he says. If it is a bogus post, it will show up. If it is a crooked dealer, it will close. I can't believe anyone would buy 5 vehicles from a crook.
Either show him or tell him about the Carfax report. Ask him "Please help me understand this report being associated with that truck". Then be quiet and wait for his reponse or action. You'll know what to do.
You may get the other clean truck. If not satisfied, weigh your past experience before determining never do business with them again. I'd think that it would be hard to trust them or at least the salesman.
I'd bet his reponse will be something like, "Oh sorry, I made a mistake". IMO, a HUGE mistake. He's either incompetent or a crook, either way, I'd never do business with him.
My advice is to say nothing, just tell him you are not interested in the truck but would be interested in the other truck. Calling him on this won't do anything and could hurt you if you want that other truck.
Also remember that a clean carfax report doesn't mean that there is nothing wrong with the car. It is very possible for a car to be in a serious accident and not show up on a carfax report. I have also heard horror stories where the wrong info shows up on a carfax report too.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I love the idea of a Smart car! I see them in France all the time. Here at home, the closest dealer is few states away and my husband keeps visualizing the Smart versus a tractor-trailer in a highway collision. :sick:
In the meantime, I'm without a car so I can't wait indefinitely to find out whether or not I'll fit in one. It's the little things. The Rabbit's feature of a telescoping steering wheel is great for we petites because it helps get around the question of the proximity of passenger and airbag. Who knew it would mean a bruised knee when one's foot moves from gas to brake? :confuse:
There was a person in a class I was taking who mentioned that he liked his Honda dealer. It's ironic -- now he's buying a VW, I recommended my VW dealer! But for all I know, that dealer may get fewer Fits in than other Honda dealers in the area so I would have to wait longer. Or do all dealers get the same number? I'd be surprised if that were the case.
Which is more important? A recommendation for a dealership or for a particular salesperson? My gut says the dealership and I'd like to know what you think.
How do dealers take to the TMV price? Should one bring it up? If it really is "what others are paying" and based on location (hence the zipcode request) why should I pay more?
Maybe instead of asking these types of questions, you might want to email the Honda dealerships in your area. Find out how they respond and make your contact that way.
Buying a car isn't rocket science, it's about finding someone who can do what you want.
...There is another truck, with a clean Carfax report, at this dealership which I would strongly consider but I am so angry I don't want to ever do business with them again. Am I overreacting?
No, you are not overreacting but do what is best for you.
If you can get the deal you want on the "other truck", take it to an expert to have it checked out both mechanically and for signs of it being in an accident. There are always tell-tale signs of body repairs that a true expert can find.
Since you are buying a used vehicle and are a little wary of the salesman/dealer, this may be a good time to call in an "expert".
BTW, by getting the "deal you want", I mean factoring in the cost of the "expert" and maybe some more for your troubles.
Tell us how it goes.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We get these waved in our faces every day. I will never ever know how these numbers are arrived at but that is another story.
Sometimes they reflect the reality of the current market and we are happy to accept that amount for the car.
Other times, they don't make sense and they won't buy a car and the shoppers leave frustrated.
Then they leave and begin their tiresome process of going from store to store in order to come to grips with the reality of the market. I try to be nice to everyone so I do get a lot of these frustrated people back.
Exactly. With a user name like "ditsy.." the salesman figured our original poster wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. But, it's pretty easy for a salesman to say pretty much anything. Then if he is caught in the act, say it was a "mistake" or someone gave him the wrong information.
Now, if Jon Voight(the actor not the dentist) had owned the car, buy immediately without any questions asked.
But, seriously...if the salesman wants to play games, and you're up for it, take your Carfax report back and use it as leverage to get that other truck. Ask the salesman again about the vehicles history. Then pull out the Carfax and ask if the two of you can go see the salesmanager.Threaten to file a report with the BBB or local t.v station. Then bargain hard for that other truck you like.
Other times, they don't make sense and they won't buy a car and the shoppers leave frustrated.
