Buying a new car can be worse than a root canal without anesthesia, but lucky for you, you've already discovered the internet. Here's my advice on working with car dealers; don't.Figure out what you want to buy from online reviews. Take a test drive or twenty if you want, but no matter what, don't enter into negotiations with those guys. They're pushy sharks, and they'll eat you up quicker than you can sign a dotted line.
Once you know what you're buying, go to the corporate website and find out what the real, best price is. My cousin bought her Subaru this way and got it for less than MSRP, and never had to deal with a salesman. She even got the exact car she test drove.
If you don't find the price you want that way, send emails (or faxes) to every dealership within fifty-miles. Tell them you're too far to simply come in, that you're accepting competitive bids, tell them the exact make, model and options that you want, and ask them for their very best price.
Most of all, know what the car is worth. A quick check online will show you retail and dealer prices, and you should expect to pay about $500 over dealer invoice, if not less. They got thousands back for ads, tons of free cars based on sales volume, and it isn't your job to make them rich.
Don't feel bad, you've already been taken enough advantage of by their ilk, so afford yourself this luxury this once and make no apologies.
Automobile Blog June Archive
