Anti-Dealer Tactics for a Good Deal?

[aidan80]

I’m just about ready to take the plunge and start talking to some dealers and do some test drives then actually buy a Versa 1.6 or if I got a good deal the 1.8! I hope to avoid the dealer sales tactics and learn as much as I can about getting a best deal possible before taking the plunge. I’ve already been making a safe list of which dealerships I’ll contact or visit based on reviews.

I’ve never bought a new car before so I want to go in as well armed as I can and ready! I’ve been doing a decent amount of reading and know the basic prices for most models. I do not want to finance through the dealership and hope to go with something from my bank/credit union.

What are your tips for dealing with the dealers? Any trusted ways to get a lower price or an option or two added? We don’t have a trade in as it’s worth more on the side of the road! I’ve read some bad reviews about dealers using a lot of pressure to force the customer to buy and others refusing test drives or pushing people to do the paperwork before talking about price or doing a test drive.. ok I’m not that stupid but still!

How do we get the best deal possible? We don’t really have anything to trade in as I’d get more for it on the side of the road lol so I’d be going in (depending on the sale of my other car) with around realistically $4,000 - $5,000 to put down leaving the balance on finance. I’m more than prepared to wait until just the right deal comes along and I’m hoping that may come in the end of year sales.

[steed77]

Find a good dealer and work with them.. Call my local dealer here... get your numbers. You can also try eBay.

From another thread..............Dealership: Sheehy Nissan Manassas, VAPrice Out The Door: 7,200 (cash for clunkers trade in 4,500)Salesman:Martin Wojewodzic.......Contact info: 703-463-6567~ Direct Line OR [email protected]

Find a good dealer and you will be fine.

[aidan80]

Find a good dealer and work with them.. Call my local dealer here... get your numbers. You can also try eBay.

From another thread..............Dealership: Sheehy Nissan Manassas, VAPrice Out The Door: 7,200 (cash for clunkers trade in 4,500)Salesman:Martin Wojewodzic.......Contact info: 703-463-6567~ Direct Line OR [email protected]

Find a good dealer and you will be fine.

Thanks maybe I'll contact your dealer and get some actual prices!.. I never thought of eBay I'll check there too. I found only one Nissan dealer so far in this area that has decent reviews some of the others are if the reviews are right borderline criminal.

[frankoV]

be ready to get up and walk out. let them know you are interested but that there are other dealers and other makes and models.

DON"T fall for the "grid" [you're doing financing elsewhere so you should be OK] or the continual "I'll talk to my manager". Just leave -- you are the one laying out the cash and you are the one making the decision -- don't let them make it for you.

I sent four dealers an e-mail saying "give me your best price on this car" [my specs], said "that's the best you can do?" and got a bottom line price [my story is elsewhere].

Know what you want, know what you'll pay, be reasonable, and let them know that you are ready to wave goodbye and go to elsewhere if they jerk you around.

[aidan80]

be ready to get up and walk out. let them know you are interested but that there are other dealers and other makes and models.

DON"T fall for the "grid" [you're doing financing elsewhere so you should be OK] or the continual "I'll talk to my manager". Just leave -- you are the one laying out the cash and you are the one making the decision -- don't let them make it for you.

I sent four dealers an e-mail saying "give me your best price on this car" [my specs], said "that's the best you can do?" and got a bottom line price [my story is elsewhere].

Know what you want, know what you'll pay, be reasonable, and let them know that you are ready to wave goodbye and go to elsewhere if they jerk you around.

The “grid”? Thanks, I’m already following the train of thought that I have what they want and they have what I’ll go somewhere else to get if they don’t want to be nice lol. Considering the size of the purchase I plan to take time to make it and I’ll leave if they mess me around. It isn’t like I have to have a new car right this second. I didn’t want to have to deal with their finance people and all the rest of the crap they’d try to sell me so I’m hoping my bank is nice to me. I really want a 1.8 now more than the 1.6 lol, just a 1.8 with ABS and that’s about it I might be tempted to go for or even take the power option but I just want the basics nothing fancy.

I think I’ll do what you did and email all of the local dealers tell em what I want and ask for their best price to see what I get back. Then play them off each other along with some not so local dealers to see who coughs up the goods! lol

[KimberKenobi]

Okay, this is going to be sexist.

