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Rebates, Incentives, APRs - Questions & Comments

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  • guitarzanguitarzan Member Posts: 873
    Go to your salesman and ask him the same question, that is all you can do. In very rare instances will they give you any money back. And if they don't, you can stop buying their cars. However, my opinion is just to learn how to negotiate well, and push them to their limit for every sale. Don't think because you buy many of their cars that they'll give you a deal. They'll steal every last penny from you every time if they can. That is the cold, hard reality of car buying.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Guitarzan is right. You're best bet is to go back to your salesperson and explain your situation. He should not be opposed to helping you because this $500 loyalty bonus comes directly from Chrysler and not from his dealership's pocket. If he is not helpful you could always check Chrysler's web site for a number than you can call to speak with a representative. Make sure to mention the large number of cars that you have purchased, that may help your cause.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Suzanne, in answer to your question about Toyota Tacoma incentives, yes there is currently support on this vehicle. Right now Toyota has $800 dealer cash on '98 Tacomas.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Wayne, I have not yet seen Nissan's incentives for the Florida area. It usually takes another week or two before I get to see all of the incentives for the company's different regions. I can tell you that Nissan presently has $3,000 dealer cash and a volume bonus of up to $500 per unit in their Northeast region of the U.S. The cash offered in Florida is probably similar to this amount. If you check back later on in the month I should probably have the exact rebate for your area.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    I have a similar answer for the question about Nissan Maxima incentives. Presently Nissan is offering $2,500 dealer cash on '97 & $1,000 consumer cash on '98 Maximas in the NE U.S. In addition to these amounts Nissan is offering dealers up to a $500 volume bonus per unit. Nissan's current programs run through May 18th and may be revised after that date.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    OK Russell here are the new Isuzu incentives. '97/'98 Hombre 4 Cyl.: $1,500 dealer + up to $700 volume bonus.
    '97/'98 Hombre 6 Cyl.: $1,000 dealer + up to $700 volume bonus.
    '97 Rodeo 4x2: $3,000 dealer cash
    '97 Rodeo 4x4: $3,500 dealer cash
    '98 Rodeo: $1,250 dealer cash
    '97 Trooper: $4,000 dealer cash
    '98 Trooper: $1,500 dealer cash
    '97 Oasis: $2,000 dealer cash
    '98 Oasis: $1,000 dealer cash

    These dealer cash amounts plus special leases are currently being offered in the Northeastern United States through May 31st.
  • vmipyvmipy Member Posts: 1
    Where can I find out about rebates being offered by FORD for things like first time car buyer, or college grad, etc.
  • russ113russ113 Member Posts: 8
    Car_Man:

    Thanks for the Isuzu info... I am working with a dealer right now and they are at about 6.5% over cost. I am trying to buy a Trooper at about 3.5%.

    Thanks Again.
  • ahenthusahenthus Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a Lincoln Town Car Signature Touring Sedan 5 May. I had ordered it in Feb. I took advantage of the $2,000 incentive in making the original deal. I was pleasantly surprised when they gave me an extra grand off Tuesday as the owner from new of a GM vehicle. I was not expecting the extra $1,000 off. I don't know how widespread this rebate is but anyone buying a Ford product should ask about it. I found that the buying services are all BS. If you have any bargaining skills at all you should be able to far surpass anything Auto-by-Tel or the others will offer. I was very disappointed in their services. I did not spend a great deal of time dickering on the car but I think that the dealer I purchased from believes in giving you a decent deal while still making a fair profit. I would recommend Heritage L-M in Atlanta to anyone. They had also given me a good price on a Grand Marquis before I decided to opt for the TC. Auto-by-Tel is probably a good service for the shy, nonconfrontational types. Don't waste your time if you like to wheel & deal. My out the door price for a $40,940 car was $34,150 + TTT (also a $175 processing fee that I decided not to quibble about when they told me about the extra $1000 rebate on the day of purchase). The buying service (forgot which one) price for the Lincoln was thousands over that. The Auto-by-Tel and other services' prices I got were for the Grand Marquis. It was still between $1500 and $2000 over the Heritage price.
    Good luck.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    You've come to the right place, vmipy. Ford is currently offering a $400 cash bonus to college graduates between now and January 5th, 1999. You are eligible to take advantage of this offer if, between October 1, 1996 and January 5, 1999, you:
    graduated or will graduate from an accredited college or graduate school with at least a bachelor degree, or graduated or will graduate from an accredited trade school, junior college or nursing school, or are currently enrolled in graduate school.
  • russ113russ113 Member Posts: 8
    Car_Man:

    I got a surprise when I went to negotiate a Trooper. I got the invoice price, subtracted the 3% dealer holdback, and the $1500 dealer incentive, added the advertising fee, and added on the 3% dealer profit. I was way off what they quoted me. They showed me dealer invoice and on it was the dealer holdback on top of the invoice price rather than built in!

