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Purchasing Strategies - Questions & Success Stories

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  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Remember it's not really salesperson who gives you the price, it's the management. Doen't mean of course they won't change their minds, but I would say demeanor of a salesperson is often a good indicative of the culture overall. In any case, I would not feel "sorry" if I asked for another person in plain "I worked with Joe XYZ, but I wasn't very comfortable, so is it OK I work with you/somebody else?". Hey, it's your money. Nobody can be a friend to all of us.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • robotb9robotb9 Member Posts: 82
    OK, that's helpful. Thanks.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    I realize I don't have the whole story, but if you weren't happy with the first price, I presume, you went to other dealerships, right?

    The fact that you're thinking of coming back to this dealership seems to me that you weren't happy with the prices from the other dealerships. Maybe your expectations are too high?

    Just my .02
  • robotb9robotb9 Member Posts: 82
    I'd like to give them a chance to meet (or beat) the other dealership's price. I would rather work with a different salesperson because it's very difficult to get an actual price quote from the guy I've worked with so far.
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    See, I told you I didn't have all the info ;)

    Just like dino said, the prices come from management. However, maybe today they'll be desperate and you'll get lucky.

    Let us know how you make out.
  • jmonroejmonroe Member Posts: 8,989
    Just like dino said, the prices come from management. However, maybe today they'll be desperate and you'll get lucky.

    I agree that prices come from management and a new day, as the month moves along, could yield a different price. Yikes, they might even go higher. Unless it's the end of the month when they'll almost surely go down.

    My concern, given you didn't get along with the first guy, is he'll probably get a split deal even though he didn't help, if you mention the first guy or he see's/remembers your name should he see a sales contract by accident.

    jmonroe

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

  • emmapantsemmapants Member Posts: 4
    how much of a discount should I expect on a 2008 model? The dealer invoice minus holdbacks is 23,655. Should I expect to pay under this?
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    What specifc 2008 model? A gas guzzling SUV, you should be able to pretty much steal. A Toyota Prius, and you'll pay MSRP plus. Please be more specific.
  • emmapantsemmapants Member Posts: 4
    A Passat Wagon Turbo
  • verdugoverdugo Member Posts: 2,288
    One thing to think about the Wagon is that they are going to be very changed for 2009. I don't remember the exact changes, but if you look at the "other" VW forum (not allowed to post the name), there are a few threads about the changes.

    Not sure how much of a discount, but it should be a considerable one. I bought my Passat Wagon 4Motion in September of 06 and I paid invoice. At the end of a model year, with the car kind of going away? You should do much better than that.

    Good luck and let us know how you make out. Great car, hope you love it as much as I love mine.
  • jerome8283jerome8283 Member Posts: 19
    Are there any disadvantages to the Blank Check Auto Loan process offered by some banks? I'm considering using this process and it states doing so makes the buying experience easier? Will dealerships have issues with this?
  • red927red927 Member Posts: 118
    I used HSBC to purchase a Honda CR-V for my daughter in April of 2005. The dealer first said that he couldn't accept it. I pointed out that it was a legimate check and stated so in the paperwork I had. He then accepted it without another word. I guess he was upset that I would not use his financing (which was at a higher rate than HSBC).

    HSBC was easy to deal with. Approved in a matter of minutes and received the blank check the next day.
  • coonassgirlcoonassgirl Member Posts: 2
    2000 used chevy malibau, 75000 miles, great condition, automatic, 4 door, power windows, for the price of 2,500. is this a great deal or what?
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Sounds like a good deal coonassgirl. You buying from friend, dealership or private owner?
    .
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    I'd have it checked out be a good mechanic, to verify that it really is in "Great" condition. One transmission or engine problem, can set you back another couple grand.....or make your 2500 purchase worthless.
  • ersulaersula Member Posts: 3
    You tell me good or bad deal:

    2008 Hyundai Limited Edition 4Door AWD MSRP 30875

    My out the door 26715
    2,000 on trade in; 3500 cash back
    72 Month term; 7.5%; 472 a month.

    Cars Direct Target Price - 25885 (27696.25 with tax @ 7%)
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Hyundai Limited Edition what?
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 265,612
    AWD? I bet it's a Santa Fe..

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  • mattgg1mattgg1 Member Posts: 191
    It doesn't sound like a great deal to me.

    For one, you need to leave the amount you got for your trade-in out of the equation, which means you really paid $28,715 for the vehicle.

    If it's a Santa Fe, then invoice is around $29,000. After cash back the price would be $25,550. Add your 7% tax and it comes to $27,338. So it looks like you paid about $1400 more than you needed to.