I suspect some of those unrealistic low prices in Edmunds or other site may come from people who claim buying "at invoice" but neglecting fact that their trade was just stolen, or that they bought $900 "protection package" and $2000 extended warranty that are considered separate positions not reported in the price. Plus, of course $799 dealer fee. I can see those Honda superstores doing exactly that with new Fits - making people believe they got a discount when in fact, they did not.
Saying "never happened" is probably big excaggeration, but those lowball prices definitely happen less frequently than claimed.
Snake - have you looked at a Prius recently? They're about the size of an Accord, which is quite a reasonable size. Way larger than a Yaris. Perhaps you're thinking of the late, unlamented Insight - a mistake I've made before.
Frankly, given all the tax incentives (which may be going away - consult your tax advisor) on the hybrids, and the fact that as a business car you'll be able to take depreciation on it, and that in a magazine delivery business you'll probably be doing a lot of city stop/go driving, I'd definitely go the hybrid route.
Prius or Civic hybrid - either one should work for you.
Let's not go there. The salesperson would not have known her screen name and I am sure you, if anyone, can appreciate why we shouldn't read too much in to one's choice of screen name.
My concern on the Prius is not its size but its cost. Sure you do get the tax break (not sure how much longer that will be for that car) but even with that the car still costs more than a comparable car.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yeah...I wouldn't be hostile about it. But, something along the lines of, "You know Mr. Sales manager, I really want to buy a truck from you guys. But, this practice of misrepresenting the condition of a vehicle to a customer are things that are often reported to the BBB. I'm sure you value your reputation in the community, so I'm going to give you a chance to sell me that dilapidated ( ) looking truck over yonder."
But, I do think it a good idea to use the fact you were lied to (or slight possiblity of a grand mistake occuring) as leverage and negotiation tool for a better deal. That is if one is wanting to give their money to those who have unsavory business practices to begin with.
Yeah...I wouldn't be hostile about it. But, something along the lines of, "You know Mr. Sales manager, I really want to buy a truck from you guys. But, this practice of misrepresenting the condition of a vehicle to a customer are things that are often reported to the BBB.
That is an accusation and a thinly veld threat that will cause the hostility factor to increase. Again I wouldn't use that if I were going to try to negotiate with them.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My response was because you'd mentioned the carrying capacity of the Prius when you questioned suitability for the job.
And, yes, it's more expensive but there are still limited tax breaks (again, consult your tax advisor), but keep in mind that as a business car, there are tax breaks that the average consumer can't take advantage of.
And if they'll be doing a lot of city driving, a hybrid will trounce just about anything for gas milage.
But, I agree, there is the initial and considerable expense issue to consider. On the other hand I've yet to meet a dissatisfied Prius driver - I think there's something in the HVAC system...
I think saying "nothing" as you have suggested would be a mistake. The salesperson knows they got away with misrepresenting the condition/history of the prior vehicle without getting caught. What makes you think they won't try to lie and swindle the customer on the second vehicle? If anything they are even more likely to engage in unethical practices after getting away with it the first time.
You've got to either call them on it...or take your business elsewhere.
I think saying "nothing" as you have suggested would be a mistake.
Again bringing it up creates more tension and makes negotiation harder.
You've got to either call them on it...or take your business elsewhere.
Personally I would have taken my business elsewhere.
Again calling them on it gives you no leverage and does not guarantee that they will not try it again. Crooked people are always crooked, if they tried once they will try again regardless of you calling them on it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My feeling is the salesperson. I could buy a particular car at any dealer, but to me the salesperson can make or break the deal. I have dealt with a particular salesman at a Chevy dealer in So Cal twice to buy a car, and have been very pleased. You do realize you're not obligated to have the car serviced at that dealer.
Personally, I'd bring it up in a passive-aggressive manner. "I went home and ran a carfax report on the truck you talked about, and pretty much everything you told me was wrong. Are you sure you got the VIN right?"
And after watching them backpedal and tread water, unless they came up with a *really* impressive offer, I'd walk out. But I wouldn't mention that when talking to them.
bringing it up creates more tension and makes negotiation harder.
