SOHO Finance -- Bargaining for a New Car

Bargaining for a New Car
by Gary Foreman of The Dollar Stretcher

Dear Dollar Stretcher,
We normally buy used cars and trucks but we decided to buy a new truck from a dealer. What advice would you give us to deal with the new car dealers.
Sheryl

Sheryl is about to travel one of the more interesting roads in America. The one that leads through a new car dealership. And her actions could save or cost her thousands of dollars.

Just like the Boy Scouts, Sheryl will need to be prepared. She'll want to check out safety and reliability records for different models. Consumer Reports does a good job.

She'll also want to spend some time at dealers checking out various makes and models. Tell the salesperson that you won't buy that day. If you buy a car the first time that you see it, you've almost certainly paid too much.

Next, Sheryl will want to collect pricing information. Edmunds is a good resource. If you don't have internet access, pick up a new car guide at a newsstand.

Sheryl will learn that there's more than one price for the car she wants to buy. The 'invoice price' is what the dealership pays, but it's not their true cost. They'll receive rebates, discounts, incentive awards and allowances from the manufacturer that will reduce the cost. Often the rebates are large enough so that the dealer can sell to you 'at invoice' and still make a reasonable profit.

At the dealership Sheryl will encounter the "Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price" (MSRP). That's shown on a large label on the window. It should include retail price, transportation charges and fuel economy.

Finally, there's the "Dealer Sticker Price". That includes MSRP plus any dealer preparation items like undercoating. Generally these items are very profitable for the dealer.

You'll find the largest difference between invoice and sticker prices on the most popular and least available models.

Part of the goal of your research is to decide which make and model is right for you. Don't let your ego decide what car you'll drive. Sure, you want something that's bigger, faster or sexier. What you need is something to carry people and cargo to work, school or shopping. Make sure that you can afford the car you want.

OK, now Sheryl's ready to visit the dealer and begin dickering. Before we start, let's get one thing clear. There are many fine, honest car salespeople. But, selling cars is a very competitive business. And some dealers and salespeople are more willing to pressure the buyer than others. The goal here is to learn how to deal with the toughest.

The first rule is to travel in twos. You're much less likely to succumb to sales pressure if you have a spouse or friend with you.

The next rule is simple, too. Buy near the end of the month. Both salespeople and dealers have quotas. Although every deadline isn't at the end of the month, many are.

Sheryl will need to watch the add-ons. Many of them are extremely profitable for the dealer. Don't be pressured into sealant packages and other high margin options. If you want an alarm or special sound system get competitive prices before you talk to the dealer.

Also watch for duplicate charges. For instance, the invoice price should include freight. Make sure that it doesn't show up twice.

Take a test drive in the car that you're considering. Quality has improved, but you still might find that there's something wrong or the equipment isn't exactly what you expected.

Start your negotiations at the invoice price, not with the sticker. Increase your offer in small increments. A couple of hundred dollars is often enough to keep things moving.

Use newspaper ads to encourage competition among dealers. Always plan on visiting more than one dealer. Even if the specific make and model you want is only offered by one dealer in your area you can still set up competition. Just select a similar model from another manufacturer. Use the competing car to get the price of your favored model down.

Remember, you can negotiate anything. Don't believe that they can't budge on any particular item.

Don't stay too long in the dealership. Tell the salesman that you only have one hour. After it's up, excuse yourself and leave. You can always resume negotiations where you left off tomorrow. The fact that you're willing to leave will help get the salesperson to their lowest price more quickly.

Some dealers will offer to let you take a car home overnight. They want you to fall in love with the car and to stop shopping. Don't do it.

How do you know when the dealer is really at the rock bottom price? Generally, if you can stay close to invoice you'll be doing well. If Sheryl can get the bargaining down to a $50 difference on a $15,000 car, she's doing a good job.

Once she knows what she'll pay for the new car, it's time to talk trade-in. Don't discuss it until now. During her research Sheryl should check the value of her car. The Kelley Blue Book or NADA will provide the necessary info. The dealer's goal is to make money on both cars. Your goal is to minimize that.

If your trade-in is fairly new, it's worthwhile to wash and wax the old cruiser. Dealers claim to be smart in buying cars, but there's still something helpful about making a good first impression.

Consider taxes before deciding whether to trade-in or sell your car. In most states the amount subject to sales tax is the price of the new car minus your trade-in allowance. With sales tax running 6% in some areas a $10,000 trade-in could save $600 in taxes.

Be sure that you have a completed, signed contract before you drive your new car from the dealership. It's much easier to spot errors and make corrections now.

If you should have trouble, the Federal Trade Commission may be able to help. You can contact their Consumer Response Center at 1-877-FTC-HELP. You might also want to check with your States' Attorney. Many states have laws to protect new car buyers.

Your car is the second most expensive item you own. This is one purchase where extra time and effort pays big dividends. We hope Sheryl gets a great deal on her new wheels!

Gary Foreman is a former purchasing manager who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher website. You'll find hundreds of free articles to help you stretch your day and your dollar. Visit today!

Return To The Top