    The 2009 models are out and the market for SUVs is soft, so I don't think you'd have any problem buying that vehicle at invoice.
  • ersulaersula Member Posts: 3
    have to agree with you.......Yes, Santa Fe.
  • mikefm58mikefm58 Member Posts: 2,882
    Just a nit, but your calculations are slightly off as in most states, you don't get a break on the sales tax for the cash back. It's figured on the original purchase price of $29K, not the $25550.

    $25550 plus ($29k *.07) = $27580
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    If you must have a Hyundai you might look for a slightly used one.

    Few cars depreciate faster than the Korean makes do.
  • oldfarmer50oldfarmer50 Member Posts: 24,198
    "...Few cars depreciate faster than Korean makes do..."

    You couldn't tell that by the prices the bandits near me charge. Usually 2K higher than KBB dealer retail.

    They must figure that people around here are too stupid to know the difference between Korea and Japan. :cry:

    2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    Well I will tell you this I have an 8 year old 155K Hyundai and I would have lost more in depreciation dollar wise on a Japanese model than I will on my car when it comes time to trade in.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    I don't think so...not even close.

    Finding a buyer would be the tough part.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    Lets see:

    '00 Accord LX AT, CD Player, 4 cyl. w/150K miles average condition: TMV trade-in $2200, private party $3000. It's enough that Snake got his Sonata for $3K less than Accord (and that is BEFORE factoring 8 years of inflation - the real number is probably closer to 2 grand at time of purchase) in comparable transaction - which we know is more than probable, it is PHYSICALLY IMPOSSIBLE for him to lose more money, even if he sent his Sonata straight to junk yard for a penny. This of course assumes "book value" is accurate.

    It makes sense to consider depreciation only in first few years and only when mileage is low. Beyond those points any car becomes a beater. Even if Accord is TWICE as more valuable than Sonata at that age and mileage (which it might be), we talk about at most couple of thousand dollars, no more.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Good point. After that many miles and than many years it doesn't matter much.

    I will say that a used Honda is MUCH easier to sell than a used Hyundai especially one with high miles.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    That is definitely true. One may almost have to pay people to take older Hyundais and Kias in - but I think this may change in next five-ten years - as it did for Japanese cars somewhere in eighties.

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • snakeweaselsnakeweasel Member Posts: 19,592
    I don't think so...not even close.

    I know so, a comparable Honda at that time would have cost a thousands more (3-4K) and if I sell my car to the junk yard for $50 I would have lost less in depreciation dollar wise than I would have with the Honda. Per KBB the difference for trade in value between my car and a comparible Honda would be between $1,000 and $1,300 depending on condition. Far less than the 3 grand original price difference.

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

  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Hyundai is no longer the low price leader when the two cars are compared.
  • alamocityalamocity Member Posts: 680
    Interesting post, so you're saying the price gap has closed between the two models? I would have thought the difference still existed in light of the rebates available on the Hyundai.
  • jardineirojardineiro Member Posts: 1
    please tell me if is a good idiea to put a 17 inches weels on a 2008 chevy 4x4 v8 2500 this truck is to snow plowing thank you
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Hi - this discussion is about purchasing vehicles. You will want to visit our Chevrolet Silverado area and look for a discussion about your vehicle. Other owners who hang out there will be much more help to you!

    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)
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  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    Like any good shopper, I did my homework, which included Edmunds.com. The car I want has a retail TMV of $4,200. The sticker is for $4,995. The vehicle history report tells me that the vehicle has been on the lot since May-- four months. I know for a fact that they initially stickered the car at $6,495. I was going to use this in negotiations as evidence that it was to their advantage that they move this car, but then thought the salesman would use an excuse of "we went down that far, so how can you ask us to go down even more," so I didn't use this fact.

    So after doing all the actual pre-purchase work on the car, I made an offer of $3,800. I stated that the sticker price was not a bad offer for a typical car like that, but that he simply was not taking into account that this car has just over 100,000 miles. The guy said the dealer paid $5,200 for it (yeah right!), and they're already taking a loss. I then pointed out that while I respect the dealership's need to make a profit, it's not my fault if they overpaid. Some cars are like a bad stock. If you buy one at $50 and it goes down to $40 and you know it will go down more (which the value of this car will do every day it sits on the lot), you don't hold onto it until it reaches $20. You cut your losses and move on. So I pointed out that the mileage is indeed high, considering the car is six years old, times 12,000 miles is 72,000. He then proceeded to rattle off some stuff about leased cars having typical mileage between 15K to 18K (is this true, guys?) to which I replied that I don't care about leased cars-- I am not leasing.

    After some back and forth, he went outside to talk to the owner of the dealership on the phone. He said the lowest he can go is $4,700. I said that was better, but not good enough, so that is the point that I whipped out the Edmunds TMV and went through it line-by-line, explaining that every facet of the car was under consideration, and that this figure of $4,200 was a fair deal for both sides and respected the need and right of a dealer to make a profit. He said the "internet stuff is just a guide" and that "I have been in this business for 25 years and I have never bought or sold a car at a price from a source like that." Well, what could I say to that? I knew he was full of it, but how can I disprove that it is "just a guide?"

