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Got a Quick Question for a Car Dealer?

3219 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 1:46 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying, Car Selling

Messages Page 306 of 322

#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)

Replying to: beethovengirl (Dec 30, 2012 6:02 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)

Replying to: stickguy (Dec 30, 2012 6:35 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)

Replying to: beethovengirl (Dec 30, 2012 6:02 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)

Replying to: stickguy (Dec 30, 2012 6:35 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)

Replying to: beethovengirl (Dec 30, 2012 7:22 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!

#3055 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [stickguy] by beethovengirl

Dec 30, 2012 (7:46 pm)

Replying to: stickguy (Dec 30, 2012 7:39 pm)
Hi stickguy,
Yes, I do have a target price in mind. I might just walk into the closest dealer an hour before closing and try your suggestion if my emails/calls earlier in the day don't get me where I want to be.
 
thanks

#3056 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [beethovengirl] by robr2

Dec 31, 2012 (10:20 am)

Replying to: beethovengirl (Dec 30, 2012 7:46 pm)
I might just walk into the closest dealer an hour before closing and try your suggestion...
 
And watch as the salesperson and sales manager both say, come back tomorrow.
 
The dealership may have already hit it's goals for the month and having to deal with a sale and delivery the day before a holiday might be more of a hassle than the meager profit they are going to make.

#3057 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [beethovengirl] by kevinc5

Dec 31, 2012 (11:21 am)

Replying to: beethovengirl (Dec 30, 2012 7:46 pm)
How did it turn out?

#3058 of 3219 Re: how is this negotiating strategy? [kevinc5] by beethovengirl

Jan 01, 2013 (2:35 pm)

Replying to: kevinc5 (Dec 31, 2012 11:21 am)
Yesterday afternoon I negotiated a price with which I was satisfied, and before driving out to the dealer, I asked the salesman to confirm that the car had 10 miles on it, as their website indicated. turns out it had 330 miles on it, so I balked.
 
I walked into the closest dealer an hour before closing yesterday with my checkbook in hand and a print-out of a webpage advertising the sales price of my desired model at a dealer that, while not close by, is located where I'm planning to visit in 5 weeks. I asked the dealer to match that dealer's advertised price, and he said no. So maybe I'll buy from that dealer advertising a good price online...still have not decided.

Messages Page 306 of 322

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