re: Rules of engagement buying a new vehicle

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I tested it once and the guy up front was pretty pissed when I pulled out the quote for the exact same car that was $3,500 less than "the best deal he could get".

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That would be so euphoric..

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With all that being said what is your strategy to A. find the vehicle you want & B. Get a decent deal on said vehicle?

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When they start talking about the monthly payment, redirect them to the purchase price and interest rate.

Find a used one coming off a lease rather than brand new.

Figure out what the current rate is, what your trade in is worth and what a fair price for the vehicle is. Do the math to figure out what a fair payment for the term would be using the above. Shoot for a conservative number.

Go in and say “I want to trade in that car for this car and want my payment to be $XX for X years”

Prepare for them to go higher on payment or longer on term. When they tell you they can’t tell them how you got your number and at a rate you already know you can get.

Prepare to walk if they don’t get close.

You now have to basically extend out past houston for better deals. Gulf coast is high as a Giraffs arse.

We've been looking for a few months. You put your search to 250 Mike's you double your results and save thousands.

Calls, FW area, Austin, Longview, mississippi...

If you are willing travel a bit farther some instances its 4-5k cheaper

Separate the price of the vehicle from any trade-in and how you're going to pay for it.;

1 - negotiate the price of the vehicle
2 - negotiate any trade-in
3 - determine payment; IF you're going to get a loan, have something in your pocket before going to the dealer. IF you're paying cash DO NOT LET THE DEALER KNOW THIS until 1 & 2 are complete.

These threads reveal how the OT is not as rich as it claims. People agonizing over a car purchase and flying to Michigan to save money.

Yep. Nothing scares the average OT'er more than buying a car.

I've bought my last 2 out of state paid a transfer trucking to deliver it to me.

The sales guys were all confused that I didnt want to come by. I said, well is it new? Does it have any issues? Then I dont need to see it.

Then looked for best pricing over the country and negotiated. Sent a certified check as a down payment to hold till the paperwork completed.

Easy peazy.

Not new but when I was looking for a used vehicle I used cargurus and others and expanded my search to 300 miles from where I lived.

Took me about 3 months but found 1 in Baton Rouge


I’d definitely look at other big towns and compare prices just remember where there might have been flooding and be suspect of cars in those areas now or those that were there then shipped out other places

I was told to look at specific spots under and around vehicles for signs of flooding. Do your diligence and don’t feel bad about asking questions and bringing someone with you that knows cars

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If you’re trading something in, that price and subsequent tax savings plays a major part in the deal. If you can’t haggle the purchase of the new one, haggle the sell of the old one.


This should all be done as 2 individual transaction. If a dealer wants do it as one transaction, walk away

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Depends on the state and if there's a tax credit on the trade in.

If no tax break, yes, treat as two separate transactions.

I decide what car I want,
Call dealers within 300 miles,
Ask for their best price,
After 7 or 8 calls I decide best deal,
Call selected dealer back,
Small deposit,
Drive there and pick it up,
Pay with a check.

Last 2 cars I've driven to Houston area (from Hammond area) dealers to pick up. A trade in was negotiated via photo email. I don't talk to salesmen face to face until after we agree on a deal.