Tension for the dealership maybe, not me. Unless this is the only dealership within a thousand miles, I probably wouldn't care less about their tension after being lied to about said vehicles history. If it's an honest dealership, with a bad apple salesman, then they'll try to make it right and give me a good deal. If the dealership is rotten to the core, then they are "less likely" to try another underhanded move after getting caught lieing the first time. But, played correctly, calling the dealership on a proven lie can be used as leverage to get a great deal. If they start getting an attitude or show excessive "tension"... I would have no problem walking out the door. Plenty of dealerships with trucks for sale.
if they tried once they will try again regardless of you calling them on it.
I doubt that. There are no guarantees, but the vast majority of dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught. The "bad apple" salesman will look for the customers that are uninformed, misinformed, easily manipulated, old... any type of weakness they feel they can exploit. They are much less likely to try something underhanded if they see you are a strong, informed buyer/negotiator.
Weren't you listening when socala4 was writing about all of this?
.....but to me the salesperson can make or break the deal.
I concur. Any dealership worth their salt will match any other dealer's "deal".
The salesperson is the one who earns my trust that a deal can be reached, without the usual "if we....will you" scenarios, and do it earnestly honestly, and completely, gets my biz.
No it brings up tension between the two parties. You may not feel it or notice it but it will be there.
If the dealership is rotten to the core, then they are "less likely" to try another underhanded move after getting caught lieing the first time.
My personal experience and my gut feeling is no, they will try again.
But, played correctly, calling the dealership on a proven lie can be used as leverage to get a great deal.
Calling people names (deserved or not) will always hurt a negotiation. Think about it, what if the dealership started calling you names what would you do?
I doubt that. There are no guarantees, but the vast majority of dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught.
Then you are in for a surprise. In my younger days I used to run with people like that, heck in my younger days I used to be a person like that. If it is some yokel trying to pull a fast one then yes you may be right. But a real crooked person, a real sleazy person, one of the first things that will go through their minds is "This guy is going down". These types of people don't like to be beat and they know a lot of tricks. Trust me on that.
The "bad apple" salesman will look for the customers that are uninformed, misinformed, easily manipulated, old... any type of weakness they feel they can exploit. They are much less likely to try something underhanded if they see you are a strong, informed buyer/negotiator. Weren't you listening when socala4 was writing about all of this?
Yes I was listening (actually reading), its not that they will be less likely to try something underhanded its that they will try something different. One tactic of a successful negotiator is not to show all your cards. In poker if you have a good hand and you know someone is bluffing you don't tell them "Hey I have a good hand and you're bluffing".
So now you know what tactic they are using and instead of playing their game and stepping around the traps you tip your hand and now you don't know what underhanded things they are trying to do now. There is a strategic advantage to not letting your adversary know that you know their secrets.
The only time I would use something like that against the dealer would be if it had real teeth. Going to the press or the BBB has no real teeth.
The best thing to do in this case is to not mention it and go some place else.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I concur. Any dealership worth their salt will match any other dealer's "deal".
Errr there have been several ocasions where we would not match another dealers deal.
There is a dealer down south on the New York border that is going head to head with another larger New York dealer. They are basicly giving everything away. LR3s for well under invoice Range Rover Sports for just over invoice etc. We have had a couple of people cross shopping us with them which is odd since we are well out of the New York market.
We just can't match those kind of deals. When you only sell 110-120 new cars a year you can't sell any of them for a loss.
Comments
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Be patient and wait for the salesperson to call or give them a call in a few weeks. You are the driver of this purchase and have many options when you receive that call.
a. Hold firm on your price.
b. Split the difference (or some portion of it).
c. Meet their price.
d. How about meet their current price offer, but make it an '07 in the color you want rather than an '06?
Checking out a few other dealerships is also a good move. This will really let you know where you are in the pricing. You may find out that the current dealership, although very pleasant, is way to high. If so, you could add (e) to the above and lower your offer.