    So I reiterated my position, and we talked for some more, and then explained that once taxes and title, etc., come into play, this will be all my bank will finance (true) because it is the high book value from the NADA. I let him know that I wasn't using KBB because that is usually lower, and that I didn't want to cheat him. I said that I know dealers use the NADA, and that I had seen on his computer monitor the NADA logo. He said that it doesn't matter what the banks offer, because banks are in it to make money. I asked how is it that he expects to sell cars if he asks for a price that people can't finance for-- how can they buy a car without the money? I don't recall his exact answer (it obviously wasn't very good), but he also explained that since it's not his name on the dealership, and since he doesn't own the dealership, he can't go any lower (BS! Why else would they hire him, a SALESMAN, if he wasn't allowed to complete a sale). He reiterated what he said several times: that he wasn't going any lower, and he wasn't going to argue, and that he was done. So I said okay, we exchanged numbers, and he said he would have the owner's son call me the next day (today).

    So I left. Of course, I know better than that. While they are surely desperate to make a sale, seeing as how the car has been there four months (as are many cars they have, thanks again to the reports-- I will point this out next time), I know they want to make me wait a few days, hoping I will blink and be the one to call back and give up my leverage. Indeed, they have not called today. (By the way, the owner's son is a part-time salesman who is about my age. I had spoken to him about the car over the phone a few times.)
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    I know for a fact that they initially stickered the car at $6,495.

    That's an old dealers trick. Mark the car at the high end of high, then twenty second later lower the price by 3 grand so the customer thinks he's saving a lot of money.

    Sounds like this salesman knows you really want this car and is working you for maximum jackpot. If he doesn't call back in a couple days, looks like you'll have to pay his price or look elsewhere.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • dino001dino001 Member Posts: 6,191
    It doesn't matter what they paid for it. It doesn't what the book says. It matters what he thinks he can sell it for. He obviously thinks four months on the lot is not enough to sell it for less. He thinks if you really want it, you should pay more. If you disagree, let him keep it. Whether or not it's true that he can't change the price, it's irrelevant, too. Perhaps he could, perhaps he couldn't. All matters he wouldn't and you thought is was too much, hence no deal.

    It's not personal, it's just business. You should have walked much sooner - it was obvious your disagreement on the price was irreconcilable - but shouldn't have given him any lesson how to do his business. After all, it's their car - if they like washing it every two weeks for the next five months, let them. ;)

    2018 430i Gran Coupe

  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    Obviously I want the car. Otherwise, I wouldn't have tried to buy it. But I made it a point to keep my body language cool and level, and inspected every detail of the car, noticing every flaw. When he asked me if I wanted to drive off with the car today, I responded I would like to "if we can agree to a deal." Those are not things someone who is desperate to get a car will do.

    Thanks for the input.
  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    Agreed, except for the part where you said I "shouldn't have given him any lesson how to do his business." Where did I do that? I don't think I did. I simply tried to explained why my offer was in the best interest of both parties. I wanted to show that I wasn't thinking only about myself.

    I'm just trying to figure out if I could have done something better, which is why I question this.

    I'm 21 and I look like I'm 16. As far as I'm concerned, the guy obviously thought he saw a sucker coming. He didn't get one.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    If the deal would be doable you'd be driving that gem already. If they were despearate to get rid of it the owner's son would be on the phone with you 4 hours after you left, or the very next day.

    They either:

    a: can't afford to take a loss on it,

    b: had others interested in that same car, so they're holding out for a better offer. This happens a lot on old age units. Thye sit unwanted for months and suddenly 3-4 people want it at the same time. Can't explain why but it always happens.
    :confuse:

    or

    c: (no offence) don't want to sell it to you at a loss (your price) because they see you're picky and will be back to nitpick every detail about the car after you take it off the lot, which will cost them even more money in the future.

    I was going to use this in negotiations as evidence that it was to their advantage that they move this car

    You can bring a team of hot shot lawyers and all the evidence you like, but they have their own reasons for selling or not selling it at that particular price. If you think the price is fair, then buy it, if not carry on and look elsehwere. SImple as that. :D

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    It must be option B, because I can't believe they paid $5200 for that car. If they did, they are so careless with their money that they should already be out of business. Salespeople know people will haggle, so why in the heck would they cut the sticker to a $200 loss, knowing the haggle would cut some additional amount of money off? It makes no sense.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Wait a week to 10 days (closer to end of month, where they may be a little more incented), call him and tell him you are still slightly interested and your maximum price is whatever. If they can accept it great, they've made a deal and you'll be down to pick it up that afternoon. If not, then forget about it and walk on to something else.

