re: The new/used car sales business model is broken and defies logic

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The car prices on the window stickers at CarMax are for the most part set at blue book value.

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Carmax sells there cars at high retail value with zero negotiations. You pay a premium there. There isn't a car sold at Carmax that you couldn't find a better deal on with 20 minutes or less of searching.

You have people in here suggesting Carvana and CarMax, which is exactly my point. They are suggesting you go into a place of business with a product for sale that is clearly labeled with a price like any retail establishment, select the one that fits your needs and budget and purchase it.

Why bitch about how difficult a dealership is when the ones complicating it are the ones bitching. a salesman cant be sleezy if he is just explaining the product to you and you buy it.

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You have people in here suggesting Carvana and CarMax, which is exactly my point. They are suggesting you go into a place of business with a product for sale that is clearly labeled with a price like any retail establishment, select the one that fits your needs and budget and purchase it.

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And people like me say those are equally bullshite with higher than should be paid prices.

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Why bitch about how difficult a dealership is when the ones complicating it are the ones bitching. a salesman cant be sleezy if he is just explaining the product to you and you buy it.

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Yall are all fricking sleazy. Your industry demands it.

Money Board>Will Cover method

Went through Costco. It was extremely painless and all the negotiating is done through their fleet invoicing.

If trading in, you can also go to carmax prior and get 2 appraisals, then take trade to dealer. If trade is more you can take it, if not take carmax offer or use it to negotiate trade.

Did this as well and got $1000 under clean retail for wife’s Honda

Highly doubt the value will increase $ for $ on the repair. You can ask how much the are deducting for the dent and see if its worth it.

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There's got to be a better way.

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There is. But you'll end up paying more than if you are "armed" and prepare yourself for "battle."

I actually enjoy the process. I don't do it often, so I am sure that helps. But I'm confident in my negotiating skills and know how to handle the sales person, their manager and the F&I guy.

A car is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

I go to a dealership and tell them what I'd pay for a car I want.

If they are unwilling or unable to meet it, I thank them for their time and go to another dealership.

As far as car salesmen not being sleazy, I've looked online at prices but not said a word to the salesman that I've been browsing online. Asked how much he thinks he can get me out the door on a vehicle (that had end of the year closeout pricing) and he said it would end up sticker price once you factor taxes and fees- almost 7k more than advertised online price.

I didn't say a word, I just thanked him and left. Crooks.

Pretty accurate account for local used car dealers. I've not experienced this for my last 4-5 cars because I used the internet... more specifically Ebay Motors. Find the car I want, which I will usually find in Dallas... make offer, sometimes a slight email/text dance about price or maybe a day or two wait until they do whatever they do to "find a way", but they usually beat anything local by a long shot. The catches are: I buy cash, the fight to Dallas, then 6-7 hour drive home......

It's still pretty much a choose your poison situation any way you go. I just find I get infinitely more choices, usually find EXACTLY what I want, not just what is available locally, and much better prices,... online... there's still substantial time involved as well....same but different...