    Is this right? I thought the holdback was included in the invoice so one should subtract it out to get to true cost. Please elaborate any info on Isuzu invoices...
  • chitownchitown Member Posts: 1
    Car Man,

    Just started looking at the Volvo XC AWD's and was wondering if there were any incentives on the car and whether you thought $500-$750 over invoice would be a reasonable offer. I'm moving down to Texas next month and am hoping the demand is less down there than it is in the colder climates. Thanks.
  • nobodyuknownobodyuknow Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to buy a 98 Pontiac sunfire SE sedan at invoice + 5%. Online all the numbers say the exact same thing $11,558 however the dealer faxed me an invoice saying the actual invoice is $13,130
    Should I stick to my guns and insist on the $11,558? Do anybody know of any rebates in effect for a pontiac sunfire sedan?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Russ you're right. By definition, the holdback is included in both the dealer invoice and the MSRP of a vehicle. Once the dealer has made a deal, the manufacturer sends him the holdback amount back as sort of a hidden profit. So you have to subtract this amount in order to figure out the dealer's true cost. Check to make sure that his invoice price was the same that we show here at Edmunds. He may have been showing you the dealer invoice with the holdback already subtracted out.

    Generally, dealers really do not like to talk about their holdback. When consumers come out and mention it right away many dealers get defensive and this actually hurts the negotiation process. These defensive dealers frequently try to trick consumers into thinking that they were misinformed and the holdback does not really exist. I think that you may have more success in your negotiations if you just make an offer without mentioning that you know about it at first. You can always mention it if the dealer starts crying that he's not making any money on the deal. Good luck.

    Your Co-Host
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Edward, I just answered your question in the other conference that you posted it in. Please check there.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Derrick, you should stick to your guns. The dealer invoice for a Pontiac Sunfire SE Sedan with manual transmission is $11,558 in most states. In California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon the dealer invoice is higher, $13,130. When you look at this figure make sure to add in the $500 destination charge. There is currently a $750 rebate on this model, so make sure to take that into consideration as well. Good luck.

    Your Co-Host
  • russ113russ113 Member Posts: 8
    Car_Man:

    I apologize for belaboring the point, but let me see if I am understanding this correctly. The dealer showed me the invoice of let say $24,400 (incl. frieght), then on top of that amount it listed the charges of advertising $286 and holdback $860, for a total invoice of $25,586.

    Edmunds lists this vehicle at 24,400 with instructions to add the advertising then SUBTRACT the holdback. He showed it as an additional cost.

    So to derive at a fair offer should I:
    A. Take the 25,586 as dealer invoice.
    Or...
    B. Take the Edmunds invoice and add advertising less holdback and incentives, plus a percentage profit.

    Again, thanks for answering my messages... it could mean a difference of $860.

    (Co-Host... I like the sound of that...)
  • msellowmsellow Member Posts: 11
    My parents just got the "loyalty coupon" from GM, but don't plan on using it. They said I'm free to use it if it will help me with my VW purchase. Has anyone tried or know if VW will accept it?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Russ, in order to figure out what the vehicle cost the dealer you should do exactly what it says to do here at Edmunds. By subtracting the dealer holdback from the invoice you can calculate exactly how much the dealer paid for the vehicle. The holdback is not a charge that the dealer has to pay, but it is actually extra money that they get back from the manufacturer. It's sort of a hidden profit. I think that you're looking too closely at all of the details and losing sight of the big picture. Basically you should calculate how much the dealer paid for the vehicle and add in a fair profit. Take the number that you figured out and shop it around rather than arguing about the holdback with one specific dealer. Once you've gotten a couple of quotes, you can always go back to the original dealer and ask them to beat your best one.
  • toymantoyman Member Posts: 4
    Hey Car Man!

    Help! Can you tell me the current incentive for a Nissan Frontier Ext. Cab 2wd in Atlanta, GA?
    I was trying to negotiate a $2000 as posted in Edmund's, but a local dealer says it is only $1000. Also, Nissan's holdback is 2% of what - total invoice cost or total MSRP?

