Advice before I buy a G37x & VPP Question

[agon123]

I'm new to the board and am getting ready to buy a 2010 G37x and am hoping to get some advice from folks on the board. I'll be upgrading from a J30 (and the wife's Cabrio).

I'm pretty much settled on getting the following options, although the technology package and accent packages are not "musts" :
Color: White, Liquid Platinum or Lakeshore Slate
[h01] technology package
[p01] premium package
[r01] sport package
[u01] navigation package
[x01] interior accent package--stone, leather seat trim
[l93] carpeted trunk mat
[m92] trunk cargo net
[n92] illuminated kick plates
The Factory Invoice is $40,481 and the Lowest price is about $39,076 in DC (MSRP is $44,230).

One question is: is internet pricing a good way to go? The local Infiniti advertised a similarly packaged car
with Aerodynamic Package, Nav, Premium and Sports Packages, plus Illuminated Kick Plate for Internet Price
$37,829, the MSRP is $43,345.
Does anyone have experience dealing with the Internet Sales Manager? Are there any no-no's or things to look out for when I deal with the finance guy? (my credit score is excellent).

Another question. I've been reading posts of folks here that have found a way to get a VPP discount. Unfortunately my brother works for Ford so I can't take advantage of that family connection for an Infiniti. Does anyone have a suggestion how I can get a VPP hook up?

Thanks

[sniper27]

I always deal with the Internet/fleet sales manager. My experience is they always have the best pricing since their commission is not based on the price of the car they sell, rather, on the volume of units they sell + salary. so to them, it's in their best interest to sell a car at the lowest price possible to move more units than to make more on a per car basis.

[joe603]

Welcome to NICO! The price you listed is OK. We had a VPP connection for the month of March during a huge push by Nissan to sell vehicles.

I've always purchased on "Internet pricing". I'm sure its just a way to get more people into the showrooms.

As far as no-no's, the finance guy will try to sell you additional packages. If your salesmen will not budge of the price of the car, see if he'll throw in one of these. They will also try to finance the car for you...have that lined up with your bank ahead of time and see if they can beat the bank rate. (I got 3.5% for 4 years a few months ago with 10% down).

Finally, as a general word of advice...do not mention anything about a trade. Get the price of the car agreed upon, then talk trade-in.

Good luck!!

[telcoman]

I'm new to the board and am getting ready to buy a 2010 G37x and am hoping to get some advice from folks on the board. I'll be upgrading from a J30 (and the wife's Cabrio).

I'm pretty much settled on getting the following options, although the technology package and accent packages are not "musts" :
Color: White, Liquid Platinum or Lakeshore Slate
[h01] technology package
[p01] premium package
[r01] sport package
[u01] navigation package
[x01] interior accent package--stone, leather seat trim
[l93] carpeted trunk mat
[m92] trunk cargo net
[n92] illuminated kick plates
The Factory Invoice is $40,481 and the Lowest price is about $39,076 in DC (MSRP is $44,230).

One question is: is internet pricing a good way to go? The local Infiniti advertised a similarly packaged car
with Aerodynamic Package, Nav, Premium and Sports Packages, plus Illuminated Kick Plate for Internet Price
$37,829, the MSRP is $43,345.
Does anyone have experience dealing with the Internet Sales Manager? Are there any no-no's or things to look out for when I deal with the finance guy? (my credit score is excellent).

Another question. I've been reading posts of folks here that have found a way to get a VPP discount. Unfortunately my brother works for Ford so I can't take advantage of that family connection for an Infiniti. Does anyone have a suggestion how I can get a VPP hook up?

Thanks

Having purchased many vehicles new here is my $.02

Use the internet to look at options and prices such a KBB and Edmunds

Only deal with the Internet manager. They are going to introduce you to a salesperson when you arrive but the negotiations are a little different when going this route.
Shop the closest dealer first and then compare prices of other dealers outside your zip code such as in northern Va or Maryland

I would chose the Navigation and Premium packages only. Tell them you do not want or need the other items. Most vehicles already come with all that stuff so it gives you some negotiation wiggle room when you tell them you don't want it.

Get prices first as if you were paying cash and then with their financing to compare.

The two best days to purchase in my opinion are Christmas eve and New Years eve.
If you can't wait that long then start shopping in the beginning of the month like now but don't purchase until the end of the month. Keep dragging out the negotiations until you get your best price.

When shopping for the wife's Altima last year we spent almost three months driving multiple dealers crazy until we finally got a good deal.