Do you have boobs? If so (unless you're practically related to the owner of the dealership like I was) get a guy, inform him about the Versa's ins and outs and what you want. Go into a dealership, let him do the talking while you just stand around like a ditz and look at all the purdy cars. See how far he gets.

Go back later that same day (presumably after "shift" has changed, some dealerships that are open late have people who started at the beginning of the day and go home before the close of the dealership. Actually, you could probably change clothes and no one would notice you'd been in earlier.) and see how far you get.

Now continue here if you have boobs or not:If they won't move on MSRP, refuse to pay the destination charge. If they give you crap tell them that you can't buy their merchandise if they don't have it and that consumers never openly pay shipping on products. (I've see this work a few times)

If they won't give you a deal, tell them they have your number and walk out. Don't look back, don't act bummed.

They may likely call you in the next 2 days. They'd like to see a car.

Also, I recommend going toward the end of the month - dealers that need to make quota will make deals.

[dee_tymz_sl]

Damn Kimber... that sounds quite thought out or even well planned. Is that how you bought your car. I'm quite impressed!

I do not want to finance through the dealership and hope to go with something from my bank/credit union.

Normally financing through the dealer gets you a better rate than going through your bank or other financial institution to borrow money. Don't completely shut out the dealer financing, check their rates and compare it with what you may be getting elsewhere.

[aidan80]

Okay, this is going to be sexist.

Do you have boobs? If so (unless you're practically related to the owner of the dealership like I was) get a guy, inform him about the Versa's ins and outs and what you want. Go into a dealership, let him do the talking while you just stand around like a ditz and look at all the purdy cars. See how far he gets.

Go back later that same day (presumably after "shift" has changed, some dealerships that are open late have people who started at the beginning of the day and go home before the close of the dealership. Actually, you could probably change clothes and no one would notice you'd been in earlier.) and see how far you get.

Now continue here if you have boobs or not:If they won't move on MSRP, refuse to pay the destination charge. If they give you crap tell them that you can't buy their merchandise if they don't have it and that consumers never openly pay shipping on products. (I've see this work a few times)

If they won't give you a deal, tell them they have your number and walk out. Don't look back, don't act bummed.

They may likely call you in the next 2 days. They'd like to see a car.

Also, I recommend going toward the end of the month - dealers that need to make quota will make deals.

That doesn’t sound sexist at all, sounds like you know what buttons to push on the poor guy at the dealership in order to get what you want. Believe me if I had boobs (I’m a man, suppose Aidan isn’t common name in the US? lol) I’d use those bad boys to get me a car. Men are idiots at times and I know we can all turn into a bunch of Homers with drool coming out of the sides of our mouths as we stare at the “boobies” lol. Why not use it as a tactic to get a deal on a car.

So far I’ve started talking to 4 or 5 dealers in about a 50 – 60 mile radius to see what they offer. I’ve also been researching the dealerships online to see who’s nice and not so nice. As expected they all jumped and responded when I sent my emails.

[aidan80]

Damn Kimber... that sounds quite thought out or even well planned. Is that how you bought your car. I'm quite impressed!

Normally financing through the dealer gets you a better rate than going through your bank or other financial institution to borrow money. Don't completely shut out the dealer financing, check their rates and compare it with what you may be getting elsewhere.

Thanks I'll compare the dealer rates to my bank which is actually a credit union lol

[aidan80]

The emails have started to come in as the dealers all scramble over the smell of fresh blood lol! I’ve created a spreadsheet with the dealers email, quoted price on a 1.6 and 1.8, stock price with options I asked for from Nissan and one more column that shows the “deal” the dealers are offering.

So far the first guy offered me a whopping $13 off the Nissan price and wants me to come over this weekend because he has 3 people looking at the same car.. maybe I’ll just run over there like forest gump! I refused and stated his price is too high and offered the other three people the best of luck. The next up was and Jenkins Nissan which appears to be borderline hostile via email I was told what I’m asking for isn’t a “viable business decision” I asked for a quote on a 1.8 and 1.6 with a/c, ABS that’s it. They did quote but I don’t want mats, splash guard and no ABS on a 1.6 at $12,759!! The next one up (got bad reviews for being aggressive and over charging) gave the highest quote at $12,842 for a 1.6 with floor mats! The others sent a nice friendly email and asked me to call in or call them.

I’m refusing to call or stop in until I get more prices. I’m not going to a dealership to have them put me through their crap just to squeeze more money out of me. They all were told twice over now what I want and that I’d like a full price. They’ve all ignored what I’ve asked for and not given me a full price. At this rate I’ll be buying a Toyota or a Ford lol! Ok I understand exactly what I want may not be on the lot and I can live with that but could they order in what I’m asking for?