    Am going to try to buy this week. Thanks for the help!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Toyman, Nissan's holdback is calculated by taking 2% of the invoice price not including the destination charges. The $2,000 that is posted here at Edmund's is for the NE United States. Unfortunately, I have not yet seen the Nissan incentives for your specific area. If I come across them I'll be sure to let you know what they are. For your information, last month there was $1,250 on the Frontier Ext. Cab 2WD in your area.
  • jimodonneljimodonnel Member Posts: 4
    Car_Man,

    A few questions for you.

    It looks like I've zeroed in on a Contour SVT for purchase/negotiation on Saturday the 16th. I see in the Edmunds Rebates and Incentives that the Contour is listed...do you know if the Rebates/Incentives also apply to the Contour SVT?

    It looks like the listed Incentive of $0 - $600 is a function of volume. How should I calculate that into dealer profit?

    Are you aware of any New Jersey regional incentives?

    Thanks for your help. Any other advice for the purchase of this on-the-lot vehicle is also appreciated.

    Next,
  • Jake23Jake23 Member Posts: 2
    Looking for info on the Ford Windstar $1500 rebates and $1000 Customer Loyalty rebate. Where are dealers applying these rebates? At or below invoice?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Unfortunately, Jim I think that you are out of luck. I do not believe that Ford allows any of the Contour incentives to be applied to SVT models. I suggest that you calculate how much the dealer paid for the car and do your best job to negotiate a good deal. The only rebate that may be applicable to this car is the Ford Loyalty Bonus Program. If you currently own another Ford or GM model you could be eligible for between $500 and $1,000 off.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Jake, the easiest way to calculate what you should pay for a Ford Windstar is to first figure out what the dealer is essentially paying for the vehicle. Take the dealer invoice, subtract the holdback, and then subtract the $1,500. Now that you have this figure add in a fair dealer profit. On this model, I estimate that this amount should be well under 5%, depending upon a number of variables. Don't even mention the $1,000 loyalty bonus until after you are done negotiating a price on the van if you can help it. This is money that comes directly from Ford and it should have no bearing on your negotiations. Good luck.
  • eduskoedusko Member Posts: 2
    Carman,

    need help with this one! Where in hell can I find out about the Toyota pricing in the Southeast? All of the online sources say something like "SE region may incurr additional charges" or "Not valid for SE". I know that the invoice prices are pretty much in line with Edmunds, however, there is supposedly an additional charge of admin. fees and advertising fees from SE distributor to the dealer. How can I find out about those fees, and are they negotiable? Also, every dealer in the area charges "Doc. fee" of about $180-290. Can they waive that on the hot model?
    Thanks for your help! I plan to buy tonight, yesterday I walked out because the dealer's invoice was $1,200 over Edmunds, but he would not share what the distributor's fees were. I feel like I am really well prepared, but not knowing all the legit charges just throws me off the boat.
    Edusko
  • MistaMista Member Posts: 1
    I have -tonight-received a price of $12767 for a toyota corolla 5 spd, no air no radio- has a weatherguard package and mats and luglocks. 60 miles from here I spoke on the phone with a no hassle dealer who wants 12900 for 5 spd air and radio. What is a reasonable price for a no frills 5 spd-new 98 -I live in Delaware.
  • Jake23Jake23 Member Posts: 2
    Car Man, Thanks for the response. My local dealer begins with the true invoice and then subtracts the $1500 rebate and then the $1000 loyalty bonus. So we are starting at $2500 below true invoice. My question is how much more holdback or incentive is the dealer receiving for this period of time? I want to negoiate him down further below invoice. Any recent experiences? I heard somewhere that a dealer in Oklahoma was selling as low as 20% below invoice. Jake23
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Eduard, Toyota prices do sometimes vary by region. This is because Toyota does not distribute its vehicles directly to dealerships in all areas. In some parts of the country their cars and trucks go out through regional distributors. It's really a silly practice that they started a while ago. In my opinion they'd be much better off standardizing the whole process. I think that you'll find that the SE dealership's invoice prices are pretty similar to the information that we provide at Edmunds. If it's not then the dealer is probably trying to pull one over on you. As far as the fees that you mentioned are concerned, it's tough for me to tell you exactly what they should cost. Advertising fees vary by area and are changed frequently. I'd say that generally they are around .5% of the MSRP of the vehicle, but this is only a rough approximation. My advice is to shop around a little and see what fees the dealerships are charging. By doing this you should be able to get a good idea of what fees are real and in the process you should be able to negotiate a good deal on the vehicle that you want. Dealers often waive the fees that you asked about, especially if you have been shopping at one of their competitors.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Dominique, I can understand that you want to save money on the purchase of your new Corolla. Personally, I think that its a bad idea to skimp on the radio and the air conditioning. I realize that these two items are not necessities, but these are the two options that I would want most. Take it from a person who had to drive around a vehicle without air a couple of summers ago, it it not a pleasant experience. If you plan on keeping the car for a while, getting these options will make your life much easier. Additionally, they will make it much easier for you to sell your car. There won't be nearly as many people interested in purchasing a car without air or a radio. You will probably make back a large portion of the cost of these two options when you sell your vehicle.

