Any luck getting Out-The-Door price before going to dealer.

[Anonymous]

I'm interested in buying a new car. Based on their websites, A few dealers in the area seem to have a version of car I want on their lots. I've reached out via email asking for an out-the-door price. I'm not interested in negotiating down, I just want to avoid going to the dealer and having them add an extra couple of thousand dollars on top of the internet-listed price. However, I've yet to get a firm response.

Is this normal or are all these dealers playing a game of bait and switch? Any success stories of getting an OTD price before going to a dealer?

[Anonymous]

Yup, I was never able to get it either.

I used Costco, probably could have argued another couple hundred off but it was solid enough for no negotiation. Still required going to the dealership to get the number though.

[Anonymous]

Try calling. They have a whole other layer of people dealing with emails. Call, and explain that you can get a cashiers check and come today.

But honestly, I don’t know if that will work and I hate buying cars. Carmax is pretty easy! But I get you want a new car.

But anyway I think you can assume email won’t work.

[Anonymous]

Have an idea in your head.
Go in to the dealer and make it happen.
Call and ask approx how much the fees are for tax, title etc ahead of time.
I negotiated my car down another 2k and it was already lowered by 4K , I think because it was a Honda at a Ford dealer.
They came in about $40 from the price in my head so I had them throw in one free oil change too.
Also, go to carmax first if you’re trading in. Know that cars worth. And get a finance rate thru your bank too. Tell the dealer if they can beat it, great, if not you’ll finance it yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yup, I was never able to get it either.

I used Costco, probably could have argued another couple hundred off but it was solid enough for no negotiation. Still required going to the dealership to get the number though.

+1 for Costco, it was so hassle free.

[Anonymous]

Costco is good.

I have had luck at my local Lexus dealership:
1. Call to make a test drive appointment and go in for a test drive
2. After the test drive ask them for an out the door price quote, and tell them you don’t want window etching, paint protection, or any other dealer installed accessories or programs
3. Go home to think about it
4. Ideally the last week of the month (when they are trying to make their quota) text/call your sales rep directly and pitch an out the door price that’s lower than their original quote. Negotiate from there
5. Remember that if it’s taxable, it’s negotiable. So “doc fees” for example are negotiable. They won’t always agree to negotiate them down, but sometimes they will.

Note that the above works best when they have the exact vehicle you want in stock. If it’s a high demand vehicle that they have to order or wait for an upcoming shipment to get you one, you should still follow this method but don’t expect much of a discount.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the responses. I find it weird because if they would just honor the listed price without any increases, I would hang bought this car days ago and it would be off their books.

I typically buy used cars so I haven't had to deal with the issue of add-ons and false advertising

[Anonymous]

People hate on tesla so much thanks to Elon, but they changed the game big time in regards to this. Go online, pick the car and you can buy it right there.

[Anonymous]

I just did this. Submitted a request to Costco and it was useless.
I made a list of dealers within driving distance and just started calling. I made it clear I knew what I wanted and was price shopping. I did get the Out the door price then, but not by emailing even when I specifically asked.

[Anonymous]

I was able to do this a few years ago, get OTD pricing on a new minivan. Just be insistent and clear in your emails.

[Anonymous]

I did this last year on the 25th of a month (July). Emailed 8 dealerships that had the exact color and trim I wanted on the lot. Got a spreadsheet going. There was not a good general email to send messages to so I went to Google reviews to see which salesperson at each dealer had several good reviews and emailed each of them directly. I had a below invoice price within 2 days. This was the second car I bought over email. First, was in 2010. That one, I only contacted my area dealers of which there were two. This time, I was willing to travel to a neighboring metro market to get a better deal.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never had a problem getting an out the door price but I only buy new. I email the internet sales division and tell them that I want to buy before the end of the month.

[Anonymous]

This whole thread gives me anxiety. Good luck OP. Let us know how it goes.

[Anonymous]

If you have time to be patient, do that. Call them and let them know you are ready to buy but want an out the door price first. They may not give it to your in writing, but verbally can work ok. I am always upfront that I am shopping around and that I'm flexible on colors (if you are) so I really just want to best price.

Then wait. It may take a few days, or maybe weeks, but just have your info ready and your idea of price and sit tight. Out the door price or I do not come in. Give me your best. If they bait and switch, walk out immediately. Then wait. They'll call you back.

[Anonymous]

We used a temporary burner email. Did the whole thing via email. The more scammy dealers would not make a firm offer. We did not pursue them. Several others did via email.

Maybe start with Fitzgerald. They will not haggle but they are transparent about pricing. We used the Fitzgerald out the door price as our ceiling - most we were willing to pay.