Start with MSRP and work down
 

Never accept that stuff on the second sticker. Tell the salesperson so and that you will start with the MSRP sticker and work down. If they balk, leave and remind them that there are a lot of other dealers you can go to. There are car-buying services (one through Consumer Reports) that provide a pre-negotiated price. Dealers hate those services because they have to fork over a few hundred dollars to for the 'referral.' Let them hate it all they want. On a $25-35,000 car you should easily get at least $2,500 off MSRP-- after any factory rebates.

I have been in the car business 50 plus years and have spent 20 winters here. Some of the car buying nightmares I hear are close to being criminal . I understand the “J” without a doubt. A friend bought a Toyota and paid $16,000–traded a Buick and was allowed $2,900. I know they probably sold the Buick for $6,000 or more. From what I remember all the Buick needed is a wash job. When the buyer returned home they called family up north and told them what she did. Being upset that she did not contact family prior to, they went into the dealer website. The Toyota was offered for $12,999.00. The family was so upset they called the dealer and they did return about $3,000 but keep in mind they just about stole the trade.
One more—- a retired person wanted to sell a truck. Went to dealer and ask what they would give him. The offer was $16,000 and he took it unwilling. The following week drove past the dealer and the truck was on the front line for $29,500– he was sick but stories like this happen every day.

Dealers don't hate buying services, they love them. Otherwise, they wouldn't sign up to be referred to buyers. You don't need a buying service to get a good price on a car. But, if you use one, be sure that the exact car you agree to buy is actually located on the dealers lot, and that you have an agreed to out-the-door price. Check the VIN number against the dealer's stock or go see the car. And, never pay a deposit for a car that the dealer says they will have delivered from another location. That is a recipe for disaster. Some dealers will say they have the car you want, but they actually plan to get you a similar car from another location. When you pay a deposit, they will have you sign an agreement that allows them to provide an "equivalent" vehicle, and you will never get the deposit back.

I have bought and traded in five new cars since 2011. I never went to the dealer without first checking with Kelly Blue Book first. I want to know what my car is worth on a trade in and what I should pay for the new car I'll be buying. So far, by using those numbers every dealer has worked the deal.

I remember the first time using it was in 2012 I bought a new 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo with a window sticker price of $23,925. At Jenkins in Ocala they wanted almost $26,000 for a non-turbo model (138hp vs 201hp). On the Hyundai Veloster message board I found that most dealers were charging full sticker price plus an extra $1,000 sort of the way the Mazda Miata was in the beginning. Buyers couldn't get the car so the dealers jacked up the price.

To find the car I went on Autotrader website and clicked on 'advanced search'. I was willing to drive 75 miles, so I set the distance at that. Then selected the brand, model, and extras I wanted. After two weeks I found the car with no dealer fees or added on fees and the color and options at Red Hoagland Hyundai in Winter Haven. I called and spoke with the online salesman. He actually walked out to the car and answered any questions I had. I then told him I would be in about 2 hours or less, please hold the car.

I drove down, test drove the car, told the sales I would pay $21,600 for the car because KBB said that's what I should pay, and I wanted $16,600 for my trade because that's what KBB said I should receive. Within 5 minutes I had a deal.

It was a great little car, I drove it for four years. If you ever buy a Veloster, please get the Turbo engine, I see so many regular versions I don't believe a lot of customers know that there are two engines available. A case of not doing your research and the dealer not providing better service.

https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...4c&oe=60346029

Please say it’s not true
 

I have made plenty of friends over the 35 years I’ve been selling cars. Although I’ve refused to sell vehicles to friends and family. And I have never sold anyone a vehicle for anymore than they were willing to pay.
Research works for buyers ignorance doesn’t.
Kelly blue book is a tool, black book and NADA are as well. So do your research or t will cost you thousands and if that happens then you only have yourself to blame. :MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

In a recent purchase, salesperson said that use of car-buying service like TrueCar reduced her commission by $400 -- so maybe dealer likes the car-buying service but individual salesperson does not.

Buying Vs. Leasing
 

Are there any advantages in Leasing a new vehicle or is it better to buy with interest free financing.

If you can afford to pay cash, buying a new car is always less expensive than leasing.

especially if you plan to keep the car for many years

Kevin Hunter the car guy on YouTube has many tips

In my opinion, I would avoid the local "J" dealership at all cost.
Avoid the "J": dealership for your next new / used car purchase and
for any maintenance / warranty work on your vehicle.
Do your homework and don't shop locally for a new car.
There are many fine new car dealers throughout Florida and
you may have to drive 100 miles from The Villages to make your purchase
but you will save money.

I've bought a dozen new cars that the dealer brought in from other dealers hundreds of miles away and never had a problem. If you sign a contract for a car from another dealer the vin number is on the contract and that is the car you will get.

I would not care to drive 100 miles for warranty work or maintenance. The J dealer is doing much better on service than they were a couple years ago.

It was smart to include a VIN number on the contract. I have two friends who got ripped off by paying a deposit and signing an agreement for a car promised by the dealer. One guy, who used a buying service, waited 6 weeks to get the car and it was the wrong color and didn't have a sunroof. The dealer said the car he ordered had been sold by mistake by the other dealer and that the car they delivered was equal to the one the guy ordered. The dealer refused to refund the $1,000 deposit claiming that the deposit was a delivery charge. He even had the nerve to offer fabric protection as a substitute for the sunroof.

A 1 year old certified preowned has a better warranty then a new car. In addition you will most likely save $2000 to $4000 on the price of the car.