    OK, with that said, let's talk about price. Toyota recently revised the prices for its '98 model line-up. The changes didn't amount to much, think that they increased the price of their cars by around $30 on average. The new dealer invoice for a '98 base Toyota Corolla VE 5-speed including destination to Deleware is $11,274. When we take out the dealer holdback of approximately $238 we get a dealer cost of around $11,036 for the car that you want. Now, take this figure and add in a fair dealer profit. As you can see I think that you can do much better than the prices that you've been quoted. Even if you allow for a generous 5% profit, this still only amounts to $11,588. Keep in mind that this is a car with NO options. Air Conditioning should cost you around another $800 ($760 invoice & $950 MSRP) and the base radio probably around $140 ($125 invoice & $165 MSRP). Unfortunately there are not currently any cash incentives that you can use on this vehicle, but Toyota is currently offering a special financing rate. If you have pretty good credit and choose to finance a Corolla between now and July 6th, Toyota will give you 4.9% for 36 month terms. This should be much better than you would get at any bank. Good luck.

    Your Co-Host
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Jake, getting a Windstar for $2,500 below invoice (including incentives) is already a pretty good deal. I'm not sure how much lower the dealer will go, but I guess that you can always try. The one thing that you have going for you is that the minivan market is extremely competitive and Ford Windstars have not been selling very well lately. The only profit that I am aware that the dealer is still making on your deal is the holdback. Ford has a holdback of 3% of the vehicle's MSRP, not including destination charges. That would amount to around $580 on a base Windstar. Keep in mind that this dealer is already giving you a pretty good deal. Dealers dislike talking about their holdback and hate dipping into it to make deals. Good luck.
  • eduskoedusko Member Posts: 2
    Carman,

    thanks. I just experienced something last weekend that confirmed my opinion about dealerships and I can easily understand why they have such a bad reputation. I negotiated the deal on Sienna, however, we were about $200 apart and neither side would give up. I was told that I can run the numbers at home again and that they are giving me a good deal, and the salesperson would call me the next day. So I went and he called and I said yes, it is a good deal and I'll take it, in which the dealer says sorry, the price is now $400 higher, there is such a high demand for these vans! What upset me most is that he in no way indicated that the price is good only tonight, take it or leave it!

    Anyway, just wanted to let you know, even people that appear to be trustworthy in this business are not. I will have to do more shopping, and your response is really appreciated.
  • eleele Member Posts: 1
    Hi.
    Anyone know the current incentive for Nissan Altima in Los Angeles are, CA?
  • luvintegrasluvintegras Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone recently purchased a 1997 Acura integra RS? I want to know what kind of deal they got on the car. What options came with car?
  • ta1234ta1234 Member Posts: 1
    Does GM accept Ford's loyalty coupons? Also if you haven't received the coupon but you have the original documentation of the sale will the companies accept this in place of the coupon. thanks
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Tal234, no GM will not accept Ford or Chrysler Loyalty Coupons. However, Ford and Chrysler will accept loyalty coupons from any of the Big 3 (GM, Ford, & Chrysler). Even if you haven't yet received your coupon in the mail, you should be able to go to your local dealership and have them look your name up on their computer to see if you are eligible.

    Your Co-Host
  • bluembluem Member Posts: 1
    Edmunds lists the current rebate for the Ford Contour as Dealer Cash Volume Bonus. Does this mean that it is actually money that goes directly to the dealer instead of a rebate to the customer? Thanks.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Bluem, the cash associated with any sort of dealer rebate never goes directly to the consumer. Consumer cash does, but dealers do not want you to know about their dealer cash allowances. They are free to keep all of this money, use it for advertising, or to pass some of it on to the consumer to help sell the vehicle. Since you know about this cash they will most likely pass it on to you, but uneducated consumers probably will not see much of it.
  • wangzhengwangzheng Member Posts: 1
    I am thinking of buying a Nissan Quest and have
    two questions:

    1) Does anyone know the rebate/incentive for
    Quest in NJ?

