Dealership went silent when I said I wouldn't come in person before receiving a quote

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Competition is your friend. Email every dealer within your reasonable travel distance with the exact model/trim/color(s) you want. If they have it on the lot, identify it. Tell them all you are sending similar emails to all the dealers in the area and will purchase immediately from the dealer with the best price inclusive of all fees.

I've purchased 2 Hondas and an Acura using this method and it worked out well each time.

Here's the email form I used last time I did this:

"I am ready to purchase a new [insert model/trim/color(s)] (Model Code _____). You have such a vehicle on your lot (VIN _______). Please email your best price inclusive of the destination/freight fee and any and all dealer document/processing/advertising fees so that only tax, tags, and registration for a Fairfax County, Virginia resident will be added to arrive at the final out-the-door price. I'm sending similar messages to several other local dealers that have this exact vehicle in stock as well. I will select the dealer that offers the lowest price within the next 48 hours. Once I pick the dealer, I will immediately place a deposit with my credit card and then take delivery and make final payment over the weekend. I look forward to your response."

And with the inventory being short, that email will just be ignored. It’s not a buyers market anymore.

Totally depends on which car. There are plenty of models that are buyers market. Acura MDX is literally advertising 7500 off right now.

Almost impossible to disagree with statements like that but, for most cars most people like to buy or wouldn't mind buying, this strategy is about 5 years too old.

- np

Not our experience at all, with 2 recent purchases.

Please do tell. I'd love to hear about your experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Competition is your friend. Email every dealer within your reasonable travel distance with the exact model/trim/color(s) you want. If they have it on the lot, identify it. Tell them all you are sending similar emails to all the dealers in the area and will purchase immediately from the dealer with the best price inclusive of all fees.

I've purchased 2 Hondas and an Acura using this method and it worked out well each time.

Here's the email form I used last time I did this:

"I am ready to purchase a new [insert model/trim/color(s)] (Model Code _____). You have such a vehicle on your lot (VIN _______). Please email your best price inclusive of the destination/freight fee and any and all dealer document/processing/advertising fees so that only tax, tags, and registration for a Fairfax County, Virginia resident will be added to arrive at the final out-the-door price. I'm sending similar messages to several other local dealers that have this exact vehicle in stock as well. I will select the dealer that offers the lowest price within the next 48 hours. Once I pick the dealer, I will immediately place a deposit with my credit card and then take delivery and make final payment over the weekend. I look forward to your response."

And with the inventory being short, that email will just be ignored. It’s not a buyers market anymore.

Totally depends on which car. There are plenty of models that are buyers market. Acura MDX is literally advertising 7500 off right now.

Almost impossible to disagree with statements like that but, for most cars most people like to buy or wouldn't mind buying, this strategy is about 5 years too old.

- np

Not our experience at all, with 2 recent purchases.

Please do tell. I'd love to hear about your experience.

Not much to tell. Bought two cars by emailing several dealers and picking the one with the best price/easiest to work with. One last summer and one this year both several thousand off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you find "a car," every dealership can have that exact same car "available" and they all intend to have it shipped from wherever it actually sits. They are all trying to sell you the same car sitting on a lot in Cincinnati or the like.

Even if you get the price quote, when you go to pick it up, they will put you through "meetings" with 5 different people all of whom try to up sell you on things to add to the car. Even when you say no to every single one, it can take hours to get out of there. They simply will not accept your check and give you the keys. We were paying a baby sitter $25 per hour, so this costs you time and money. The last time we did this, I held the check up, the price they has already agreed to, and said give me the keys or we walk. They said, let me get someone else for you to talk to. I walked. The chased us into the parking lot with the keys.

F'ing hate car sales.

I'm a single woman. I have to be honest with you. I've bought and sold at least three cars completely on my own, by myself. And I have NEVER had that experience. I usually go in with a trade in car. I have an idea what the car is worth. Then, I also usually have some money down. And I have excellent credit. I usually feel like I get a good deal on the car. I've only ever interacted with one salesperson though. Sometimes there's a different finance person. I usually go in with all the bank rate and loan information prepared so I'm not clueless. And I just tell them flat out, no way to all the extras. Can't afford it. They know that. Why waist time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've bought 3 cars without setting foot on the lot except to pick up, and the third car they even delivered to me so I've still never been to the dealership.

Definitely move on.

You never test drove the car you bought?

I test drive the car on the highway, on the roads, usually with the sales person. I put a few miles on the car to test drive it.

[Anonymous]

It’s all a game. The dealership will be back in touch with you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you aren't married to the idea of buying new, maybe Carmax would be better for you. No back-and-forth on pricing; very clear on their website what's on the lot at a particular dealership and what isn't and how much it would be to ship a car you like to your closest Carmax.

Otherwise...call the dealership and ask for sales, tell them you're looking for a 2023 Make Model in blue or gray, you're looking to make an expedited purchase in the next week, can they please confirm their current stock and, if what you want is available, can they get the paperwork started? You can complete the credit application and initial paperwork from home, then just go in for the part where you meet with the business manager to make the purchase. Even faster if you're paying cash or have already secured financing and you're certain you have the lowest possible rate (however, if buying new they might have rate incentives that make more sense).

I've never bought from Carmax, but there is nothing special about a one price dealership. If you want a one price dealership, and don't want to haggle, all dealerships will accommodate you. Simply just pay the first price that you are quoted by the salesperson.

HAHAHAHAHA. Absolutely not.

