I hate vehicle shopping!

[Jstpssng]

You could get a different hood ornament :laughing: Didn't know the V6 had the Cylinder Deactivation. It isn't even noticeable on the V8

The V6 engine noise might be just my imagination. I suppose that I COULD put a big hood scoop on the new one.

I'm not ruling GMs out. The only thing that I won't buy is a Dakota... I had two and the guys at the local garage promised to shoot me if I bought another.

 

[tractchores]

It's tougher on used, but try a reverse auction. I only buy this way now. No negotiations ever at the dealer, I inspect carefully before signing the papers and if there is any funny business I just go to the next one. Everything is done by phone and I only set foot in the dealer once the deal has been agreed to. Ask for Internet sales as well they usually make money on volume vs straight commission so will push harder for a better deal. The best part is you KNOW that you got the best possible deal.

 

[Jstpssng]

It's tougher on used, but try a reverse auction. I only buy this way now. No negotiations ever at the dealer, I inspect carefully before signing the papers and if there is any funny business I just go to the next one. Everything is done by phone and I only set foot in the dealer once the deal has been agreed to. Ask for Internet sales as well they usually make money on volume vs straight commission so will push harder for a better deal. The best part is you KNOW that you got the best possible deal.

I guess that I'm tilting windmills again, but why should it be so difficult to get a price on something I like? They're (allegedly) selling, I'm buying...

 

[kcflhrc]

I guess that I'm tilting windmills again, but why should it be so difficult to get a price on something I like? They're (allegedly) selling, I'm buying...

I would agree, they should be able to give you a price over the phone. Simple stuff. No way in **** would I buy a vehicle of any kind through an auction without test driving and inspection and some kind of 30 day warranty at least.

 

[Jstpssng]

^^^
Oddly enough, when I went past that same dealership I noticed that all prices are marked on the windshield. I may stop in when they aren't open...
Someone I know bought an F150 on EBay, from someplace below the rust belt. He flew down to pick it up and headed home. I believe that he was in Massachusetts when he started smelling something hot. He got out and the truck was on fire. He said that he grabbed his phone, briefcase, and Tom-Tom, then stood there watching it burn.

His insurance co was NOT impressed.

 

[tractchores]

I guess that I'm tilting windmills again, but why should it be so difficult to get a price on something I like? They're (allegedly) selling, I'm buying...

They can give you a price, they just don't want to. Its in their best interest to get you in the dealer where they are on their turf and can use all kinds of negotiation tactics or hope you get some kind of emotional attachment to the vehicle. I've only had one dealer ever refuse to give a price on the phone, I thanked them and said I wouldn't be able to do business with them then... they called back within 10 minutes with a price.

Be wary of the prices on the windshield. I bought a car a few years ago and did things over the phone, when I showed up to look at it the price was almost 10k higher (on a 40k truck) on the window than what their first quote was. Basically they were hoping that someone who didn't know better would see the price on the windshield and not know the MSRP and negotiate from there... pretty sleezy.

 

[Clint S]

I absolutely do every car deal via e mail now. When you are at the dealer you are on their turf. They pressure, they run back and forth, the good salesmen can read you. The last two via e mail have been well below sticker.

 

[Tomtint]

We buy or replace 1 or 2 cars a year. The treadmill most dealers put you on can be a test of mental discipline. They have their systems to wear you down and hopefully sign before they let you leave. Fortunately we have a friend in the business who will do everything over the phone with us and we don't have to deal with the sales process. I much prefer him giving me a number, and if it works, it's a deal. If not, neither he or I waste much time.

 

[Jstpssng]

We buy or replace 1 or 2 cars a year. The treadmill most dealers put you on can be a test of mental discipline. They have their systems to wear you down and hopefully sign before they let you leave. Fortunately we have a friend in the business who will do everything over the phone with us and we don't have to deal with the sales process. I much prefer him giving me a number, and if it works, it's a deal. If not, neither he or I waste much time.

That's the way it's going to be for me. I know what I intend to spend, and although I will need to finance all I need to do is call my CU with the serial # and proof of insurance. I'll either find something in my price range... or just get another pair of boots.

 

[Duwop]

Every time I buy I walk thinking I got a square deal but then I look back in these rooms and here of all these terrific deals you guys work and then I'm left feeling like a chump. So I probably overpaid or someone's full of it but either way if the stars are aligned and the fair deal gods are on my side this time I will be dead before I would need a new truck.