Why Car Dealers Steer You Away From the Web

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facebok

Your message raises contradictions in my head

facebok of AL @ Oct 31, 2009 12:06:24 PM

macafee

Always thought that your blog is one of the best in my bookmarks, and once again saw this

macafee of AL @ Oct 21, 2009 11:08:30 AM

good blog

Your post carries a hidden washed away, I just know it

wallmart of AL @ Oct 20, 2009 18:22:51 PM

What you are looking for is out there

As I read this, I was thinking "WOW! Has no-one heard of Carmax"? They have great used cars and a great friendly staff. And don't even talk about their selection. It's awesome and wide. They have the no haggle pricing, high quailty cars, low pressure staff, and no tricks. People, if you have not tried them you should. If you only want to buy new, they have some lots that sell new, but most of them are pre owned. If you don't at least try them, your loss. You might even wanna try my salesperson she was great...Michelle W. I met other salespeople like Jocelyn and Imani because they are all so friendly there. Sales may be down but Carmax looks to be still rolling.

Sheryl of SC @ Sep 29, 2009 13:28:14 PM

Aefilqgn

JOLBFX

Aefilqgn of MT @ Jul 15, 2009 20:46:22 PM

want quotes by email only

I have cash to buy, tired of the haggling.

Deryl Watson of MN @ Jan 25, 2009 13:39:27 PM

Prices Please

My biggest complaint is that almost all dealers I have seen locally will not simply state the actual price of the vehicle on their website or on the car at the dealership. Most dealers only list the monthly payment so they can disguise hidden fees to make more money and get kickbacks from the finance companies.

What if someone has their own financing or better yet, intends to pay cash? Believe it or not, some of us are smart enough to save up our money to buy something rather than depending on credit.

I see it like this... NO PRICE, NO DEAL.

David Simms of WV @ Dec 11, 2008 09:13:45 AM

Response To Skip Trammell

Although you appear to be polite, which is appreciated, my experience with car dealers is that if I supply them with my phone number, the high pressure calls never end. I want a new vehicle, but get high pressure rap at every dealership. I am an extremely busy white-collar worker, and barely have enough time to do what must be done in my life. The very last thing I am going to do is spend time being subjected to high pressure nonsense. I won't buy under those circumstances. I know the vehicle, trim level, and options packackages I want. I went to a couple of dealerships to make sure they knew I was "real", and got cards from the salesperson I met. I then tried to conduct the final sales negotiations over the web to keep time to a minmum. Just to be clear here, I have excellent credit and was planniong on guying the vehicle I want outright anyway (i.e., this is not being written buy someone who has hidden financial issues or other blocks). I can't get a straight quote (answer) from anyone, even though they already know I am an actual buyer. All I get is the vague answers that might apply to any vehicle (I ask about specific vehicles, and have included the VIN and their stock number in the emails). Sorry, I just can't muster sympathy for the dealers. I have tried to be square, I get nonsense back.

Dallas Truck Buyer of TX @ Sep 23, 2008 16:37:48 PM

Use Kbb.com Cars.com & Edmunds.com

Go to the manufacturer's website, enter your zip code & configure the car with the package you want. Print out the pages that describe the package & MSRP. THEN, go to Kbb.com, Cars.com & Edmunds.com. Go through the same steps configuring the same car with the same package for each. If the MSRP matches, then you will see that the Dealer Invoice, MSRP AND THE TYPICAL PRICE FOR THE SAME CAR YOU WANT ACTUALLY SELLS FOR IN YOUR AREA!!!

You could not ask for better information!! Unbiased numbers about what a car really sells at!!!

How can a dealership argue that you should pay more AND how can YOU argue you should pay less. The dealership has this information too! It's the same as looking at comparable home prices for a neighborhood. Once you know the numbers, it's easy to decide if you are being treated fairly.

If you are looking for a Nissan GTR or a Prius & the usual price is %5k over MSRP, then guess what that's what you have to pay! If on the other hand you want a Corolla, then offering the dealer a little below invoice will probably get you the car you want without much hassle.

The Fear of Negotiating comes from ignorance not stupidity. Stupid people tend to be happy; they don't know any better.

G of VA @ Sep 17, 2008 23:26:58 PM

Interesting.

Its always easier when you know what you want, how much the going rate is, and where to look for it. That helps cut down the wheeling and dealing time with some of these jokers who try to squeez every dime out of you. It also limits their ability to sucker you. PATIENCE is the big one to add to this small arsenal when shopping for a new ride. Usually I'm ready to buy OR simply going to look if I go to a lot. Nobody has a chance to talk you into much if you're mentally prepared before you go shopping.

"Knowing is half the battle" G.I. JOE!

of NC @ Jun 12, 2008 23:41:28 PM

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Rick Newman

Rick Newman

The global economy is mysterious, even scary. Chief Business Correspondent Rick Newman connects the dots. In addition to his writing for U.S. News, Rick is the co-author of two books: Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11, and Bury Us Upside Down: The Misty Pilots and the Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

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