Car negotiating tips?

[Kristen82]

I was told to go to a dealer near the end of the month as the salessleaze might be just short of their monthly sales quotas and could therefore be a little more flexible than usual.

I'd rather go with a private seller. That way you don't have to feel like you need to take a shower after the transaction.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Originally Posted by CowboyMcCoy

Does the fact that you could have gotten 4,600 off rather than 1,200 off make you feel better? I'm sure your salesman appreciates you for it.

Rule of thumb. 10% off the sticker is what most vehicles are able to do, give or take a few.

Maybe down in the US and on domestics but not up here for imports. For the most part, the sticker price is what you pay especially for imports.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

Originally Posted by Kristen82

I was told to go to a dealer near the end of the month as the salessleaze might be just short of their monthly sales quotas and could therefore be a little more flexible than usual.

I'd rather go with a private seller. That way you don't have to feel like you need to take a shower after the transaction.

I would have preferred that but my car blew out an engine a couple of weeks ago so Contessa and I are surviving on one vehicle and that is not tenable. We needed another vehicle and couldn't jack around too long to save a few measly dollars.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by CanadianCowboysFan

Maybe down in the US and on domestics but not up here for imports. For the most part, the sticker price is what you pay especially for imports.

Yeah, not in Austin, not if you know what you're doing.

[CowboyMcCoy]

Originally Posted by Kristen82

I was told to go to a dealer near the end of the month as the salessleaze might be just short of their monthly sales quotas and could therefore be a little more flexible than usual.

I'd rather go with a private seller. That way you don't have to feel like you need to take a shower after the transaction.

Aw, Kristen, you're breaking my heart. I was once a new and used car salesman. I was actually a pretty nice guy about it, and treated my customers well. They, in turn, sent me people. We're not all bad guys.

[CanadianCowboysFan]

It also depends on the type of vehicle. My new vehicle is in high demand, low supply so not like the dealer has to try to cut the price to make a deal. If I didn't buy it, then the next guy would.

I also got the exact model, colour and the DVD player was better for my son than on another make. He enjoys watching movies in the vehicle. Sometimes you pay to get what you want.

[rynochop]

Originally Posted by Wimbo

Don't forget... if you buy through a dealer, you have to pay taxes on the purchase. If you buy through an owner, you do not.

Where do you live? Not in Texas, when you change the title over they rape you on taxes.

[rynochop]

Originally Posted by CanadianCowboysFan

I only buy new cars and just did last night actually.

Most dealers don't haggle that much anymore given they cut their MSRP for the most part to the bone now. I was able to knock 1200 off the sticker price of a $46000 vehicle so I figure woohoo

In the end, if you want the car, you will pay for it and probably more than you have to pay.

Wow, the sales/f & i guys were high fiving when you left.

[Idgit]

Depending what you want to pay, a car broker can probably find you what you're looking for at auction at much less that dealer mark-up. You may have to pay for relocation of the vehicle (~$300) and the dealer's negotiable markup ($500 for a quick flip). They expect you to pay cash, though, and you could have to wait a week or two for the next auction; you have to be ready to buy the vehicle based on the dealer's assessment of it's worth. If you can find one recommended, it's a good route to go.

If buying from the dealer, find the make/model you want on the edge of the lot where it's not on prominent display. Mention you thought you saw one like it a month or so back. If it's the same vehicle, they're probably looking at selling it at auction themselves and will deal more readily at that point. They don't want their capital tied up in inventory that won't move. Negotiate price before you tell them you're paying cash--they want to make money on the financing. They'll end up unloading a car they haven't been able to sell at about what they'd expect to see it for at auction if you can find the right vehicle and time it right.

[WoodysGirl]

[Duane]

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

Nice, looks really clean.

[WoodysGirl]

Originally Posted by Duane

Nice, looks really clean.

It really is a clean looking car. There's some minor damage to the floor upholstery, and the steering column looks a little worn, but overall, I think I'm getting a great deal.

[Shunpike]

How much did you pay for this if you don't mind?

I have a 2008 Honda Accord and I am planning on selling it and getting a 2013 Honda Accord.

[big dog cowboy]

Shudda got a truck.




Looks like a good car WG.

[WoodysGirl]

Originally Posted by Shunpike

How much did you pay for this if you don't mind?

I have a 2008 Honda Accord and I am planning on selling it and getting a 2013 Honda Accord.

It's a salvage title, so it's definitely under standard blue book value. I'll PM you the number.

Originally Posted by big dog cowboy

Shudda got a truck.




Looks like a good car WG.

I have a truck, a trailblazer.

My other Honda was my 2nd car so I could have a vehicle with better gas mileage. Once I got it, I barely drove my truck except for weekends. Only saw the highway once, too. I'm getting this car for the same reason as I got the other car. Gas mileage, tho I'm not sure if it'll be as good as my old Honda since this is a 4-cylinder vs the 6-cylinder I had in my old coupe. Either way, it'll still be better than my truck, so I still come out ahead.