To MSRP, or not to MSRP? that is the question

[DC G-Man]

Ok I have waited long enough. Im getting my kevlar helmet and jacket on and need help with some ammo... Im charging the trenches...

I am fortunate enough to be in the Washington DC area and have 7 dealers within a 30 mile radius (I hope thats a good thing?!). I wanted to get a take on what is going on around the country on what dealers are allowing as far as "adjustments" to the MSRP.

Lets face it who charges for mats and nets at this level... but if thats where they will give a couple of hundred off then Ill take it. Sounds like the going rate, if any, is a grand or so at best.

I am looking to get a pretty much loaded G37 6MT. Prem Nav Tech Spoiler and yes... if necessary the mat net and wheel locks that seem to be accompanying most of them (jury is still out on the 4WS). Illuminated kickplates arent available until December (you reading this Santa?!)

Anyway... if any of you all have any advice, tips, experiences, or an IED lieing around, it would be appreciated.

One thing I hope is true... that the dealer would be more likely to lighten his lot at the end of the month. (Please no one buy the Black 6MT at Baltimores Infiniti, LOL)

Thanks for the responses in advance.

[Yimbie]

Replying to the question... I would have to say that you should be able to get a bit off of MSRP if you're good. My parents settled for MSRP but they were just fine with it. Is an extra $500-1k off (avg) going to make a big difference for you?

- Yimbie

[DC G-Man]

Nah, It wont break the bank, but who wouldnt pick up a $500.00-1000.00 bill (if there is such a thing) off the ground if they came across it. Besides my Mommy and Daddy arent buying my car.

Ive been finding that the dealers are nickle and diming us to make up a grand or two of mud flaps and floor mats.... they should be throwing in that kind of stuff at a car of this caliber anyway.

Im prepared to drop the 44grand or so on it if I need to but if you can get the best deal thats part of the fun in the game the dealers like to play.

[carman63]

If you're insistent on buying in the local area, you probably won't do better than MSRP (for now). You could try going through cars.com or similar sites, configure the car how you want it, then pick 2-3 dealers to see what they'll do. I'm sure you've read my experiences, and I paid full MSRP. What Jim Coleman told me was, Internet sales get the car for MSRP, while walk-ins pay a mark-up (or they try to get them to, anyway).

You could always go much further out - say, Ohio or Indiana - and see what kind of quote they'll give on the G37. But then you have to pick the car up, or arrange to have it transported.

Re: the nickel/dime stuff. My car shows cargo net on the sticker from the factory, so I paid for that. The locking lug nuts were included gratis from the dealer. As far as mud flaps, sometimes they're on the car from the factory and sometimes the dealer adds them.

The other area you might make up some $$ is in the trade, if you're trading in. Get quotes from several dealers - even makes/models you're not interested in. And CarMax, of course. Then keep those quotes for reference, and play their offer against the other offers. If they suggest you go elsewhere, remind them that they run the risk of losing a sale. Usually, if they have considerable time spent negotiating with you at this point, they don't want to lose the sale and will be more willing to offer more on the trade (my experience).

[DC G-Man]

Thanks for the input fellas, I just got word that a third dealership in the area will be getting the specs and color that I want. I would rather establish a relationship close to home with a dealer so if I do decide to get another one its there.

If they are all gonna knock off lug locks and nets then it will all depend on the service reputation and how the dealership values their customers...its important coming off a BMW experience (see my input on the "did I get a good deal" thread. VOB BMW really sucks at all customer relations....again....why bother theres always the next sucker attitude. Im hoping its different with Infiniti.

[verycomplex]

Price:I tried four different dealerships during the last week in August. If memory serves two wouldn't budge off MSRP. The other two did. Ultimately I got about $1,500 off sticker, but it took some hard negotiating over the phone. I rolled the dice and had to be willing to walk away if they didn't meet my terms. Perhaps I got lucky with the dealer who did work with me in the end. Also, I live in north jersey so maybe there is more supply here than in other parts of the country.

Service:I have to say that the way I was treated by 3 of the 4 dealers was extremely professional, timely and extremely courteous. Much better than the BMW and Lexus dealerships in my area that I considered prior to settling on the G37. The Infiniti guys acted like it was a privilege to have my business, whereas BMW/Lexus acted like I should feel privileged to have their cars. Again, this might have been a unique experience to the area I live in.

[DC G-Man]

Delema solved.....Had a big impulse buy last night! The proverbial carrot was dangled and I took a bite. Bought me a Black on Black loaded to the gills 6MT. (except for 4WS). Was thinking of Blue Slate but both were neck and neck.

I am blessed to live by 7 dealerships. After calling all of them I got varying degrees of eagerness. Some were promising to deal and others were...."give us a 2500.00 deposit then we'll try to get your color and options." ... attitude reminded me of the Soup Nazi...LOL

I talked to one of the most up front and honest dealers (is that an oxymoron? ) who happened to be the second closest dealership. He shared with me that he has been slow this week ( wasnt sure if it was smoke, but took a chance) and that he would love to show me the cars that were dropped off that day including the loaded 6MT (wrapped in plastic).