Car shopping can be fun just like house hunting

Good luck

Telcoman

[sniper27]

we got my mom's M35 with technology package on new years eve of 2008 for $34k through the Internet manager. that's about $15k off MSRP.

[telcoman]

we got my mom's M35 with technology package on new years eve of 2008 for $34k through the Internet manager. that's about $15k off MSRP.

Nice

[SVTCOBRA]

What the guys above said!!!
Ask around & see if there is dealer cash offered....similiar to rebate but effects the tax in a good way.

Also, check carsdirect.com while you are checking the other sites.
Plus, I've had good luck buying on the last Friday Night of the month.
Oh, have you thought about a low mileage used??
Save some $$$ and my credit union gives new car rates on 2009 & newer.

So, check around to see what CU's are available for you if you aren't in one already (assuming you will finance some $)
Often CU's have an auto buying service.
In addition, we get group auto/home insurance rates thru our CU.
(hope your not a banker.....)

[agon123]

Welcome to NICO! The price you listed is OK. We had a VPP connection for the month of March during a huge push by Nissan to sell vehicles.

I've always purchased on "Internet pricing". I'm sure its just a way to get more people into the showrooms.

As far as no-no's, the finance guy will try to sell you additional packages. If your salesmen will not budge of the price of the car, see if he'll throw in one of these. They will also try to finance the car for you...have that lined up with your bank ahead of time and see if they can beat the bank rate. (I got 3.5% for 4 years a few months ago with 10% down).

Finally, as a general word of advice...do not mention anything about a trade. Get the price of the car agreed upon, then talk trade-in.

Good luck!!

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely try to get non-Infiniti financing ahead of time. Right now, Infiniti is running a 0%/36mos and 2.9%/60mos which I haven't seen advertised by my bank or the wife's credit union. Saying I'll pay with cash seems like a good strategy as well. But I imagine the finance people aren't flexible with their deals, right? If so, then I should ask them to throw in extras?
Those are pretty decent terms you got!

[agon123]

we got my mom's M35 with technology package on new years eve of 2008 for $34k through the Internet manager. that's about $15k off MSRP.

That's a great deal. When you emailed the Internet Manager, did you give him a price or did you go there and then negotiate? From the few websites I've seen, they list the MSRP, and then the "Internet Price." I guess I'm not sure how much room for negotiating there is with the Internet Price.

[agon123]

What the guys above said!!!
Ask around & see if there is dealer cash offered....similiar to rebate but effects the tax in a good way.

Also, check carsdirect.com while you are checking the other sites.
Plus, I've had good luck buying on the last Friday Night of the month.
Oh, have you thought about a low mileage used??
Save some $$$ and my credit union gives new car rates on 2009 & newer.

So, check around to see what CU's are available for you if you aren't in one already (assuming you will finance some $)
Often CU's have an auto buying service.
In addition, we get group auto/home insurance rates thru our CU.
(hope your not a banker.....)

I'm actually not a banker but I deal the banking industry--to straighten it out you might say.
I've also heard about buying on fridays or near the end of the month (when the salespeople want to meet their sales quotas).

I'm open minded about getting a low-mileage 2010/2009, but the inventory is pretty slim. Maybe that's a good sign??

My wife's credit union has one of the buying service, but i wasn't sure how useful they were. It seems that they get deals that aren't as good as those Internet Prices I saw advertised on several Infiniti dealerships websites. Wouldn't hurt to get more info though. Thanks!

[agon123]

I'm new to the board and am getting ready to buy a 2010 G37x and am hoping to get some advice from folks on the board. I'll be upgrading from a J30 (and the wife's Cabrio).

I'm pretty much settled on getting the following options, although the technology package and accent packages are not "musts" :
Color: White, Liquid Platinum or Lakeshore Slate
[h01] technology package
[p01] premium package
[r01] sport package
[u01] navigation package
[x01] interior accent package--stone, leather seat trim
[l93] carpeted trunk mat
[m92] trunk cargo net
[n92] illuminated kick plates
The Factory Invoice is $40,481 and the Lowest price is about $39,076 in DC (MSRP is $44,230).

One question is: is internet pricing a good way to go? The local Infiniti advertised a similarly packaged car
with Aerodynamic Package, Nav, Premium and Sports Packages, plus Illuminated Kick Plate for Internet Price
$37,829, the MSRP is $43,345.
Does anyone have experience dealing with the Internet Sales Manager? Are there any no-no's or things to look out for when I deal with the finance guy? (my credit score is excellent).

