how to deal with new car dealers?

Answer 1

Hi Bumble,

Visit edmunds.com or kbb.com for pricing if you've already determined what type of vehcile you want.

Sales people are savvy to the the fact that consumers can now obtain invoice pricing, msrp etc from sites such as Edmunds and others as well. They expect you to know this information, it's not a hindrance to them at all, actually a benefit, of course to consumers well.

Supply and demand still rules pricing, especially with high line luxury cars, depending on what type of vehicle you are considering, if it's a hard to get vehicle, your bargaining power will be reduced.

You should be forthcoming, in a diplomatic way of course, let them know what you've found as far as pricing. This should be stated as soon as possible, or as soon as the conversation allows. By letting them know, they will at least not start so high with an original offer.

Don't appear to be so eager, if this is really the car you want, don't show it. This will allow leverage on their part and reduce your bargaining power once again.

Of course it's not just the bottom line price of the car that consumers pay for. It's add ons, such as paint sealants, undercoatings, window etching, PREP Fees and other items they may approcah you into buying. My personal and professional opinion is that these items are very seldom needed, if at all.

Extended warranties are another issue as well, depending on your usage of the vehicle, this may or may not be a good option for you. I'm a firm beleiver that they are valuable under the right circumstances, but they are not always a good idea for every circumstance.

If you consider a warranty, you can always purchase before the original factory warranty expires. If you purchase when you buy the car, and it's included with financing, you'll be paying finance charges for something that you aren't useing.

Financing is another source of income for dealers, if you finance thru a credit union or bank, you will most likely get a better interest rate, but if you finance outside the dealer, they may not be willing to negotaite with bottom line pricing.

You should compare the options and use an online comparison calculator once you have the details. These can be found on most sites that offer auto loans.

Another small rule of thumb is the best time to buy, most people will tell you at the end of the month, this does have some value, but dealers will often ROLL the 1st day or 2 of sales into the previous month.

Manufactuers will offer incentives to dealers for number of cars sold, so if they are short, they may roll these couple of days to earn their incentives.

Also, be wary of a salesperson asking you how much you want your monthly payments to be. Don't divulge this info, just negotiate the price and then the financing terms,

Be careful as well if you are trading in a car or truck with a lien, if they claim they will pay this off it often times ends up back in your contract, they simply add this amount to the new financing arrangements.

Know your credit score before you start shopping, a common scam is an original agreement based on your score, then they call you back and say you weren't approved based on your score and attempt to get you financed with a higher rate.

Read the contract carefully before signing, look for "Arbitration Clause" that states if you are dis-satsified you waive your right to sue.


As with any business, sales people and dealerships are in business to make a profit, and so they should, but there is a big difference between making a profit and being taken advantage of.

Also consider the quality of the service dept, do they offer loaner cars? Do they have a good reputation?

My suggestion here is to meet with the service manager and have a list of questions that may be of concern to you, such as the examples listed above. Explain that you are perhaps buying a car from the dealer but you would like to know about their service first.

There's a saying in the industry, Sales departments sell the first car to a consumer but the service dept sells the second or more to the consumer. Meaning the quality of the service dept will keep a consumer coming back when he/she is in the market for another vehicle.

Also visit the links for more information that may help, especially if you are buying a used or certified used car.

Jerry Christopher
http://www.usedcarwise.com

Answer 2

good q.
legend has it that the best time to buy is 4pm on Christmas eve. You know exactly which model you want and how much to pay. They are desperate to get another sale in the year and with luck have had a drink or two!

Sort out a deal without getting unpleasant, you might want metallic paint free, or roof bars, whatever. Some things are dealer-fit so they can give them away, eg front foglights, boot liner.

If you have a car to part-exchange it must be immaculate, the paperwork tidy in a file, make it easy for them.

PS
You can legally take your tax disk (UK) from the old car, send it to Swansea and get your money back. Not telling the dealer. I always do. Get a form from the Post Office.

Answer 3

Do your homework. Know the costs for the car you want plus accessories.
Find out about incentives including dealer incentives.
Make a firm offer but be prepared to leave if its not met.
Don't give the sales person a check to hold while they talk to the manager.
Get any deal in writing signed by the sales manager.
Most important - Be prepared to walk out at any time. Don't worry about being rude about it.

Answer 4

what to like get rid of them? or are you one? i dont get the question?