Long story short... after just thinking I would just test drive and see what kind of spanking Id get from them .... I was driving away with an extra +/- 2 grand in my pocket (unfortunately it was applied to the 100K mile maintainance agreement, bought intirely on my BMW experience, hope it pays off one day)

Guess all the stars and planets were aligned last night as well as the following: Dealer was having a slow week, 3 other dealers had the same car(4 others were "soon" to get one), told them I wanted a color they didnt have (check inventory if possible before going), Going after 7:00 PM, and alot of himming and hawwing ( the usual "Ill talk to my manager BS") Im not sure if all of this works for everyone to get you a decent deal but Im OK with what I got, and it worked for me.

Car had Prem Nav Tech Pacs and mat net splash guard lug locks etc. talked them into 1500.00 off, and throwing in the accessories ( told them hated the splash guards, didnt need a mat or net and was thinking of changing out the wheels) I was also fortunate to get a couple of oil changes too... guess that was the cherry with the carrot.

Not sure if it was the best deal yet, but was just happy to get 1500.00 off MSRP. When I got to the money guy. He was surprised I got a discount on it at all, all of his deals were all MSRP and more. The going rate was 2000.00 over MSRP with a 2-4 week wait.

Bottom line is to roll up your sleeves, blow on the dice, check on inventory and be willing to walk away ( I know its hard when your staring at the one you want and the Sport seats are screaming at you to take them home!)

What ever the price you get you will definitely be driving away with a smile on your face and a heavier foot. UGGH! Hope my experience helps....Good luck in the trenches. Back to reading the owners manual.

RICK

[carman63]

Congrats on your new car And a big congrats for actually getting one BELOW sticker

I'm wondering if it's the loaded cars that are slow movers. I've been watching Chantilly's online inventory, and it seems that the loaded models are staying on the lot longer than those that have only one or 2 packages. I've also noticed that I've seen only one Aspen Blue show up on their lot, with the majority being black or blue slate.

What dealer did you end up going with?

-Jim

[DC G-Man]

Thanks Jim

I believe you are right I have been keeping an eye on them too and it looks like the more optioned out cars are moving slower but are being the ones discounted if any.

I stopped by the dealership to give them the balance for the car, and told them thank you for the concessions they made for the car. To get +/- $2000.00 off it I think was pretty good and couldnt pass it up. They told me having it on the lot makes a difference. Otherwise it would have been more. I did drive a hard bargain and spent a good bit of time talking to the dealer who was wearing a groove in the floor going to talk to his manager.

Its been great so far the Tech pac is really cool, but There are so many complicated routes to learn. You need a PHD I think to get it all right. I know half of the owners will not be using or realize what this beast can do.I did purchase the 7 year 100,000 mile warrenty because of all the gizmos and things that can possibly go wrong. (ala...BMW)

I end up getting it at JBA Infiniti in Ellicott City, MD. The Manger said its the only one they have discounted yet. I guess he was in a good mood or he just wanted me out of the showroom with a car.( It was getting late too, LOL)

If you are ever out this side of the river let me know. Maybe one day there will be a club or something Ill catch you at. Still reading the manual and discovering all the cool things this thing does.

I did catch a curb yesterday, I thought I cleared it but herd a thunk and shudder.... My heart sunk to my bladder and felt like crying. I didnt want to look at it until I got home, wasnt bad just a scrap on the edge. Showed it to the dealer and he said he'd have it fixed for me at the next service.

Hope your enjoying the great weather we're having here in DC. Ive been tooling around using the Nav voice command looking up places. Way better system than a Nuvi. It even shows me the lanes Im in or need to be in when possible.

Keep enjoying the ride... smooth curvy roads to all!

CUSoonRICK

[DC G-Man]

What an idiot, I was just reading over the thread of this and claimed that I got $1500.00 off of the MSRP it was actually $1700.00 plus all the accessories and a couple of oil changes. I guess I was so excited about the car that I miss wrote the amount. I told the dealer if he didnt mind his name being given out he said no not at all. If anyone is really interested I can give you his name and number...they would love more business. Sorry for the mistake... Hope others can pull off some cash off there purchase.

[carman63]

I was just reading over the thread of this and claimed that I got $1500.00 off of the MSRP it was actually $1700.00 plus all the accessories and a couple of oil changes.

The more $$ the better

By the way I want to know more about the 'woohoo' option listed in your profile

[greddy37]

did any one ask for the invoice price? wont that take a lot off msrp

[carman63]

did any one ask for the invoice price? wont that take a lot off msrp

Right, invoice is ~$3300 off MSRP.

I originally offered $1000 over invoice, got 2 polite 'no' responses and one "HAHAHAHAHAHA!" response.

[DC G-Man]

Hey Jim.... Didnt you get the WOOHOO package? its when you put your foot down on the pedal and the "WOOHOO" kicks in!