[Anonymous]

I remember a time when my car was a certified pre-owned Toyota at 0% interest rate, for a three year loan. My payment was around $280 a month.

I don't think I ever took out a car loan with any interest.

Are you guys paying cash for these cars that you're ordering online?

Usually "the game" is conducted on the lot. The two people are the sales person and the finance person. It's usually the sales person who tries to be your friend and get you the best deal, and then the finance person can be the bad guy. But, usually they want to sell the car that's on the lost to move their inventory. And if you have a trade in, they want the used car.

[Anonymous]

Because shameless misers waste hours, days weeks of their and every salesperson in a 100 mile radiuses time to “save” $300.

You use the offer in writing to go get $100 off from the next dealer. Then you’re mad nobody wants to waste their time with you?

If you’re posting on a parenting forum, you’re old enough to value your reputation and establish connections with salespersons. Being known as the cheapskate transactional prole is not a good rep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Competition is your friend. Email every dealer within your reasonable travel distance with the exact model/trim/color(s) you want. If they have it on the lot, identify it. Tell them all you are sending similar emails to all the dealers in the area and will purchase immediately from the dealer with the best price inclusive of all fees.

I've purchased 2 Hondas and an Acura using this method and it worked out well each time.

Here's the email form I used last time I did this:

"I am ready to purchase a new [insert model/trim/color(s)] (Model Code _____). You have such a vehicle on your lot (VIN _______). Please email your best price inclusive of the destination/freight fee and any and all dealer document/processing/advertising fees so that only tax, tags, and registration for a Fairfax County, Virginia resident will be added to arrive at the final out-the-door price. I'm sending similar messages to several other local dealers that have this exact vehicle in stock as well. I will select the dealer that offers the lowest price within the next 48 hours. Once I pick the dealer, I will immediately place a deposit with my credit card and then take delivery and make final payment over the weekend. I look forward to your response."

And with the inventory being short, that email will just be ignored. It’s not a buyers market anymore.

Totally depends on which car. There are plenty of models that are buyers market. Acura MDX is literally advertising 7500 off right now.

Almost impossible to disagree with statements like that but, for most cars most people like to buy or wouldn't mind buying, this strategy is about 5 years too old.

- np

Not our experience at all, with 2 recent purchases.

Please do tell. I'd love to hear about your experience.

Not much to tell. Bought two cars by emailing several dealers and picking the one with the best price/easiest to work with. One last summer and one this year both several thousand off.

Car, model, above or below MSRP? which dealer worked for you? You know something meaningful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because shameless misers waste hours, days weeks of their and every salesperson in a 100 mile radiuses time to “save” $300.

You use the offer in writing to go get $100 off from the next dealer. Then you’re mad nobody wants to waste their time with you?

If you’re posting on a parenting forum, you’re old enough to value your reputation and establish connections with salespersons. Being known as the cheapskate transactional prole is not a good rep.

What? For a transaction that one conducts maybe once every 5-10 years? Chil'e

[Anonymous]

You do business in the town you live in. Loyalty. Nobody rich and/or who values their reputation wastes time driving an hour or more to give their money to a non-local dealer. Keep that money in your community. And that’s presumably where you’ll service it. Build a reputation with your local dealer. Then when you’re in a bind, they’ll assist vs you being a miser who bought elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember a time when my car was a certified pre-owned Toyota at 0% interest rate, for a three year loan. My payment was around $280 a month.

I don't think I ever took out a car loan with any interest.

Are you guys paying cash for these cars that you're ordering online?

Usually "the game" is conducted on the lot. The two people are the sales person and the finance person. It's usually the sales person who tries to be your friend and get you the best deal, and then the finance person can be the bad guy. But, usually they want to sell the car that's on the lost to move their inventory. And if you have a trade in, they want the used car.

I pay cash for cars, yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Because shameless misers waste hours, days weeks of their and every salesperson in a 100 mile radiuses time to “save” $300.

You use the offer in writing to go get $100 off from the next dealer. Then you’re mad nobody wants to waste their time with you?

If you’re posting on a parenting forum, you’re old enough to value your reputation and establish connections with salespersons. Being known as the cheapskate transactional prole is not a good rep.

What? For a transaction that one conducts maybe once every 5-10 years? Chil'e

You should always keep the money in your community. And value your time and reputation. Build relationships. Presumably the salesman, service, back office white collars and owners live nearby and their kids go to your kids’ schools. Presumably the owner does charitable work around town. Presumably you’re going to service it there for 5 to 10 years. Maybe when something is on the edge of being warrantied they’ll go to bat for you. Or take it back on a fair trade when you don’t want it. Whatever the case, try to keep your large transactions local.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You do business in the town you live in. Loyalty. Nobody rich and/or who values their reputation wastes time driving an hour or more to give their money to a non-local dealer. Keep that money in your community. And that’s presumably where you’ll service it. Build a reputation with your local dealer. Then when you’re in a bind, they’ll assist vs you being I a miser who bought elsewhere.

DP But you’re never going to have a “relationship” with a dealer unless you are buying for a business with a fleet. That’s silly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“and you have to do all the tag/title work yourself now and if you got a loan for the car you have to pay the excise tax out of pocket. would that happen to equal your 5k in "savings"?”

Yeah, I had to make a trip to the DMV. How is that not worth paying $5k less to get the car that I wanted?

With respect, a day of flying and driving + a trip to the dmv IS worth $5k to me.