If you wait for the '07 model, I've always had better luck buying in January/February.
Best of luck to you!
I have the cash in hand to purchase the car this afternoon. So far, I've only seen one dealer with a car in stock and he wanted $3,000 OVER sticker for the Sport model. When I balked, he let me walk and I haven't heard from them since. I stopped at another dealer who, as it happened, didn't have one in stock and they said they would ring me to let me know if a floor model came in. It's been a few weeks and no phone call.
In this case, is it best to go the internet bid route? Should I be calling around every few days to find out if any Fits are in stock any place? Clearly it's harder to negotiate on a car which is rarely available. And where can I go to get accurate information about the availability of this model?
Your strategic suggestions are very welcome!
They are all pre-sold two to three months before they arrive. Also, we don't order many base models or five speeds because the Sport automatics are the big sellers.
No reason to discount cars we don't have.
The vast majority of buyers are looking for Sports, however we do have the ability to "electronically" change a given Fit from a Sport to a Base.
The odds of you finding a dealer with a Fit in stock and at the price you are willing to pay is slim to none. Your best bet is to find a dealer that will sell the car at MSRP, no mark-ups or accessories and then order it. It seems that most dealerships won't do this, we do and maybe that one of the reasons that we are out until November for available Fits.
Good luck to you, it's a hot car.
If you are only willing to pay MSRP you may have a tough time finding a car.
If you really want a Fit, wait if you can for it to cool off.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Very true and wise. This is the same reasoning behind why some people do not choose hybrids. Unless you're a cross-country salesman who will keep the car for seven years, you have a hard time getting your money's worth.
I drove a fit back in May. I really liked the space in the car, but it wasn't a smooth enough ride for my 600+mi./week commute. Then I heard the gas tank was under the front seats :surprise: . That made me a little skeered (as we say in rural AL.)
Why $38? I just reached back into a warm dark place and pulled it out. $37 would probably do just as well.
I have been goin crazy every dealer tells me something different so I REALLY need some sound advice here.
I am looking to lease a 2006 or 2007 Mercedes CLS
Okay, heres the problem. 1 dealer tells me to make payments less is better to lease 06 for 27 months AND another tells me no, no no better ro get the 07 for 39?
I am real confused, I am was assuming get a leftover much lower price can pickup vehicle for $71,000 with original MSRP of $78,400. While the 07 with same options is $80,000 and havent done much negiotated at this point with 07 as I figured small monthly payments on a 06 i.e. lower price? am I wrong? Need some help fast 2006 models are clearing quickly with the option I want, Thank you thank you thank you
It'll probably work out about the same except the money factor may be better on the 2006 due to year end incentives.
I mention all this just to say, I'm not into the Fit fad, just the Fit fit.
When I got home, I ran the Carfax. I find it began as a fleet vehicle in a far away state, had four owners, been sold at auction three times and been involved in two accidents. The last owner had it nine months at most and hit a deer sustaining moderate damage.
Obviously, we are not buying the truck. I'm :mad: . What do I do when the salesman calls tomorrow? My son has begged me not to call him a liar,he says perhaps he just was "mixed up"? There is another truck, with a clean Carfax report, at this dealership which I would strongly consider but I am so angry I don't want to ever do business with them again. Am I overreacting?
You may get the other clean truck. If not satisfied, weigh your past experience before determining never do business with them again. I'd think that it would be hard to trust them or at least the salesman.
... and holding firm to your price is even better.
I dig-in too when I think I'm right.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Also remember that a clean carfax report doesn't mean that there is nothing wrong with the car. It is very possible for a car to be in a serious accident and not show up on a carfax report. I have also heard horror stories where the wrong info shows up on a carfax report too.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
In the meantime, I'm without a car so I can't wait indefinitely to find out whether or not I'll fit in one. It's the little things. The Rabbit's feature of a telescoping steering wheel is great for we petites because it helps get around the question of the proximity of passenger and airbag. Who knew it would mean a bruised knee when one's foot moves from gas to brake? :confuse:
Which is more important? A recommendation for a dealership or for a particular salesperson? My gut says the dealership and I'd like to know what you think.