    If they don't sell it outright at this point (you don't mention what type of car it is and how desireable it would be to others), then they'll just dump it at the auction. So you are probably competing against what they can get at auction, which is an easy way for them to unload the vehicle if they don't think it's worth keeping around.
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    Dealers will in rare instances overpay for a trade in order to make another deal happen. It might have been a trade in on an even older age unit that in order to move they had to pay $XXXX for this one.

    The most likely cause is that they paid less than $5200 for it, but they did work on it and as a result it STANDS them $5200.

    Buy in $3800
    Tune Up $500
    Some body work $600
    Stereo/seats/whatever $300

    Total $5200

    I don't know, I haven't seen the car. YOu don't know and liekly won't know unless they open up their books to you, which they shouldn't and it's irrelevant anyways.

    The bottom line is if you like it and you think the price is fair, buy it, if not then look for something else. :D

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    Sounds good.

    It's a yellow 2002 Dodge Neon ES. That means it has a spoiler, so it's a pretty sporty car, and it's good on gas. That's why I want it, of course. And it's in a college town. So I can see why they think they can sell it, and the guy tried explaining that the reason for the higher cost is that it's a "hot car." I said the TMV price takes into account everything a car has on it, even a spoiler and the color. So I then said that if it's such a "hot car," why has it been sitting here as long as these other cars that aren't "hot?" He gave some answer similar to what an earlier poster said, that he hasn't found the "magic" yet and that there is a "rear end for every seat" and someone will be the rear end eventually.

    As for auction, that's how they bought it (I know this from the report), so I doubt they would want to send it to another auction if they could avoid it.
  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    They didn't get it from a trade. They got it from an auction. The guy said they have "no control over what we pay" at an auction (Personally, I think that's bologna-- you decide what you want to bid and place the bid!).
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    And what kind of mechancial condition do you know....(know, not think)... that it is in?

    Only you can decide whether this is worth your time, aggrevation, and money. You have to evaluate how much additional $$ you will have to put into it when you get it and start driving. If you want to pay higher $$, then you should pay to get it checked out by a competent shop (outside of that college town) that there isn't anything wrong with it. That is eliminating your cost of ownership risk, and if you can eliminate the cost of future immediate problems from the equation, then you should be willing to offer more for it.

    You are in a weak negotiating position, given a perceived 'hot' car, reasonably used car priced for a student (around $5k), in a college town with a couple thousand kids, that they picked up at an auction specifically for this purpose. They are probably willing to keep it for a year if need be, some student will buy it (or a parent will, when their old kid clunker breaks down).
  • boomchekboomchek Member Posts: 5,516
    So if it's from the auction maybe they put money into it and hence it stands them $5200. I don't know.

    Keep in mind dealers know approximate values of what cars buy and sell for on trade, and at the auctions, and they're familiar with their local market. However they don't typically go to auctions and pay EXACTLY what a guide tells them to pay. They pay an average, sometimes less, sometimes more. But it's not going to be EXACTLY what a guide says because there's no 2 used cars that are alike, ever.

    Plus a lot of small used car dealers keep cars around forever, it's like they don't care if they move them or not. This lot could be one of them lots.

    2016 Audi A7 3.0T S Line, 2021 Subaru WRX

  • weathermikeweathermike Member Posts: 14
    Good points. I had a mechanic check it out, but it wasn't on a lift.

    If they don't call back in a few days, I may give them a final (improved) offer contingent upon good findings from a mechanic that can check it out on a lift. Does that seem reasonable enough?

    But regarding your last point, "reasonably priced" in my book is not "around" something. It is what the car is worth, plus fair profit from the dealer. And according to TMV, that is $4,200.
  • isellhondasisellhondas Member Posts: 20,342
    Why has it been sitting here this long?

    1. It's a NEON! Far from a "hot" car in fact, quite the opposite.

    2. It's yellow

    3. It a Neon with over 100,000 miles!

    I'm sure they are wishing they had never bought it in the first place but they can hold off as much as they want to.

    It doesn't matter what they paid for it and it doesn't matter what your Internet printouts say. If you really like it this much you may want to just buy it.

    Otherwise, I would move on. Lots of cheap Neons out there!
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Those are not things someone who is desperate to get a car will do.

    No, but telling the salesman it's not your fault they overpaid, mentioning high mileage, bringing out Edmunds TMV material, you appreciate their need and right to make a profit, the financing stuff, etc.... those are all things that show you are desperate to buy, which is fine. Any reason you give, that the price should be lower, can be countered by a good salesman. Showing you are an informed buyer should be good enough. I think it was gg who said the more you talk the more you end up paying (doesn't apply to me though) . You did good in walking. Find another car, this one sounds overpriced.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • obyoneobyone Member Posts: 7,841
    Sounds like a BHPH lot.
This discussion has been closed.