Secrets to car buying anyone?

[Dargo]

Yup LBrown, that was a decent little pickup. However, I haven't seen a new one in a few years now. Times have changed a bit. I'd bet you can think of some other products that used to be of quality that now have a bit more issues if you think hard enough. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( If the sticker price on a vehicle you want is $30,000, does that $1000 saving make or break the deal? Then maybe you can't afford that $30,000 vehicle! Maybe you need to buy a used one...........
)</font>

I know someone that is dickering with a Toyota dealer right now over $700 differance on a new Avalon. He has purchased a new Avalon every year for as many years as I have known him. With the model change, they went up on the price. This man pays cash and can well afford the car in multiple purchases, but to him it is a matter of principal. What the principle is, escapes me, because he will think nothing of going to the local gambling casino and dropping 10 or 15 thousand dollars on the blackjack table in one night. It isn't the amount of money that they have, it is how they percieve the value. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Gatorboy]

<font color="blue"> What the principle is, escapes me </font>

Maybe it's because why should one person buy the same vehicle for $700 more or less than someone else? This is going to always be an issue as long as car dealerships are going to allow haggling.

 

[BB_TX]

<font color="blue"> he will think nothing of going to the local gambling casino and dropping 10 or 15 thousand dollars </font>
Many, if not most, people who gamble a lot always think they can beat the casino even though every game is slanted in favor of the casino. A loss is only a temporary setback to be made up the next time. Whereas paying an extra $700 is a loss that can't be made back. A somewhat distorted view to justify what they do.

 

[HammerFour]

You might consider buying an extended warranty if something like that interests you, but remember you don't have to buy it from the finance guy...they sell them direct to the public, you can get prices on the internet, and like most everything else, it pays to shop around.

 

[Dargo]

Yes, knowledge and research is always best. However, for some unknown reason, many states now ban the sales of any service contract over the internet. They claim they are watching out for the consumer. Hmm, gotta think about that one! I know it is illegal in Kalifornia for starters. Many, if not most, states are following suit. I guess I'm a dumb guy, because I don't have that one quite figured out yet. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I'm sort of like you; investigate, research, and shop.

 

[Av8r3400]

Dargo, let me amend my prior post by saying:

Never buy anything from the finance office without doing your research first.

I apologize if I came off harsh on my earlier post but having worked for (not with) two local auto dealers has left a very cynical, poor taste in my mouth concerning their ethics. I feel bad for and can sympathize with the pressure these people are put under by zealous and unscrupulous managers and owners. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Personally, I can't trust them. I do not take any sales-person on their word without my own research and confirmation. (Yes, that included my tractor dealer too.)

Buying an extended warranty (basically a service insurance policy) without looking for competitive offers is often wasting money. Look to your insurance agent for warranties also, some insurance companies offer these. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[AndyM]

<font color="blue"> Yup LBrown, that was a decent little pickup. However, I haven't seen a new one in a few years now. </font>

I think the D-50's were slowly phased out shortly after the Dakotas were introduced.

Another smaller truck from the 1980's with a really loyal following was the Jeep Comanche. Those are still fetching a pretty good price. I'm still kicking myself for not picking up the Jeep Comanche diesel that was on Ebay a few months ago!

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue">I used the report to get the best price that I could and it saved a LOT of the back and forth games that the dealerships like to play. </font>

PineRidge,

Do you remember how the final amount you paid related to the invoice cost for the vehicle at the time?

The reason I ask is in 2002 I did the fax thing for my Ford van and I ended up buying it at invoice cost for exactly what I wanted. The deal also was that I would get any rebates or incentives that were in effect at the time of delivery.

I delt with the fleet manager of a large dealership that actually had his office at a Chevy dealership, although he sold me the Ford. They sell a number of different cars/trucks including Ford, Chevy and Subaru. I don't know what else due to lack of interest on my part.

Since then I also bought two Subaru Legacys from him also at invoice cost. No games, clean and simple deals, feel good and get the job done.

As a matter of fact, so easy that I wonder how much UNDER invoice they might be able to sell for. At invoice am I getting a good deal or just a deal?

The guy remembers me if I call, and I asked why once. He said because he does not sell much to individuals, being the fleet manager he deals with companies more. In a different conversation he also mentioned he was salary and therefore normal sales commission did not have to paid when he sold a car. He also mentioned holdback, and sais he knew I new about that too.

I doubt I would buy for anything over published invoice now. But I wonder how good an invoice deal is. I know it is great from the "avoiding the BS aspect."

Generally, do we have to get a less than invoice price, on a new model that is not out yet, to feel good about it?

The three vehicles I referred to were all ordered before the start of the model year at invoice price. I know last year's models might be sold at less than invoice, but that is not what I am asking about.

 

[ALBALD1]

I had an 84 d50. tough trucks, sold it when my son came along. it just didn't have enuf room for the car seat.