I’m not being too harsh or unreasonable when dealing with the dealers am I? I’m telling them all up front that I want a good deal and am talking to the other dealers in the area to get the best deal. I tell them basic model just air, abs and a manual transmission but they can’t seem to offer it? Ok I could give in on the stupid mats or splash guards but can’t give in on the lack of ABS. When I’m done I’ll post out my spread sheet including the dealer names, contact email and the prices they offered. I’m hoping someone else in Central Florida will see it and make use of it for when they go shopping!

[frankoV]

Wow -- can't believe your dealercraps! Hold it -- maybe I can.

I bought my car from the one dealer that replied with a price [contacted me the next day], and when I said "that's the best you can do?" he said "if you're e-mailing me it means that you are serious and I'll give you my best price to get your business.

My wife convinced me to go to the dealership up the street; after the traditional run-around and "I'll talk to my manager" and making us sit [my wife asked what was happening; I told her it was the game they played] we got up and walked out. The salesman came after us and said "if you can get the car at the price you want it for, take it". Two days later he called and asked if we were still looking. I replied [with great pleasure] "you said to take the deal if we could get it at my price so I did". [sorry to all those who have read this before]

Some of these guys act as if they are doing you a favour by selling you a vehicle at a premium price.

Know what you are willing to pay [gotta let them make a dollar or two -- it's how they stay alive], go in, tell them your bottom line number [they always say "what'll it take to put you in the car today"], and walk out after five minutes. If the number is really "the number" then why put up with junk -- especially if you really don't need the vehicle.

[aidan80]

Wow -- can't believe your dealercraps! Hold it -- maybe I can.

I bought my car from the one dealer that replied with a price [contacted me the next day], and when I said "that's the best you can do?" he said "if you're e-mailing me it means that you are serious and I'll give you my best price to get your business.

My wife convinced me to go to the dealership up the street; after the traditional run-around and "I'll talk to my manager" and making us sit [my wife asked what was happening; I told her it was the game they played] we got up and walked out. The salesman came after us and said "if you can get the car at the price you want it for, take it". Two days later he called and asked if we were still looking. I replied [with great pleasure] "you said to take the deal if we could get it at my price so I did". [sorry to all those who have read this before]

Some of these guys act as if they are doing you a favour by selling you a vehicle at a premium price.

Know what you are willing to pay [gotta let them make a dollar or two -- it's how they stay alive], go in, tell them your bottom line number [they always say "what'll it take to put you in the car today"], and walk out after five minutes. If the number is really "the number" then why put up with junk -- especially if you really don't need the vehicle.

Believe it or not I got a response back from a local dealer asking me to give him the best price I’ve got so far and he’d be happy to beat it. He said and I quote “I want your business” and “if we don’t have it we’ll get it from Nissan within 72 hours” that is making me think here’s a guy that actually wants a customer. When I get his price back I think I’ll take a test drive both the 1.6 and 1.8 and make a decision. Best price I have is $11,587 for a 1.6 with air, manual and ABS. $12,947 is the best for a 1.8 with air, manual and I’m sure splash guards and mats lol MSRP for what I want is $11,600 if that other guy drops below that $11,587 and sticks to it then I could be on my way to a new 1.6.. now if I could haggle on the dealer fees lol.. I feel so cheap but these are tough times! Still I'm tortured to just spend the extra $2,500 and get the 1.8 is the 1.8 worth the extra?

[frankoV]

is the 1.8 worth the extra?

that, my friend, is a whole other thread.

I have no idea -- I have a 1.8 with CVT and am quite happy -- a 1.6 wasn't available when I bought, and I would have [rightly or wrongly] felt it would be underpowered [that .2 would make all the difference int he world, wouldn't it? ]

[Bubs daddy]

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT buy an extended warranty. It is not necessary at the time of purchase of a new car.

Use the existing new car warranty then consider an extended warranty (if you want one) when the manufacturer's warranty is near expiration.

The finance guy will try to tell you how important it is to buy an extended waranty. That is because they make money on these instruments. You DO NOT NEED to buy an extended warranty.

Don't let them talk you into it. You can get one if you want when the new car warranty expires.

You don't need a maintenance program either. Or the Lo-jack, or the glass etching, or anything else they're going to try to sell you in the F&I office.

