Buying/Negotiating

[seedcorn]

It’s easy IF you follow a few rules.
1). The dealership will make money-otherwise they're out of business. The money is in used and service.
2). Do your homework. Check online for price quotes on used and new vehicles. Read any and all reviews. Talk to anyone who has said product.
3). In vehicles, decide what HAS to be on it. Are you going to run it for life or 2 and trade. That makes a huge difference as I am a “run it for life” person which means used is out-unless I’m buying for short use only. Then HELLO used.
4). In vehicles, realize the “sales” department and the “service” department are 2 completely different operations. Maybe under same dealership but that’s it.
5). IF you are a “run it for life” one year older is not a financial deal. With that in mind, you can buy a year older car for substantially less than the current year with both having less than 50 miles on them. Currently I can buy a loaded 2018 Chevy 4WD 1/2 ton about $5,000 cheaper than a lesser 2019 4WD Chevy pick up-both with less than 50 miles on them.
6). Look for the “white elephant” on the dealership. Example was our 2004 Buick-which we are still driving. Doesn’t have the bells/whistles that the typical Buick owner wants so they passed. It’s a Buick (old folks car) that doesn’t have the “appeal” for the young. Thus I bought it for $6000 less than the same car (with more bells/whistles) used (36-60,000 miles) was being asked for.

Just some worthless advice on how to communicate with salesmen. If you want the bells/whistles, newest model, be prepared for no deals. You will pay what the dealership has determined is fair to you and fair to them. Pay for “extras”, get ready to be gouged....

 

[Ridgerunner]

Interesting about your "White Elephant". When we bought our last vehicle, a Pilot, we were ready to order one and had agreed on a price. But they had a white one, one of the few colors we did not want, on the lot and they wanted to get rid of it. They knocked $1500 off what was a good price if we'd take it instead. We lived on a dirt road and white really shows dirt. I figured for $1500 I could wash it occasionally.

 

[seedcorn]

I drive a black truck that looks dirty even after washing.....light colored vehicles “hide” dirt better but tar, black things show up much worse on white. IMO white trucks all look like “service” vehicles. Too cheap to pay for other colors as only white or black were free.... but for $1500 off, I won’t notice the color when I’m driving.....

 

[majorcatfish]

you have 6 very good points there seed....

one thing that pulled me away from buying a used vehicle was.. reading the carfax on them..
some of them were from the north..lots of salt
some of them were from the deep south....possible flood
some were a rentals..... with accidents
some were local... who sold for other reasons

basically when you go in to purchase either a new or used vehicle do your research and not go in blind........ that salesperson is not on your side.....

as for all the bells and whistles vehicles personally you will never use them all and if an older vehicle often times those b/w need to be updated to work correctly or if they quit working on you will cost you an arm and leg to fix.....

 

[dickiebird]

Is it still possible to buy a vehicle "green sheet"?
The last new vehicle I bought I bought green sheet, no haggling, unless you had a trade in.
Just pay what the invoice says and drive her out the door!!!!

THANX RICH

 

[seedcorn]

Some manufacturers are that way. Daughters Toyota Rav was. My problem is that I know there is a “white elephant” that is on the lot that I can buy cheaper that is just what I want. My Dad (mechanic) drilled into my head that vehicles are just a money pit. Where else will you spend $30,000+ and 5 years later it’s worth less than $5,000? Plus gas, oil, tires, maintain everything, license, insurance,,,,,,,,,

 

[dickiebird]

Actually I knew what I wanted and the dealer traded for it and brought it over to Mo at no charge.

THANX RICH

 

[baymule]

Haha my mother left me her car, a silver Buick. I hate silver, not crazy about Buick’s, but it had 20,000 miles, 2008 and FREE. That made it look pretty darn good to me.

 

[seedcorn]

That is the ONLY car I considered buying used-that 3800 engine just runs and runs and runs and runs..... found one with 68,000 miles for $6,000. Probably should have bought it but my transportation is provided-so why buy a money pit?

Take a mechanic out for lunch, listen to their advice on cars-will scare you to death. New engines designed to fail after 100,000.......reminds me of 60’s & 70’s engines.

 

[baymule]

They put the battery under the back seat, have to take the durn thing apart just to get to the battery. Pain in the backside. Stupid place to put it.