    2) When will the new model come out, and will it
    increase the rebate then?

    Thanks
  • chrys19chrys19 Member Posts: 1
    I am thinking of buying a 1999 Chrysler 300M.
    1) Does anyone know the rebate/incentive/holdback in North Carolina?
    2) It's new on the market, cut has anyone had any favorable or unfavorable experience with it?
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Wangzheng, Nissan currently has $1,000 dealer cash on the 1998 Quest XE and $2,000 dealer cash on the Quest GXE on retail units in New Jersey. If you decide to lease a Quest through NMAC instead of purchasing one, the dealer cash decreases to $125 on the XE and $1,125 on the GXE. I don't believe that the '99 Quest is scheduled to hit dealerships until the fall of this year. As far as incentives go, generally the later in the model year it is, the larger the rebate. However, I have heard that Nissan is trying to cut back on its incentive spending. Whether they will be able to and still remain competitive remains to be seen. I suspect that incentives on this model will increase as we close in on the arrival of the '99 models.
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    There aren't currently any incentives on the Chrysler 300M, chrys19. This is such a new model that I hope for Chrysler's sake that they don't have to provide any support on it yet in order to sell them. Chrysler's holdback is a standard 3% of MSRP (not including destination charges) for all of the vehicles that they sell. Make sure to check out our Sedans Conference for driver's experiences with the 300M. Also, don't miss Edmund's Review of this car: Chrysler 300M Review and Pricing. Happy shopping.
  • scallionscallion Member Posts: 1
    Is anyone aware of any dealer rebates/incentives being offer for the 1998 Nissan Quest in North Carolina or Florida? Is there any information that outlines the Dealer Incentives/Rebates by individual states? Thanks for any and/or input(s)
  • chinojochinojo Member Posts: 1
    I have leased MiniVan and the lease is up on July
    31/98. I want to replace it with a Dodge Gran
    Caravan. Right now, the list for Incentives and
    Rebates shows that those are valid thru July 6.

    My question is, how can I find out what rebates
    will be available after July 6. Is this something
    that gets posted before it actually hits July 6.

    I don't know if I should wait and see if future
    rebates will be better or if there won't be any for
    the month of July, since I have to make a decision
    before returning my leased vehicle.

    HELP!!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Unfortunately, chinojo, there's no way of knowing what is going to happen to Caravan incentives in the future. Dodge dealers don't even know exactly what the incentives for the Caravan are going to be like after July 6th. Given their high levels right now, I have a feeling that the Big 3 may try to cut back on incentives a little in the near future. The Chrysler Owner Bonus program is definitely going to end.
  • morrowgfmorrowgf Member Posts: 1
    Does Toyota Canada use the 2% "Holdback" on dealer invoice cost, as does Toyota USA ?. I have been told by a canadian Toyota dealer's "Sales Manager" that Toyota Canada does not use "Holdbacks". Far be it from me to disbelieve a "Sales Manager", but what I seek is confirmation of his statement.
  • davepercdaveperc Member Posts: 76
    I have been going through the same rebate game here in NY state. Does anyone know what the real rebates and/or incentives are for a 4x2. Edmunds says $1500, but in talking to two different dealers, one says $1000 and the other says $1500. Wouldn't you know the one with the truck I want says $1000. They did move when haggling started, saying they would give me $500 from the dealer on top of the $1000 rebate. After not being satisfied at the dealer, I called Nissan customer service, they said check with your dealer. Anyone know how much and how Nissan works this?
  • rama_nambirama_nambi Member Posts: 1
    Are there any incentives for the Isuzu Oasis 1998 S in Illinois currently?

    Thank you for your response
  • Robert_SRobert_S Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know how long Holdbacks are good for. Dealer is telling me that hold back is no good if the car is not sold within the first 45 days after they are invoiced by the manufacture. He said that the holdback is the interest that would be paid if they had to carry the car over 45 days.
    Thanks !!
  • CarMan@EdmundsCarMan@Edmunds Member Posts: 38,514
    Daveperc, I have a feeling that the dealer who told you that Nissan was only offering $1,000 wasn't being completely honest. Nissan currently has $1,500 on the Frontier 4x2 ($950 on leased units) and $2,500 on the Frontier 4x4 ($1,900 on leased units) in your area. Unfortunately these offers only run through tomorrow. After that, Nissan may come out with some sort of Fourth of July Special that runs for a week or so or else they will just introduce a new program that runs through July. Either way, there's a good chance that this cash will change.

    Your Co-Host
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