Shopping Hint #1

[SDRonEbay]

Good Friday is a good Friday to buy a new car.

The lots are generally not that busy so sales managers are a little on edge. If you can get past there Leo Getz demeanor you'll walk away with a great deal. Don't be afraid to test the water and ask for add on options either. If it means making a deal happen on a slow day, more than likely they'll bend.

_shift.

[PalmerWMD]

Hmmm,Interesting....

Fred...

[lessthanjakejohn]

What is the best way to get more money off of your trade in no matter what the condition of the car?

[Repo Man]

What is the best way to get more money off of your trade in no matter what the condition of the car?

That's a tough one man. Dealers generally give you bottom dollar on a trade. They're in a better position than the person trading and there are other factors involved besides trade-in price to make a deal. For example, the dealer can get the person bought for 6.9 vs 8.9 at their bank, but still give bottom dollar on the trade. The customer accepts less on the trade due to the money saved through finance charges.

Of course, the actual rate may only be 4.9%, with the dealer taking a 2% cut, but still better than XXX National taking 8.9%, right?

[AZhitman]

Not to drop a wet towel on our newest mod, but I've found the best way to shop new cars is to deal directly with the fleet sales manager (if you have an "in") OR to deal directly with a regular sales MANAGER (like Jayson).

Dealing with the lot lizards puts you at a severe disadvantage right off the bat. If you're buying used, skip the dlr and go private party. You'll save lots, and if you sell your trade-in outright, you'll usually do better as well. The downside - It's a hassle. But for some, it's a pleasureable experience.

Jayson, welcome aboard!

[SDRonEbay]

The theory is a customer has three amounts in their head about their trade; the amount they want to get, the amount they expect to get and the amount they'll settle with. Dealers always try to get away with the third amount. The fact is when your trading your car, no matter how beat up and beautiful it is, no one will pay more for that car than you have and a dealer knows it. The best place to start your battle is the price of your new car. You can always end it with your trade.

And Hitman your absolutely right. Some dealers don't even have fleet dept. anymore but you can still get fleet price if you know who to deal with.