Kia and Nissan both manufacture cars in the USA.

Tesla is the only mainstream manufacturer who builds all their cars in the USA.

45% of GM cars and 30% of Fords, are manufactured outside the USA.

So you just keep buying those "American made cars", that are made in Mexico or Canada.

Please don't fall for that. Florida car dealers are awful. I have never even paid sticker, let alone above it.

The best way to purchase a new car is to first do your homework. Know what model and trim level you are wanting to purchase. Next find out what the dealer cost is so you know if you are getting a good deal or not. Choose 3 dealers to negotiate with. Start with calling the dealership and only talk to the internet manager. Going through the internet manager will get you your best bottom-line price. When you go into the dealership you will not have any hassle as you have picked your vehicle and price. Sign and drive.

Posted this repeatedly. Yet so many want to make the process harder than it needs to be.

I was a new Salesman in the Auto business, for the Introduction of the 1973 Model run (August 1972).

It's 50 years later and for the last 25+ years, I've been a Consultant to an Auto Group that owns 19 dealerships.

First off, no one sold anyone a new Chevy Tahoe, for $16,000 under MSRP.. The "Profit Margin" from "Dealer Invoice" to MSRP is about 8%-10%, depending on options. The margin from actual cost to MSRP is 10%-14%, depending on current incentives from the Manufacturer. There are some rare occasions when a Dealer will set a vehicle for a loss, but it's very rare and relates to how Manufacturer Incentive programs work.

Anyone who believes Costco offers the best deal on new vehicles, is smokin' really good stuff. The same with AARP and every other "Buying Service". It's a big joke in the auto business, as the customer is lulled into believing they're getting a "great deal" and in fact, they're getting nothing special.

The same people posting on this thread, about how they shopped all over the universe, are the same people who bought their golf carts in The Villages and paid a $5000 premium to do it.

If you're shopping a for a new car, just exercise some common sense. The best deal isn't always the lowest price ... unless your time, aggravation quotient and patience are valueless.

There's a shortage of new vehicles right now, that's effecting almost all manufacturers. What happened 10 years ago when you bought a car or even 2 years ago, doesn't apply in today's market, unless you're buying a make/model that no one else wants. If you're buying a car in high demand and short supply, you're going to pay.

After 50 on & off years in the industry, I can tell you there are really only 2 truisms about getting a good "deal" when buying a new car (or used) ... buy during Christmas week or buy in the last 2-3 days in any month.

Suckers
 

Both brands are poor quality.

Good to hear from a salesman! I have been in sales most of my life too. I tell people what you have said. Never buy anywhere/anytime when demand is larger than supply. You buy a golf cart in the Villages, you are going to pay!

I do buy most of my expensive purchases outside of the bubble. Usually in places where income in the area is low or a small population. But, you say it is not necessary. I can never get away from mark ups unless I buy outside the bubble


Thanks for a great post! Now that I know all the ins and outs, I think I can get the best deal.

Question: Is it best to wait in September to buy a car? Someone told me this is when you can buy the last of prior year models at the best price.

Yes, you can sometimes save some money, when the new models show up in Sept-Oct.

In general the automobile business runs on a seasonal basis. Spring is the worst time to buy, summer is a slightly better time. Fall is ok, winter is the best (especially December).

I will never pay a surcharge for any car.

Auto business seasonal!
That made me laugh, since it brought back memories of a car buying experience up north.
We had just had a blizzard and the roads were still being cleared,
and I went car shopping….I got a great deal that day, because I was the dealerships only customer, and I think they wanted to make at least one sale!
The only negative was, I had to drive
my new car home on the sloppy roads!

I will never pay a surcharge above the MSRP, for dealer installed options, or a dealer or doc fee. Period.

And that’s why I said No Thank you

There's proof. With all the uninformed and ridiculous advice in this thread, it's nice to see someone has experienced it, first hand.

Walk into any dealership during Christmas Week, especially up North with a raging blizzard, you're likely to walk out with a great deal. Every when it's Christmas week and snowing to beat the band, the overhead continues to go on and Dealerships need to move cars and turn cash.

Most folks don't understand how business works and the automobile business is a good example. "Making money" is important, but cash flow is equally important. Look how Amazon's stock went through the roof for years, despite not making any money. Cash flow has value.