Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP I trade the old car in because I’m not willing to spend hours and hours trying to squeeze more out of it. But what you should do is get a Carmax offer, because they’ll probably match that or if they won’t, Carmax is easy.
Figure out the exact trims and colors and such you’ll accept, draw a circle you’re willing to drive, and call all the dealers in the circle. Just be transparent and go to the one who gives you the best price. They all know we’re doing this anyway and you’re not a plum for them because you’re paying cash. That way, hopefully, you end up only having to drive to one dealer and paying a reasonable price.
It does not take hours and hours to sell your old car. Again, do not make the sale of your old car part of the deal. Sell it to the Carmax or whomever. They make it easy.
It's a good point to mention that cash is not king anymore. No dealership is impressed with it as they make money off of the loans.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Come with your own financing.
Wrong. Dealers get a kickback on originating financing. Notice when you ask price, they'll always ask if you plan to finance it. That gives them more leeway on price since they know the kickback is coming.
Then pay off the loan in full a month later. They may call and get mad about it (they lose their kickback) but it's fully allowed in nearly all car loans. Car loans now have a clear table listing interests costs and pre-payment penalties (if any.. there shouldn't be) thanks to the CFPB rules.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:PP here. I think you and I are on the same team. Good points about the trade in too.
I just think there is a balance with the time spent. I used to enjoy the “game” of negotiating but the more I did it, the more I realized how valuable my time is. I’d rather limit my time spent and just cut to the end. My guess is that OPs time is valuable too. Kids plus sports plus practices equal limited time. We each have our methods but I prefer the limit my time/determine my OTD and hold fast.
Good point that time is money but I think of it as a stranger taking money from my children. If you try it, the back and forth is not that difficult. It will always save you money.
Anonymous wrote:PP here. I think you and I are on the same team. Good points about the trade in too.
I just think there is a balance with the time spent. I used to enjoy the “game” of negotiating but the more I did it, the more I realized how valuable my time is. I’d rather limit my time spent and just cut to the end. My guess is that OPs time is valuable too. Kids plus sports plus practices equal limited time. We each have our methods but I prefer the limit my time/determine my OTD and hold fast.
Anonymous wrote:I emailed a bunch of dealers and conduct negotiations by email. If they try to play games when I show up, I leave.
Anonymous wrote:We have loved using Costco's program that has prearranged pricing. You get a decent price without worrying about going back and forth while there. Takes the stress out for me.
https://www.costco.com/auto-program-services.html
Anonymous wrote:OP I trade the old car in because I’m not willing to spend hours and hours trying to squeeze more out of it. But what you should do is get a Carmax offer, because they’ll probably match that or if they won’t, Carmax is easy.
Figure out the exact trims and colors and such you’ll accept, draw a circle you’re willing to drive, and call all the dealers in the circle. Just be transparent and go to the one who gives you the best price. They all know we’re doing this anyway and you’re not a plum for them because you’re paying cash. That way, hopefully, you end up only having to drive to one dealer and paying a reasonable price.
Anonymous wrote:We have loved using Costco's program that has prearranged pricing. You get a decent price without worrying about going back and forth while there. Takes the stress out for me.
https://www.costco.com/auto-program-services.html
Anonymous wrote:Go to Carmax and get a quote for what they will give you for trading in your car.
the used car market is hot and dealers want your car.
make sure you know what it is worth before you walk into the dealership if you want the "ease" of trading in a car.
Do you care about price - or just don't want to be taken advantage of?
If you are about price, look for a 3 year old used with low miles (less than 30K)
Be ready to jump when you see it come on the market if it matches what you want / are flexible about.
Anonymous wrote:Never mind the price. They will get you with all the made up taxes, fees, warranties, tire guards they refuse to take off that were never put on.