I did go in knowing and telling them what their "invoice" was for the car and the options/accessories. It was part of the "back and forthing" I used for our meeting in the middle. Even at invoice they still make alot of money on the car. Invoice is not what they actually pay for the car either. Keep in mind they are more willing to deal on the car when it is on the lot.

What ever you pay for the car the WOOHOO package is always included!

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Hey G Whiz - cngrats on the purchase. I work near JBA on security blvd. I haven't really delt with JBA other than some research on my G35 that I bought in Cali and drove back to Baltimore. Caught a sweet deal on a 2003 with 8k miles.

It's good that you got a deal and didn't have to order and wait. Keep me in mind if you come across a meet.

[DC G-Man]

Hey Cali, Nice ride you got....baby got new shoes I see, looking good. Cali 2 Balt is a good number of miles to put on it. But at least you did it in style.

So far JBA has been courteous and responsive especially my dealer Ahmad. We'll see over time how service is. Im still aprehensive after my BMW experience. When you pay a couple of hundred bucks for an oil change they should be polishing my shoes too.... But all I expect is to get the job done and done right with a little courtesy. I heard JBA does, we'll see.

Maybe catch you around when Im in town. BTW Make sure you got your locks on when youre at the mall.

Good to meet you.RICK

[Cali 2 Balti G]

Or we could organize our own meet with the DC/MD area members on this forum.

What do you think?

[UX149]

What you get from a dealer may depend on how flexible you are in selection colors and options. My wife decided on a Journey with black exterior, wheat interior, rosewood trim and premium package. Since sport models are not sold with wheat or rosewood, that limited the number of available cars in southeastern US.

She only drives 4,500 miles a year and insisted that she did not want NAV, TECH or 4AWD and did not want to pay for it. (She didn't care whether or not it had a cargo net or mud flaps.) We called nine dealers in VA, NC and SC and could not find one. We asked two of the dealers to do a regional search. Both of them called back and said that there is not a single one for sale in this region - NONE!

They both said that there were only THREE that were available with the options she wanted, and that all three had at least one of the options that she didn't want. In late October, one will be arriving in VA and they stated that it would be at MSRP and that trade in on her '06 Lexus would be at Black Book (which is $2000 less than KBB.)

In discussing pricing with the other seven dealers, they all stated that many of their G37's are sold before they arrive and the rest are sold within a week of arriving. All of them said that they were MSRP at a minimum.

We pick up her new G37 (with NAV!) tomorrow.

[carman63]

UX149 - Congrats on your (soon-to-be) new car I initially didn't want nav, either. But I'm glad I got it. It works as well as my Garmin c550, and the traffic info is a bonus for the DC area. Plus, we're using it to 'discover' new places to eat

[DC G-Man]

Hey Jim, You better watch out or youll be needing to trade up to a QX...did younotice all the frekin resturants there are. It is cool to look up some crazy food places. Why is it they are all in NoVa, LOL

As far as the situation you are in in NC, doing your research is key, and being flexible with your options may end up worth it getting a grand off a car on the lot will pay for if not part of a package.

They are more willing to deal with you when the car is on the lot and taking a space. If you have an opportunity and the dealers are good at updating theyre inventory list, check it out periodically and see if any of the cars you want are there.

In one of the threads on Dealer "Inside Info" they have recommendations on what kind fo cars to order when they order a certain number. They all seem to have some sort of package ( the dealerships tend to make more money that way) on them.

Visit the dealership and question what they have. Or better yet e-mail them all and tell them what you are looking for and see haow they deal with you there first. If your car is there show some interest and ask what kind of concessons they are making. Throw around a Buyers club (ie. Costco, credit unions, AAA, etc) and other dealers incentives (ie. Lifetime services etc. that you have no interest in).

They say they know what others dealers have, dont believe them most of the time they dont know what they have. Besides they would rather sell something on their lot. Be prepared to walk away if they dont want to deal with you. Be also prepared to drop a good 40+ grand if they agree to some adjustments and you are comfortable with their deal( know your numbers too before you go Invoice tax tags prep, etc). Yahoo Auto has invoice prices now.

I was probobly very lucky to walk away with +/-2000.00 off, so if they get close or your happy with what they are giving you then take it. It is a great car. In the long run your happiness or your wifes will allow you to forget about the extra you paid from MSRP. Im sure most owners will agree. ( but a grand or two extra off makes your grin just a lil bigger)

Good luck the Dealerships I dealt with was JBA in Ellicott City, Maryland, My dealer was Ahmad. Lucky it was the second closest dealership to me. Its best when you are near to your dealer but if you are looking in three states, I guess it doesnt really matter to you.

Good luck, ask if you have any more questions....I hope I helped.

[DC G-Man]

Or we could organize our own meet with the DC/MD area members on this forum.

What do you think?

Sounds like a great idea! Keep me posted! These great sunny days in DC lately are awesome for drives.