THAT Is So NOT A Parking Spot!

[hobie16]

I thought about getting one for just around the area, I live very close to several shopping centers and so forth, but I am going to wait. DW wants another Explorer, and with prices falling, I might get a better deal!

Offer the dealer 7% over wholesale MAX. You will find a smart dealer that will jump at it.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Offer the dealer 7% over wholesale MAX. You will find a smart dealer that will jump at it.

That, plus (lucky for us) I can write them a check and not deal with all that finance doo-doo!!

7%? not a bad idea...

[hobie16]

That, plus (lucky for us) I can write them a check and not deal with all that finance doo-doo!!

7%? not a bad idea...

My brother-in-law owns a huge auto parts wholesale company in Phoenix. He's always told me dealers will be happy with seven percent.

With the current cratering of every manufacturer including Toyota, there may be even better deals to be had. Do your research on Edmond's and AutoByTel so you know what wholesale is. Ford offers a inventory listing at every dealership. See what the local dealer has got on the floor and have the math ready when you walk in the door.

Financing is another matter. if your credit rating is high enough and they're offering zero percent, use their money. Ford is offering zero percent for up to 60 months.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/explor ... d|vehicles

Remember the myth about sleazy sales guys is really true. A friend worked for a dealership a few years ago. He has unbelievable stories about how the sales guys would brag about how many people they screwed out of huge money. The sales guys are not your friend.

The best buyer tactic is good buyer/bad buyer. No matter what the good buyer says, the bad buyer disagrees. "I like chrome!" "You have to polish that crap."

Don't fall for the impending event close either. "If you don't buy today the price will jump $500 tomorrow." BS.

Good luck and have fun.

[BRWombat]

Good advice!

I normally shy away from conflict and drama (so why exactly did I become a lawyer?), but I loooove negotiating a new car purchase. I will know exactly what car I want and what the dealer pays for it before I ever talk to a sales rep. And then I walk into a dealership for the first time, lay down my numbers, usually offering $200-$300 over wholesale, and tell them if they'll agree then they just made the easiest sale of their career. If not, I go elsewhere.

I know $200 is not a lot, but (1) dealerships also get a "holdback" (usually 3%) from the manufacturer after they sell, and (2) hey, I did all the work for them -- I did the research, the math, I didn't make them take me for a test drive or even pour me a cup of coffee. I'm offering them a quick, easy deal with a guaranteed profit, and perhaps a repeat customer if they treat me right.

The smart dealers, and I've found many, will verify the numbers and take the deal without much fuss. But it's the ones who try to use their tricks to jack up the price that are the most fun -- mainly because I enjoy tormenting them until they get the idea that I'm not budging. I've found:

• They can't stand silence. Often if they say anything other than "deal," I'll just sit passively staring at them without responding. It never fails... They'll start babbling, fililng the silence, and get closer to my numbers.
• You've got to be prepared to walk out the door. "My way or the highway" works in auto buying -- they hate to see a customer leave! Don't be afraid to walk away if they're not willing to do the deal your way. If your numbers are correct, there are plenty of dealerships out there, and someone will do the deal.
• The most fun can be had when they try the old, "These numbers look good to me, but I'll have to clear it with my manager" trick. That's bogus -- they'll probably go to the back hallway, get a drink of water, come back in 10 minutes and say that the manager won't approve it. The best comeback (I learned this line from my dad): When they first say they need to talk to the manager, say sadly, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I was speaking with someone who had authority to close the sale. What's your manager's name? I'll deal with him directly." And then you watch them twist in the wind while they realize that if they continue their bluff, they are in danger of losing their commission!

Bottom line -- do your homework before you deal and be willing to walk and go elsewhere. Someone will make the deal with you.

[Whazzup]

Good advice!

I normally shy away from conflict and drama (so why exactly did I become a lawyer?), but I loooove negotiating a new car purchase. I will know exactly what car I want and what the dealer pays for it before I ever talk to a sales rep. And then I walk into a dealership for the first time, lay down my numbers, usually offering $200-$300 over wholesale, and tell them if they'll agree then they just made the easiest sale of their career. If not, I go elsewhere.

I know $200 is not a lot, but (1) dealerships also get a "holdback" (usually 3%) from the manufacturer after they sell, and (2) hey, I did all the work for them -- I did the research, the math, I didn't make them take me for a test drive or even pour me a cup of coffee. I'm offering them a quick, easy deal with a guaranteed profit, and perhaps a repeat customer if they treat me right.

The smart dealers, and I've found many, will verify the numbers and take the deal without much fuss. But it's the ones who try to use their tricks to jack up the price that are the most fun -- mainly because I enjoy tormenting them until they get the idea that I'm not budging. I've found:

• They can't stand silence. Often if they say anything other than "deal," I'll just sit passively staring at them without responding. It never fails... They'll start babbling, fililng the silence, and get closer to my numbers.
• You've got to be prepared to walk out the door. "My way or the highway" works in auto buying -- they hate to see a customer leave! Don't be afraid to walk away if they're not willing to do the deal your way. If your numbers are correct, there are plenty of dealerships out there, and someone will do the deal.
• The most fun can be had when they try the old, "These numbers look good to me, but I'll have to clear it with my manager" trick. That's bogus -- they'll probably go to the back hallway, get a drink of water, come back in 10 minutes and say that the manager won't approve it. The best comeback (I learned this line from my dad): When they first say they need to talk to the manager, say sadly, "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I was speaking with someone who had authority to close the sale. What's your manager's name? I'll deal with him directly." And then you watch them twist in the wind while they realize that if they continue their bluff, they are in danger of losing their commission!

Bottom line -- do your homework before you deal and be willing to walk and go elsewhere. Someone will make the deal with you.

Wombat - I'm printing out your tips and saving them for my next car buying experience. I spent a couple hours in the showroom when I bought my Camry and got it for a good price since I knew what the dealer price was, but it took some time and went through all the BS that the salesman pulls. Next time, I'll tell them they've got 30 minutes tops to close the deal, then I'll use all your tricks and see what happens. ;)
Only problem is, I want another Toyota and there's only one dealer in town. Guess I could always drive over to Mobile and do my negotiating there.

[disneyaddict]

Good advice!

• They can't stand silence. Often if they say anything other than "deal," I'll just sit passively staring at them without responding. It never fails... They'll start babbling, fililng the silence, and get closer to my numbers.

Make them uncomfortable? Hehehe, it's so evil!! I love it! :twisted:

[hobie16]

Next time, I'll tell them they've got 30 minutes tops to close the deal...

You're actually in a better position if you have plenty of time. Schmooze, read all the literature, take a nap, admire the art on the walls, etc. The key is keep control. Don't let them control you. Kinda like that Rage Against The Machine song.

"And now you do what they told ya, now you're under control"

[DisneyMom]

Will you guys come with me when hubby and I buy a new car? ;)
(just kidding, but THANKS, exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for!) :)

[hobie16]

Will you guys come with me when hubby and I buy a new car?

That's actually a good strategy having someone along whose not emotional or financially involved. I went with an old girlfriend to a Nissan dealer. My feeling was the car she wanted wasn't what she needed. For some reason the dealer staff thought I was buying the car (dudes, women buy cars too) so I had at them. I finally told them they sucked, took her by the arm and walked out. We had one bozo run out to the car trying to pull us back in.

She eventually did buy a Nissan but from a different dealer and at a much better price.

[hobie16]

Another thought. Don't pay for advertising!! It's another way to slime you out of $300.