3219 messages,
Last post on May 19, 2013 at 1:46 PM
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Car Buying, Car Selling
#3045 of 3219 Re: Ford fleet pricing [iontrap]
by stickguy
Dec 13, 2012 (8:22 am)
yes. There are often different level plans (X, Y) for different groups (employees, vendors, etc.). But they are set up as a % of invoice.
I have contacts at Subaru, and their VIP pricing IIRC was 2.5% below invoice, plus you get any incentives. And it was set up at corporate, so the dealer was just an order taker in this case.
#3046 of 3219 Trading In For New At Dealership ?
by bobr14
Dec 29, 2012 (5:29 am)
Hello,
What is my legal/moral responsibility when trading in an older car at Dealership and purchasing a new one there, to tell them of problems with car ?
Do I just say that "you take it as is," or tell them that there is actually a small coolant leak ?
I imagine they will ask, and/or there is some form regarding.
It has 135,000 miles on it, a 2005, excellent condition other than this small leak. Would they just likely scrap it ? Hate to see someone buy it and then find out that the leak gets worse, or... ?
Don't want to give them excuses for really minimizing what they give me for the car, but if it to be scrapped, no reason to tell them. If they will sell it, not sure how best to handle ?
What should I tell them re leak, or not tell them ?
Thoughts on ?
Thanks,
B.
#3047 of 3219 Re: Trading In For New At Dealership ? [bobr14]
by robr2
Dec 29, 2012 (7:16 am)
If you are asking the question, I guess you're feeling a tinge of guilt. Would you want someone to sell you a car without telling you there is a little coolant leak?
In any case, it's an 8 year old car with 135K. It's going right to auction on the next transporter out. Telling them there is a coolant leak probably isn't going to affect the value by much.
Why not fix the coolant leak and sell it on Craigslist? Is it a hose or is it a head gasket?
#3048 of 3219 Re: Trading In For New At Dealership ? [bobr14]
by stickguy
Dec 29, 2012 (9:48 am)
good question. A lot of people feel that there is a distinction between trading in and private sale. On a private sale, you should disclose something you know to be wrong that is not obvious to see (like say a broken taillight), but that dealers are pros, and it is up to them to inspect the car and offer accordingly. And something like a coolant leak should be readily apparent if they bother to look over the car.
Now, a bad tranny that slips when warm, but you bring the car in cold after parking overnight around the corner? Well, that is bad form!
but in any case, this car is going to be sent straight to auction, and they are going to offer you next to nothing assuming it has problems. So no, I would not tell them about it. If they ask directly no need to lie, but it is an old high mile car, so it is going to have some flaws!
I do agree with Rob that you might want to have it fixed (depending on what it would cost) and sell privately, since depending on what it is, you might do considerably better. And if you don't want to bother, just note in the ad about the leak and let people decide for themselves.
#3049 of 3219 how is this negotiating strategy?
by beethovengirl
Dec 30, 2012 (6:02 pm)
can you please critique my negotiating strategy?
I'm struggling with the idea of buying a new car b/c my old car still works, but it will probably start needing some work in 2013 (new brakes, etc). So I figure that some dealerships might be wanting to unload their remaining 2012 inventory tomorrow 12/31 at a good price so they can improve their end-of-year sales figures. So I was thinking of sending an email like this:
"I am looking for a 2012 silver or gray [vehicle]. To be perfectly honest, I am hesitant about buying a new car because my current car works perfectly fine, so I will only purchase a new car if I can obtain one at a fire-sale price, and I figured 12/31/12 would be a good day to find a dealer who wants to unload a 2012 model.
My zip code is 12345 for pricing calculations, and I will be paying cash for the car. Can you please provide me with an out the door quote today with your best offer?
I am seeking price quotes from various dealers so please be sure to obtain authorization from your manager if required before quoting a price.
I understand that you may not want to send offers via email to customers, but if you have a car that matches what I want, and you will be able to give me an exact price quote on the phone, then email me your phone number, and I will give you a call."
or would something like this be better for the first paragraph:
"I am looking for a 2012 silver or gray [vehicle]. I am prepared to pay cash TODAY, but I will ONLY purchase a new car if I can obtain one at a fire-sale price, and I figured 12/31/12 would be a good day to find a dealer who wants to unload a 2012 model."
thoughts? thanks for your input
#3050 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [beethovengirl]
by stickguy
Dec 30, 2012 (6:35 pm)
too much extraneous stuff in the first email.
first of all, are you planning to specify a specific car? Or just anything they happen to have? You really need (if you want to have a hope of actually getting a real quote) to have an exact car (or model) in mind.
So, something like " I am willing to buy today a 2013 Accord EX in silver mist, which should have a MSRP of $23,456. I see stock # xyz on your website" "please supply your best price if I take it today, including all fees and taxes for an OTD price"
and if you really want to do it, include your phone number.
#3051 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [stickguy]
by stickguy
Dec 30, 2012 (6:37 pm)
oh, if you really want the best price? Pick the car/dealer you want, and if they have the exact one in stock, go in an hour before they close, and tell them you can take it today if they give you a price you can't refuse.
#3052 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [beethovengirl]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Dec 30, 2012 (7:05 pm)
"fire sale" implies some drastically reduced price--less than the dealer paid for the car--and that ain't gonna happen EVER. Also leftover 2012s may no longer carry popular colors and options.
And a "cash" sale is of no importance to a dealer, other than that he knows that you don't need financing so won't be a flake---but he'd rather sell you a car with financing.
I agree with the others---short and sweet and what's your best price, I'm a ready buyer.
#3053 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [stickguy]
by beethovengirl
Dec 30, 2012 (7:22 pm)
Hi stickguy,
yes, I do have a specific model in mind. I guess I can't figure out how to communicate that I'm only going to buy a new car if I can get a really good price. I just figured that on 12/31/12, there may be some dealers that are willing to unload 2012 inventory for fire-sale prices...
thanks for your help
#3054 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [beethovengirl]
by stickguy
Dec 30, 2012 (7:39 pm)
do you even know what the acceptable price is, or are you expecting to just decide when you hear it? If there is a price you want, and they have the right car in stock, make them an offer (especially effective if you are standing in the showroom with your checkbook!)
you can also negotiate one sided if you want, and if the offer isn't good enough, just tell them to keep going lower!