Another question. I've been reading posts of folks here that have found a way to get a VPP discount. Unfortunately my brother works for Ford so I can't take advantage of that family connection for an Infiniti. Does anyone have a suggestion how I can get a VPP hook up?

Thanks

Having purchased many vehicles new here is my $.02

Use the internet to look at options and prices such a KBB and Edmunds

Only deal with the Internet manager. They are going to introduce you to a salesperson when you arrive but the negotiations are a little different when going this route.
Shop the closest dealer first and then compare prices of other dealers outside your zip code such as in northern Va or Maryland

I would chose the Navigation and Premium packages only. Tell them you do not want or need the other items. Most vehicles already come with all that stuff so it gives you some negotiation wiggle room when you tell them you don't want it.

Get prices first as if you were paying cash and then with their financing to compare.

The two best days to purchase in my opinion are Christmas eve and New Years eve.
If you can't wait that long then start shopping in the beginning of the month like now but don't purchase until the end of the month. Keep dragging out the negotiations until you get your best price.

When shopping for the wife's Altima last year we spent almost three months driving multiple dealers crazy until we finally got a good deal.

Car shopping can be fun just like house hunting

Good luck

Telcoman

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately we can't wait until the fall or winter to get a new car. We were hoping to get a better deal by waiting but we definitely need to get a car sooner rather than later.

Since we found our place here in DC within 2 hours of first looking, maybe we be as lucky with the G37? (FYI, it took 3 months of looking in San Francisco to get that condo. Different times, different markets).

I honestly hate negotiating, partly because I just want to get my hands on the car . But I also don't want to feel like I didn't get as good a deal as I could've. I'll be sure to take my time with them and make the most of the experience!

[sniper27]

we got my mom's M35 with technology package on new years eve of 2008 for $34k through the Internet manager. that's about $15k off MSRP.

That's a great deal. When you emailed the Internet Manager, did you give him a price or did you go there and then negotiate? From the few websites I've seen, they list the MSRP, and then the "Internet Price." I guess I'm not sure how much room for negotiating there is with the Internet Price.

You can do either. Most of the Internet/Fleet managers will negotiate over the phone. I just went in person because I do better in person. You can say a lot with your tone and body language and how assertive you are. If you know what you're talking about and look it, they will not try to screw you. I went in knowing every kind of rebates and incentives and specials available. He basically was left with nothing, so he finally turned his monitor to me and showed me everything, down to the infamous dealer holdbacks that are so secretive. I just got my 2010 G37 2 weeks ago @ Invoice price. Factor in the dealer holdback, he made $450, but I also got him to throw in a set of all weather floormats (about $100). considering i got the only white with black interior in a nonsport in the entire state of CA, i considered it to be a decent deal, especially they weren't going to do a dealer trade on that car with anyone.

i also went with the 0% financing for 3 yrs. that is available in conjuction with the rebates on the G right now. don't let them try to tell you it's one or the other.

[clague]

I just bought a 2010 G37x at the end of march. I requested a quote online that hooked me up with the Internet manager, but didn't respond to his email right away. I test drove one in the meantime (from another salesman) then responded back with my interest after a couple of weeks. They offered me a VPP number and some pretty aggressive pricing via email. I kept delaying and asked if it included the $1500 dealer incentive at the time, and the guy said that it didn't because they felt they deserved to make some profit on the deal.

I eventually made an appointment with him on the 27th of March. They gave me $1000 of the incentive, plus the VPP number for around $35k out the door with the premium package and some other adders. I was very happy with the deal, as it was about $500 lower than I would have gone and the Internet dealer was much less sleazy than the salesman that gave us the test drive.

[telcoman]

I just bought a 2010 G37x at the end of march. I requested a quote online that hooked me up with the Internet manager, but didn't respond to his email right away. I test drove one in the meantime (from another salesman) then responded back with my interest after a couple of weeks. They offered me a VPP number and some pretty aggressive pricing via email. I kept delaying and asked if it included the $1500 dealer incentive at the time, and the guy said that it didn't because they felt they deserved to make some profit on the deal.

I eventually made an appointment with him on the 27th of March. They gave me $1000 of the incentive, plus the VPP number for around $35k out the door with the premium package and some other adders. I was very happy with the deal, as it was about $500 lower than I would have gone and the Internet dealer was much less sleazy than the salesman that gave us the test drive.

