Paying cash for a car

[Anonymous]

Would you tell the sales person up front?

[Anonymous]

NO.

[Anonymous]

NO!

[Anonymous]

Nope!

[Anonymous]

We never do until we have the final price in plan and they say “let’s go talk to the finance guy” and I get out my check book.

[Anonymous]

I make it clear I am not discussing financing and just negociate and the only time I talk is when they are offering incentives to finance, like an extra few thousand off. I've been negotiating and some dealers want financing and I am clear that we can pay cash or finance depending on what is in our best interest.

[Anonymous]

So what do you say when they ask what your budget is?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what do you say when they ask what your budget is?

You say you are not discussing budget, this is what features you want and what is their best price and contact multiple dealers and see who will give you the best price. They work from budget to screw you over.

[Anonymous]

No! They want you to use financing. The sales and payment parts are totally different.

[Anonymous]

No, and don’t ever tell them if you are going to trade in a car either.

[Anonymous]

Know the price you want to pay before you get there...don't buy till they meet it. Do not trade in at the dealer. Go to CarMax.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We never do until we have the final price in plan and they say “let’s go talk to the finance guy” and I get out my check book.

+1

Financing is a profit center. Save discussion for last. Guy who announces upfront “cash buyer” has become a rube.

[Anonymous]

I end up financing, then pay off the loan in full once I get my first statement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, and don’t ever tell them if you are going to trade in a car either.

Why?

Last time I told them I’d trade in my 2012 Toyota for a good price. They offered $6600. I stood up to walk away and end the deal. They then offered $9000, which was more than I expected. I stayed.

Upfront I tell them I am a finance person, I understand numbers, don’t try to pull a fast one on me because I am petite, female, and alone. If they don’t offer what I want to hear, I shrug, say oh well, and leave.

[Anonymous]

There aren't nearly as many finance incentives as there used to be. But, can't hurt to ask. ALL buyers should be cash buyers - presumably even those financing are coming in with their pre-approval in hand.