An automobile for rural life.....

[Duckhunter]

Re: Sam\'s Club Buying

I agree on the Sam's Club buying. Puts you directly to the fleet sales department. Usually $100 to $500 over cost depending on model and availability. No hassle, same financing offers available.

 

[njrqs]

Dunno bird. We have had the falcon name from the mid sixties and it is still going. Looks a bit like some of the US cars I see.

It is a large family sedan. Weighs about 1400kg. Does this help?

<font color=blue>Neil from OZ.</font color=blue>

 

[Gatorboy]

Re: Sam\'s Club Buying

Why use Sam's Club? Just walk into the Auto dealership and say you want to buy the car/truck for $100 over invoice.

The most I have ever paid for a car/truck has been $250 over invoice. If they say NO, then just go to the next dealership. However, the sales guy will usually tackle you before you get into your car to leave and sell you the car for your offer.

The best time of the year is fast approaching too. Mid-to-late December the dealerships are dying for a sale.

Regards,
Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann
Fallston, Maryland

 

[DaRube]

You guys rock!!!

Just a note of gratitude...in the 6 weeks I have been participating in this forum, it has become the first place I go to with my "adjustment" questions. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif Not only is the info great, but a nice sense of comraderie as well.

My wife and I will visit the showrooms this weekend. On the list, thanks to you guys, are Subaru, Honda, Chevy, Dodge, & Ford....maybe Toyota.

The extended cabs have my interest. I can't wait to take a seat in one and see how it feels!

Another possibility is being discussed.....buying new a smaller vehicle such as the Subaru Outback or the Honda equivalent....and in the spring getting a larger truck, minimal features, with 3 or 4 years on it, for heavy but infrequent tasks.

Some of my questions so far......

1) Full time 4WD vs "2WD/4WD engaged automatically" vs "2WD/4WD switched manually".

2) Are there laws regarding negotiating around dealer invoice? My suspicious nature wonders if a surreptitious dealer would show me a "doctored" document. What additional charges are legit for inclusion...on the invoice...or in addition to invoice?

 

[Gatorboy]

Just go to Edmunds.com. They show you the invoice price on autos and options.

The dealer will show you the invoice -- and it won't be doctored. Just be aware that the dealer gets a "kickback" on average of 3% of the MSRP.

So, if you negotiate a price of $100 over invoice on a $25,000 MSRP vehicle, the dealer will make $100 + 3% of $25,000 ($750) for a total of $850. No need to feel pity on the dealer. My word of advice -- STAND YOUR GROUND. Do your research, and know the prices in advance.

The one charge you will most likely have to pay is their advertising fee -- about $300 or so on top of invoice.

Don't pay for rust-proofing, clearcoating, etc. You want the car without dealer added junk!

Just my 2 cents



Regards,
Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann
Fallston, Maryland

 

[ChrisR]

Hi DaRube

last monday I picked up a Year old Toyoto 3ltr diesel Hilux Dual cab (same as Neils but with a pick-up back) I spent quite a while reviewing various makes and models, but at the end of the day, the hilux is regarded as one of the toughest and most reliable of all the dual cab types, most of the big mining companies out here use them, and while the ride is a little harder than a saloon, my wife (whom the car is for) is quite happy with it as are the kids.

Regards

Chris

 

[Bird]

I thought the body style of that Falcon looked similar to the Focus (which replaced the Escort), but it obviously isn't the same because the Focus is a smaller car; probably less than 1150 kg. (we have a '99 Escort that's 1134 kg.) Your Falcon may be more in line with our Taurus.

Bird

 

[s1120]

This is the best car I got for use on the land, and beating around, and driving back and forth to work.

I know you were looking for new, but the best thing with this is it was free! 4 cyl, so gets OK mpg. Banged up a bit so I don't care if it gets scrached. Lots or room in the back for all the stuff I have to carry.

 

[jyoutz]

We have 3 vehicles, one of which is a 4x4 truck (which I could never be without), but if you want an all-around car-type vehicle, I would highly recommend a Jeep. We have a Jeep Cherokee that is the best built, most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Lots of dirt road and highway. 75,000 miles and not one squeak, rattle or repair. The straight 6 cylinder engine has more power than many V-8's I've driven but it still gets 20 MPG. Most SUV-type vehicles are terrible on fuel mileage, but not this vehicle. The new Jeep Liberty which replaced the Cherokee this year has the same motor and is still priced less than most other SUVs. The only complaint I would have with this vehicle is that it isn't as roomy as some other SUVs, but if the size suits you, I would get one.

 

[njrqs]

Gee Chris

The only two Aussies on the TBN and we both drive Hiluxes !

Mine is a 94 model 2.8 but has a Safari turbo. Goes OK but the wind resistance from that big canopy slows it down a bit.

Built the canopy to sleep in and high enough to sit up in, hence the height.

Cheers !!

<font color=blue>Neil from OZ.</font color=blue>