Just politely decline.

[aidan80]

I’ve no intention of buying an extended warranty! I’ve got a very good mechanic that I’d trust for anything out of warranty. I’ve every intention of declining every other thing they’re going to throw at me. With the standard warranty, full coverage insurance inc roadside assistance, small tool kit that batman would be proud of in the car and a good mechanic should cover just about anything.

I think the test drive will help me decide on whether or not to fork out the extra for the 1.8 or stick with the 1.8. I suppose it’s the only way to know for sure, one thing’s for sure anything short of a horse and cart has to take off faster than my escort!

[aidan80]

So far the best deal on a 1.8 S is $12,918 standard package with interior accents and no ABS, I really want the ABS so that puts that one out of the running unless that’s an option that can be installed at the dealership?

Next up is the 1.6 and I quote "out the door price is $13,404 with every fee except tag" thats with ABS and air.

How long on average did it take everyone else to hammer out a price? I don’t want to be impatient or wait too long and have a deal pass me by.
Modified by aidan80 at 2:25 PM 9/20/2009

[aidan80]

This is kind of funny I’ve accidently contacted the same dealer twice and got two different people give me two different prices on what I believe to be the same car one with ABS the other without? How can a 1.6 no ABS be $12,842 and with ABS be $13,865? That is of course excluding taxes, charges and fee’s!!! As we say back home “ye cannie take the knickers off a bare arse”! That dealership wants to milk the cow aright well I’m not mooin! I emailed the second guy back and told him what the other guy at the same dealership was offering and what the dealership across town has on offer, $11,587 1.6, air, abs, a manual.. I wait with delight to see what he says!I thought hunting for a car was hard this is fun in a not so nice way but I’m keeping in mind as I do this they do it to us the consumers every single day. I hope we can score a point or two for us the consumer when we went or go shopping for our Versas.

[Bubs daddy]

When I bought my Versa, ABS cost $300. Maybe it's packaged with an options group with the 1.6. There was only a 1.8 when I bought mine.

Just an aside, I had every intention of buying a Versa S until I sat in a Versa SL. The upgrades in materials, upholstery and options was significant and impressive. That's what I ended up getting, an SL. I'm glad I did.

[kc5f]

I'd also add that ABS might not need to be the deal killer, either. I didn't have it on my first Versa and do on my present one, and I've never had a problem braking in either.

When e-shopping for the second one I asked several dealers for their price on a specific vehicle configuration. Only one gave me the price in the email instead of asking me to make an appointment and come in. That one also had the best selection and price (with free lifetime oil changes, too) and got my business!

[br4dysays]

i don't have ABS and haven't on a few cars i've owned, never an issue to me. but some of those seem pretty high priced for a 1.6.

[aidan80]

I’m leaning a lot more towards the 1.8 now I’ve got two dealers matching prices at $12,404 and $12,405. I thought the first one was trying to bait me in but the second one (without me asking or talking to them) offered to take $2,000 off the price quote and dropped it from $14,405 to $12,405 if I stop by before the end of the month. So now I’m being offered a 1.8 for $12,400 basically and that’s out the door… that’s unbelievable!

The only problem now is I’ve not enough cash for a deposit! Ah well I may have to let this sit till the end of next month should have a decent enough deposit by then plus a trade and closer to "end of the year" lol

[Bubs daddy]

I believe it is better to deal near the end of the month (such as now) as the sales staff has sales targets for bonuses. Usually they get them by selling 10 cars, 15 cars, 20 cars etc. If a guy has sold 9 cars or 14 cars, he really wants your sale as the bonus comission is substantial for that one sale that puts him over the top.

[aidan80]

I believe it is better to deal near the end of the month (such as now) as the sales staff has sales targets for bonuses. Usually they get them by selling 10 cars, 15 cars, 20 cars etc. If a guy has sold 9 cars or 14 cars, he really wants your sale as the bonus comission is substantial for that one sale that puts him over the top.

That's what I've been reading, I took a test drive and I have to say I really, really like the 1.8 hatchback! It's a basic model with manual transmission but great car, smooth, quiet and big inside felt like a small SUV not a car?

The first actual price from a dealer in the flesh is $14,292 for a 1.8 hatch with air and mats.. that's it just the bare bones! lol I'm tempted very tempted to take that offer but feel like I'm missing something or their catching me for more cash somehow!