Another car buying question

If I want to buy a new car (really a 2002 that is still 'new'), how much would you say the dealers typically take off? I have haggled for used cars, but this is the first time I am considering a new car. The last time I bought a car the dealer fell in love with my friend and knocked $4,000 off the price without me saying anything. Then he called me endlessly to try to enlist my help. She refused to date a used care salesman becuase she is a snob, but that is beside the point! Now I want another couple thousand knocked off when I buy a new car. Is this unrealistic?

Re: Another car buying question

Not at all, when my DH bought a car a couple of years ago, the guy knocked of 4800. but you have to be prepared to walk out the door if they do not give you your price, i cant tell you how many times my father actually walked out of a place for a miesly 5 dollars!! (it drives my mom crazy but the dealer ALWAYS calls him back later)

Re: Another car buying question

go to kelleys blue book...I think it is www.kbb.com

they will tell you the retail price...and they are pretty accurate...

I hate to say it...but bring a man!! When we bought our car last year...we signed with one guy (remember you have 3 business days to get your deposit back), but he didn't get the % rate we wanted...I went back by myself to get the deposit back and the guy ambushed me...I kept telling him I can't make the decision without DH...but he was ruthless..

needless to say we went to another dealer...got a better version of the car we wanted for $4000 less...(through a lease...then buy option)

the second salesman was older...he knew what the deal was and didn't play games...

this is your hard earned money and there is someone there that will sell you a car...don't buy ANYTHING unless you are comfortable...

Re: Another car buying question

I second what yabbobay says about not buying until you are comfortable - we just went through this (and saved $6000 off sticker by buying 2002 leftover) - the salesman was such a salesman!!! He kept trying to push one thing on top of another on us. Very annoying. Perhaps someone can recommend a dealership you can go to where you won't get 'bullied'...GOOD LUCK

Re: Another car buying question

Thanks for your suggestions. Unfortunately, Erica, my FH is the WORST with this stuff! He believes everything that salepeople tell him. He bought a car on his own over a year ago and he got taken A year later I keep seeing the same car for significantly less money. His help I don't need. Maybe I'll bring one of his friends

Re: Another car buying question

The trick is, go into the dealership knowing exactly what you want, and the invoice price. Don't let them talk you into more options, unless he's willing to throw them in for free. Try and learn everything you can about the car you're interested in buying. If a salesman sees that you know what you're talking about, they usually don't try to rook you, since you'll know you're being taken.
If you really hate negotiating, try going through a wholesale club. My mom recently bought a car through BJ's Wholesale club. They hook you up with a dealer, you don't actually buy the car at the club. The dealer she used had a set, non negotiable price that was $500 above invoice price, so she saved a couple thousand off MSRP. The car she got was recently redesigned, so most dealers would not sell below the MSRP, some were selling above. It was the easiest car buying experience ever, and she got a great deal. I believe all of the wholesale clubs do something similar, and if you're a member, it might be worth a shot.

Re: Another car buying question

I always hestitate to read a post about a car or about buying a car. My hubby (along with his dad and uncle) own and operate a car and truck dealership - so I basically live and breathe car stuff every day. And I loathe the used car salesman references!! But I find them so true at times as well (although not with hubby's dealership :)).

Briefly, used cars are where the dealer makes his money. A new car the dealer can only sell at or slightly above invoice, so they don't make any money on them. As a consumer, you can find the invoice price of any car you are interested in buying.

If you are looking into a new car, it's best to ask the dealer what the invoice price is. That way you pretty much know how much over the dealer is charging.

The dealer also makes money when you buy an extended warranty, and what I don't think many people know is that the dealer will get you approved for a finance and the percentage points you get are often inflated so the dealership makes a percentage of the money off the interest you pay.

If any one has more specific questions, please email me using forum mail... I will try and answer your questions honestly, aS I know a lot of the stuff first hand

Good Luck - there are dealerships out there that won;t take you for a ride!! (Sorry for the pun!)

Re: Another car buying question

Whether or not you can get money off totally depends on the car you are looking at. Some cars are really non-negotiable because they are in high demand. Others have lots of play room. You can do research online to find out what others are paying for the car you want.

Re: Another car buying question

I purchased my car two years ago and I went with the $500 over invoice method. I found out the invoice price (via http://www.edmunds.com/ and a few other sites that I can't remember) and I submitted my offer to the car dealership via e-mail. The dealer accepted my offer and I purchased my car. With a little research you can find out the invoice price for all of the options and everything. I think this is better than trying to haggle. I am not a good haggler so I did a take it or leave option.