Quote:
Originally Posted by Geewiz
Am I the only person who likes buying a car like you're haggling in Morocco?
<stuff cut for brevity>
Enjoy the dangling carcass of their diminishing profit. Remember, it's more than just getting a good deal....it's the love of the game.
Cheers!
G
|
I too enjoy the whole process and I stress as you wrote, negotiation is done in a friendly manner. I have never done the whole signing hold out though, I got a kick out of that....
Never negotiate off the sticker (use the invoice) and never negotiate based on monthly payments, that is just confusing the matter at hand. I personally never buy a car on my first visit. You will be asked what can we do to put you in the car today, you need to be prepared. Know what they can sell the car for and offer less. This is also a good way to start to learn their real number.....
One point you made that I agree with is the popularity of a car matters. The best example of this in my life was when I bought my 2000 Nissan Altima. It had good write ups in the consumers papers, but was not popular when compared to the Accord or Camry. Due to this Nissan was having a $2000 factory to dealer kick back, which now puts my price at invoice - $2000 - <whatever else you can get>. The dealer will make you think that it is the sticker price - $2000... never use the sticker as a reference.
I was also shocked at the different cost from dealer to dealer at that moment in time that year. I could get that same car for invoice - $2000 + $100 at a dealer in N. Attleboro, MA. After knowing I could get the car for around invoice minus $2000, I ended up buying the same car for invoice minus $2000 minus $1200 from a large dealer in Quincy. It was the only car I ever bought where I sat with the sales person, he went through the cost line item by line item with invoice minus $2000 minus dealer holdback minus dealer incentive minus some other thing and I had nothing to say
but sign me up.
On the other hand I am less comfortable negotiating a used car price. I always feel like the dealer has the upper hand knowing the exact costs. I find it more difficult to find their bottom number. As you said, it is not all about the money, it is the game....
BTW, That Nissan still goes up Rt 128 like the day I bought it with just a few more creeks and bumps
PS. My poor wife hates the game, but luckily loves me and I think deep down enjoys watching the game.