How do dealers take to the TMV price? Should one bring it up? If it really is "what others are paying" and based on location (hence the zipcode request) why should I pay more?
Buying a car isn't rocket science, it's about finding someone who can do what you want.
No, you are not overreacting but do what is best for you.
If you can get the deal you want on the "other truck", take it to an expert to have it checked out both mechanically and for signs of it being in an accident. There are always tell-tale signs of body repairs that a true expert can find.
Since you are buying a used vehicle and are a little wary of the salesman/dealer, this may be a good time to call in an "expert".
BTW, by getting the "deal you want", I mean factoring in the cost of the "expert" and maybe some more for your troubles.
Tell us how it goes.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
We get these waved in our faces every day. I will never ever know how these numbers are arrived at but that is another story.
Sometimes they reflect the reality of the current market and we are happy to accept that amount for the car.
Other times, they don't make sense and they won't buy a car and the shoppers leave frustrated.
Then they leave and begin their tiresome process of going from store to store in order to come to grips with the reality of the market. I try to be nice to everyone so I do get a lot of these frustrated people back.
Exactly. With a user name like "ditsy.." the salesman figured our original poster wasn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. But, it's pretty easy for a salesman to say pretty much anything. Then if he is caught in the act, say it was a "mistake" or someone gave him the wrong information.
Now, if Jon Voight(the actor not the dentist) had owned the car, buy immediately without any questions asked.
But, seriously...if the salesman wants to play games, and you're up for it, take your Carfax report back and use it as leverage to get that other truck. Ask the salesman again about the vehicles history. Then pull out the Carfax and ask if the two of you can go see the salesmanager.Threaten to file a report with the BBB or local t.v station. Then bargain hard for that other truck you like.
I suspect some of those unrealistic low prices in Edmunds or other site may come from people who claim buying "at invoice" but neglecting fact that their trade was just stolen, or that they bought $900 "protection package" and $2000 extended warranty that are considered separate positions not reported in the price. Plus, of course $799 dealer fee. I can see those Honda superstores doing exactly that with new Fits - making people believe they got a discount when in fact, they did not.
Saying "never happened" is probably big excaggeration, but those lowball prices definitely happen less frequently than claimed.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Nope don't do that. The last thing you want to do before going into a negotiation is to create an atmosphere of greater hostility.
Best thing to do is to drop it and negotiate for the other truck.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Frankly, given all the tax incentives (which may be going away - consult your tax advisor) on the hybrids, and the fact that as a business car you'll be able to take depreciation on it, and that in a magazine delivery business you'll probably be doing a lot of city stop/go driving, I'd definitely go the hybrid route.
Prius or Civic hybrid - either one should work for you.
Let's not go there. The salesperson would not have known her screen name and I am sure you, if anyone, can appreciate why we shouldn't read too much in to one's choice of screen name.
tidester, host
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Yeah...I wouldn't be hostile about it. But, something along the lines of, "You know Mr. Sales manager, I really want to buy a truck from you guys. But, this practice of misrepresenting the condition of a vehicle to a customer are things that are often reported to the BBB. I'm sure you value your reputation in the community, so I'm going to give you a chance to sell me that dilapidated (
But, I do think it a good idea to use the fact you were lied to (or slight possiblity of a grand mistake occuring) as leverage and negotiation tool for a better deal. That is if one is wanting to give their money to those who have unsavory business practices to begin with.
Sorry all...bad joke. :sick:
That is an accusation and a thinly veld threat that will cause the hostility factor to increase. Again I wouldn't use that if I were going to try to negotiate with them.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
And, yes, it's more expensive but there are still limited tax breaks (again, consult your tax advisor), but keep in mind that as a business car, there are tax breaks that the average consumer can't take advantage of.
And if they'll be doing a lot of city driving, a hybrid will trounce just about anything for gas milage.
