re: Ugggghh shopping for a car. Start today.

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So just lock in the lowest price? When they do that then tell them you are using your own financing?

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Exactly, focus on the OTD price of the car as the primary means to the negotiation. Then hit them with, "I have arranged my own financing terms". This is going to piss off the finance manager, because they get paid on selling Gap insurance, inflated warranties, vehicle etching ect ect, they rely on the convenience of providing financing to unsuspecting people who walk in at an exorbitant cost.

Godspeed

The ridiculous add-on fees are OOC.


You want an OTD price, itemized to include all fees. Work back from that number.


California may do a lot of things wrong, but they cap that bullshite at $85.

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Exactly what I’ve done in the past, but every time the dealer magically finds me a better rate.

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It's gotta be just like wholesalers can get better rates from distributors due to volume buys versus joe blow down at the market.

Economies of scale.

I always say buy pre-owned and get the warranty. You'll still save thousands vs new and not take that huge depreciation hit that all new cars suffer from. I own an independent lot and its a tough sled right now. I am transparent in everything I do, showing the shop bill on every car and the multi point inspection. Also provide free carfax on every car. I try to make it easy but customers make it tough.

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Create a burner email and communicate with them through that email.

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This is the correct answer. Make sure you EVERYTHING in writing, with ALL fees listed detailed out with the 17-digit VIN and their stock number listed.

Don't focus on the monthly payment, focus on the bottom line, aka out-the-door price. This where they can screw you big-time.

If they don't want to give a bottom-line price, tell them adios. Watch them change their tune really quick.

Beware of the slick clowns in F&I. This is where the real OT $$$ is made.

Get an interest rate from your bank/credit union before you even step onto the dealership lot.

Watch out for useless add-ons like VIN etching, nitrogen filled tires, market adjustments...

Sleazy dealerships will use the old 'stalling tactic' by keeping a person in the dealership/lot for hours on end. They do this to wear a person down, attempting get them to just give up and sign the deal, netting them thousands of EXTRA OT $$$.
Put them on a time limit. Say 10 minutes. IF you have good credit, the whole transaction shouldn't take more than an hour.
If they can't give you a bottom-line price, get up and leave. Don't say nothing, just leave.
Almost every time, the salesguy/gal is going to come running out the door after you. LOL

The best time to purchase is toward the end of the month, better yet toward the end of the year. Sales goals and quotas along with bonuses are trying to be made.

Never be afraid to walk out the door if they can't give you reasonable deal.

Above all, NEVER EVER sign an arbitration agreement. If these clowns say something like it's 'mandatory', ask the show where that is stated. I am willing to guess that they will studder and back off.
If they don't/won't to agree to not signing an arbitration agreement, walk out the door. Don't say nothing, just get up and leave.

You are not trying to be Mr. NiceGuy, here. You are protecting yourself from future nightmares should something bad/wrong happens.