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Experience with e-mail only negotiations?

232 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2007 at 1:24 PM

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Messages Page 1 of 24

#1 of 232 Has anyone tried/succeeded at this? by colorsofspring

Jan 19, 2002 (4:37 pm)

I am interested in purchasing a 2002 Nissan Altima in the NYC area within the next 2 months. While I have heard CarsDirect is an easy and hassle-free way of going about this, I am also wanting to try for an even lower price thru emailing/faxing a number of dealerships within a certain radius of where I am located.
Is there anyone out there that has tried /succeeded at this? How did you word your fax/email? Did you find that you still needed to haggle significantly?
All comments/ideas welcome!!

#2 of 232 carsdirect.. by artwis

Jan 19, 2002 (7:47 pm)

While Carsdirect does not sell in my state they still give what their price would be if they did. I bought a new Century from a local dealer last week for $500 under carsdirect price. It only took 10 minutes of face to face negotiation. I started by contacting 4 dealers on GMBuypower via e-mail and worked my deal off the lowest offer sent to me. I probably could have ran around and found a deal for a $100 or so less but that's not worth my time. Also check Edmunds for their TMV and use that as a base price to work from as it doesn't include the national ad fee. My wife's Century was $104 over Edmunds TMV. This is our fourth new car/truck deal in 7 years and it sure is easy if you do a little homework ahead of time.
Art

#3 of 232 Priceline by suzzann

Jan 24, 2002 (7:16 am)

Does the faxing and emailing on your behalf, for a fee. Careful, you have to commit to buying the car so it's no good if you're still shopping.

#4 of 232 email negotiations by eddiemac

Mar 04, 2002 (7:37 pm)

For anyone who is interested, there is a good example on this subject in the "Acura TL Shopping" of the smart shopper section. Go to post #757.

#5 of 232 Mia... by vwguild

Mar 04, 2002 (8:51 pm)

I would suggest that if you are still a couple of
months away; don't start until you are Really
ready to drive a car home...
 
You can approach this from a couple of different
points...Absolutely the lowest price, or what you consider a *fair price* and a great experience.
 
Now, I only represent Volkswagen; so I cannot speak to how things are going with Nissan...watch
the papers...Times, etc. on the weekends for Sales...see how aggressive the ads become, or not. Check here for Edmund's TMV on the Exact Altima that you are looking for...Go to the web
sites of the Dealers in your area and see if these sites are active & alive or just cookie cutter...ask anyone in your neighborhood who has
a Nissan where they bought it and what they think
of them...Supermarket, Schools, Church, gas station; it doesn't matter.
 
Buying a car involves a great deal more than just
taking it home...Your sales person will or should
be your advocate whenever things are not going the way you want...NEVER buy from anyone except
the Dealer Internet Manager or Fleet Manager...they will be around for awhile...
 
Please go to PJ Clarke's and have a Martini for me...

#6 of 232 A martini by isellpotiac

Mar 06, 2002 (8:48 am)

at PJ Clarkes??? Go chug some draft!!! The Big east tourney starts today and I have fond mnemeories of hanging at Clarke's, the Blarney and McSorley's, A bit fuzzy but fond none the least! I am a 'Cuse fan and would often trek up the thruway on Saturday, or Friday depending on how bad the Cuse did.

#7 of 232 isell... by vwguild

Mar 06, 2002 (9:42 am)

Beefeaters and burgers, baby...

#8 of 232 Have you ever been to by isellpotiac

Mar 06, 2002 (1:26 pm)

Il Vagabondo's, I am not sure of the spelling but they have a Bocce ball court IN the restaurant. Boehiem eats there when he is in town.

#9 of 232 I'd try what I did by jaw2000

Mar 18, 2002 (1:16 pm)

ANd that is to send each 'local' you define what local means to you.
 
Send 1 email to all of them, let them know that you have sent it to all of them (on the to line they should see each other), tell exactly what you want, and the exact date that you will be buying.
 
Tell them you will not negotiate at the store and would prefer to not do so by phone (some may call you anyway, that could be either good or bad -- your call).
 
Tell them that you do not want any ups of extras except as per your 'order'.
 
Tell them you want itemized OUT THE DOOR PRICES.
 
Then after you get responses either work with one or 2 dealers that you think you can still negotiate with or expand your search depending on your results.
 
You may surprised how easy it can be.
 
If you want to discuss more, contact me.

#10 of 232 Jaw2000 by mrholt

Mar 19, 2002 (5:48 am)

Can you email me at mrholtyhotmail.com. I am trying to send out a couple of faxes on the 2002 Altima. How much time should I give them to get back to me. I would like to do this as soon as possible.
 
Additionally, I know a couple of dealers who have 2002 altimas with 20K miles on them. I wouldn't be against getting a used one of those if I could get a good deal on one. How do I state that i am willing to look at both, and still get quality responses? Thanks in advance.

Messages Page 1 of 24

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