But, I agree, there is the initial and considerable expense issue to consider. On the other hand I've yet to meet a dissatisfied Prius driver - I think there's something in the HVAC system...
You've got to either call them on it...or take your business elsewhere.
Again bringing it up creates more tension and makes negotiation harder.
You've got to either call them on it...or take your business elsewhere.
Personally I would have taken my business elsewhere.
Again calling them on it gives you no leverage and does not guarantee that they will not try it again. Crooked people are always crooked, if they tried once they will try again regardless of you calling them on it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
And after watching them backpedal and tread water, unless they came up with a *really* impressive offer, I'd walk out. But I wouldn't mention that when talking to them.
Tension for the dealership maybe, not me. Unless this is the only dealership within a thousand miles, I probably wouldn't care less about their tension after being lied to about said vehicles history. If it's an honest dealership, with a bad apple salesman, then they'll try to make it right and give me a good deal. If the dealership is rotten to the core, then they are "less likely" to try another underhanded move after getting caught lieing the first time. But, played correctly, calling the dealership on a proven lie can be used as leverage to get a great deal. If they start getting an attitude or show excessive "tension"... I would have no problem walking out the door. Plenty of dealerships with trucks for sale.
if they tried once they will try again regardless of you calling them on it.
I doubt that. There are no guarantees, but the vast majority of dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught. The "bad apple" salesman will look for the customers that are uninformed, misinformed, easily manipulated, old... any type of weakness they feel they can exploit. They are much less likely to try something underhanded if they see you are a strong, informed buyer/negotiator.
Weren't you listening when socala4 was writing about all of this?
I concur. Any dealership worth their salt will match any other dealer's "deal".
The salesperson is the one who earns my trust that a deal can be reached, without the usual "if we....will you" scenarios, and do it earnestly honestly, and completely, gets my biz.
No it brings up tension between the two parties. You may not feel it or notice it but it will be there.
If the dealership is rotten to the core, then they are "less likely" to try another underhanded move after getting caught lieing the first time.
My personal experience and my gut feeling is no, they will try again.
But, played correctly, calling the dealership on a proven lie can be used as leverage to get a great deal.
Calling people names (deserved or not) will always hurt a negotiation. Think about it, what if the dealership started calling you names what would you do?
I doubt that. There are no guarantees, but the vast majority of dealerships wouldn't be so stupid as to try to swindle someone a second time after already being caught.
Then you are in for a surprise. In my younger days I used to run with people like that, heck in my younger days I used to be a person like that. If it is some yokel trying to pull a fast one then yes you may be right. But a real crooked person, a real sleazy person, one of the first things that will go through their minds is "This guy is going down". These types of people don't like to be beat and they know a lot of tricks. Trust me on that.
The "bad apple" salesman will look for the customers that are uninformed, misinformed, easily manipulated, old... any type of weakness they feel they can exploit. They are much less likely to try something underhanded if they see you are a strong, informed buyer/negotiator. Weren't you listening when socala4 was writing about all of this?
Yes I was listening (actually reading), its not that they will be less likely to try something underhanded its that they will try something different. One tactic of a successful negotiator is not to show all your cards. In poker if you have a good hand and you know someone is bluffing you don't tell them "Hey I have a good hand and you're bluffing".
So now you know what tactic they are using and instead of playing their game and stepping around the traps you tip your hand and now you don't know what underhanded things they are trying to do now. There is a strategic advantage to not letting your adversary know that you know their secrets.
The only time I would use something like that against the dealer would be if it had real teeth. Going to the press or the BBB has no real teeth.
The best thing to do in this case is to not mention it and go some place else.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Errr there have been several ocasions where we would not match another dealers deal.
There is a dealer down south on the New York border that is going head to head with another larger New York dealer. They are basicly giving everything away. LR3s for well under invoice Range Rover Sports for just over invoice etc. We have had a couple of people cross shopping us with them which is odd since we are well out of the New York market.
We just can't match those kind of deals. When you only sell 110-120 new cars a year you can't sell any of them for a loss.