The dealers don't have to make a killing on every customer.
For everyone that walks in and knows everything about the vehicle including prices, incentives etc there are plenty of others that just walk in ask for a price and pay much more than those walking in on the last Friday of the month or Xmas and NY Eve.
Just don't seem too anxious

Telcoman

[agon123]

I just bought a 2010 G37x at the end of march. I requested a quote online that hooked me up with the Internet manager, but didn't respond to his email right away. I test drove one in the meantime (from another salesman) then responded back with my interest after a couple of weeks. They offered me a VPP number and some pretty aggressive pricing via email. I kept delaying and asked if it included the $1500 dealer incentive at the time, and the guy said that it didn't because they felt they deserved to make some profit on the deal.

I eventually made an appointment with him on the 27th of March. They gave me $1000 of the incentive, plus the VPP number for around $35k out the door with the premium package and some other adders. I was very happy with the deal, as it was about $500 lower than I would have gone and the Internet dealer was much less sleazy than the salesman that gave us the test drive.

The dealers don't have to make a killing on every customer.
For everyone that walks in and knows everything about the vehicle including prices, incentives etc there are plenty of others that just walk in ask for a price and pay much more than those walking in on the last Friday of the month or Xmas and NY Eve.
Just don't seem too anxious

Telcoman

Claque and Telcoman thanks for the tips. I don't think I'll be the one paying full MSRP. I actually saw this once. I went in with my girlfriend to a Honda dealership and she basically handed over her checkbook to the salesman. I tried telling her she needed to negotiate the price down, and I offered to do some of that for her, but she just wanted to get the car and get out as soon as possible.

I'm going to email an Internet Manager for a test drive Friday and then play things out for the next several weeks. Unfortunately, we're going on a trip for Memorial day weekend, but i'd be able to close the deal on a thursday (27th) or Monday the 31st. Or should I wait for the end of the following month if i can?

[agon123]

Thanks again for all of this information--it's already been a lot of help.

I was wondering though what the finance guy tries to sell you. Does he try to upsell you additional packages? So for instance, I think I'd like the Sports package and Illuminated Kick Plate, but it's not a deal breaker at the end of the day if I don't get them. Strategy wise, should I haggle with the Internet Manager or the finance guy about this?

[joe603]

Let's see..pre-paid maintenance packages, paint protection packages, tire/wheel protection packages, Lo-jack, and factory warranty extension are just a few I can think of.

[sniper27]

finance guy won't sell you packages or options. what they sell you are maintenance plans, extended warranties, paint protections, lojack, GAP insurance, etc...i usually decline all of that as you can usually get most of them for much cheaper. example...finance lady tried to sell me GAP insurance for $800. i declined naturally, and got GAP insurance through my insurance company for $80/yr. i would have to keep my car for 10 yrs to break even on the $800 GAP from the dealer. I only plan on keeping my GAP insurance until i pay off the car in 3 yrs anyways. i also got Lojack, but was able to get her to go down to $500 instead of $900 originally what she wanted to charge me. lol.

[agon123]

I'm ready to pull the trigger after contacting all of the dealers in the area around DC. I wanted to get you guys' feedback on whether this is a good or not.
It's aG37 AWD White/Stone, with Premium/Navigation/Sports packages, plus illuminated kick plates, trunk mats/FIR/NET. They would also throw in the Sports Splashguards gratis.

MSRP on this one is $43,030
Invoice is $39,414
Offered at 37,414
Out the door, $40,449.98 (including Tax @7%, 2618.98, tags in DC (317), dealer processing $100)

is there anything I've missed out here?

Thanks!

[SVTCOBRA]

Sounds like a deal!!
Must be 2k in dealer cash again

[audtatious]

Looks good. Pretty similar to my coupe as it was around 44k MSRP and out the door was $40,200-ish after working the price down.

[agon123]

Looks good. Pretty similar to my coupe as it was around 44k MSRP and out the door was $40,200-ish after working the price down.

Very nice!

Thanks for the feedback. I think I forgot to mention that the front chin spoiler was part of the car and I didn't really want it, but I'm getting the car for the same price as another dealership that was offering the same car but a sports guard (and cheaper). But the VA dealer has a higher doc fee of $300. Plus they have been slower to respond to my emails. Doesn't like they want my business, huh? Oh I also didn't mention that this quote is a for a car that will be brand spanking new, never test driven (still has all the protective coverings).