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Internet vs. Traditional Car Buying

3011 messages,  Last post on Aug 27, 2009 at 10:23 AM

You are in the Smart Shopper Forum. Your Hosts are kirstie_h & tidester

What is this discussion about? Car Buying


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#2925 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [boomchek] by tidester HOST
May 02, 2009 (8:49 am)
Reply

Replying to: boomchek (May 02, 2009 8:04 am)

I acutally prefer that people narrow down what they want to buy before asking for price quotes.
 
One can't really know what one wants without pricing information.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#2926 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [tidester] by lrguy44
May 02, 2009 (8:57 am)
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Replying to: tidester (May 02, 2009 8:49 am)

They can go to Edmunds to see if they can afford the fair market price. This will narrow the expectations and help decide the short list. A firm OTD quote is not a requirement before driving. In fact, if a dealer knows the customer has narrowed the field the OTD will be lower.
#2927 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [lrguy44] by tidester HOST
May 02, 2009 (9:24 am)
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Replying to: lrguy44 (May 02, 2009 8:57 am)

They can go to Edmunds to see if they can afford the fair market price.
 
Of course they can and should do that!
 
The reality, however, is that not everyone does what is sensible. I think it's a miscommunication problem. A potential customer simply wants some idea of what the price would be but the salesperson regards whatever price he or she may reveal would be binding. As a salesperson, I'd be reluctant too if a price I stated in those cirumstances would be regarded as binding.
 
As a customer, I'd like to have some good idea of the pricing to help me decide what I want. Catch 22?
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#2928 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [tidester] by boomchek
May 02, 2009 (9:46 am)
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Replying to: tidester (May 02, 2009 9:24 am)

The way I see it is narrow down vehicles in a price range. The OP said theyt're looking at CRVs, Pilots, Rav4s and Highlanders.
 
So I don't see bottom line pricing as an issue here as the vehicle range is about $10-$15k apart from a base CRV/Rav4 to a top level Pilot/Highlander.
 
If the OP wants an SUV and is not sure what kind, then as lrguy suggested see what price range they're in, see if that's at least affordable or not, and drive the cars in your price range, and negotiate on the one you like.
 
Pretty simple.
#2929 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [boomchek] by tidester HOST
May 02, 2009 (10:07 am)
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Replying to: boomchek (May 02, 2009 9:46 am)

I agree but I can't really fault a potential customer for making simple inquiries. It's just a part of doing business.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#2930 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [tidester] by madmanmoo
May 02, 2009 (11:50 am)
Reply

Replying to: tidester (May 02, 2009 10:07 am)

I'll fault them for that. Getting price quotes on all the vehicles that you are considering is silly AND a waste of everyone's time.
 
To put this in the context of buying a house, do you ask each seller what their best price is before you even look at it? Do you even ask for a best price after you've decided on a house? No, you make an offer. Car sales is a little different because many dealerships will give you an offer, but c'mon....
 
You've seen the list prices on the vehicle and you can only figure that they will get better than the list price.... so, you know the general idea of pricing and if it fits in your budget. Drive the vehicles you are interested in purchasing. Pick the one you like best and then, if you like, get quotes from a couple of dealerships that sell that vehicle OR just make an offer.
 
Don't waste everyone's time by putting the cart before the horse. Thank you.
#2931 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [tidester] by lrguy44
May 02, 2009 (12:04 pm)
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Replying to: tidester (May 02, 2009 10:07 am)

Best price is NOT a simple inquiry. It means a specific vehicle in a specific color with specific options. It also means a commitment to buy. I hate the old if I could would you, but to get the best price should mean you are ready to pull the trigger.
Find what you can afford and like first, then shop price and be ready to buy.
#2932 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [madmanmoo] by jwilliams2
May 02, 2009 (12:44 pm)
Reply

Replying to: madmanmoo (May 02, 2009 11:50 am)

Moo, Could not have said it better myself.
#2933 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [madmanmoo] by tidester HOST
May 02, 2009 (7:39 pm)
Reply

Replying to: madmanmoo (May 02, 2009 11:50 am)

Getting price quotes on all the vehicles that you are considering is silly ...
 
Only if you are construing that as a commitment. If I ask you what the price is, I'm not looking for anything binding. I just want to know whether it's in the affordability ballpark. If you think it's binding then that's your problem. I'd likely walk if you're unwilling to provide basic and straightforward information to me.
 
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
#2934 of 3011
Re: Looking for advice [tidester] by lrguy44
May 02, 2009 (7:42 pm)
Reply

Replying to: tidester (May 02, 2009 7:39 pm)

There is a difference between the price and the best price. If I am asked the price, I will respond with the list price, or if advertised, the advertised price. The best price is given to those who are ready to make a commitment.

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