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14 Mar 2008 02:11:36 | Kevin Schappell
Before you make an offer you need to find a dealer with the car
you want. You have three options in doing this. ·Drive around
all day and night searching for a dealer who has the car you
want. ·Spend countless hours online finding local dealers who
have websites. And THEN spend more time digging through their
websites to find your new car. ·Fill out a request form online
and have a dealer contact you if he or she has the car you are
looking for. This option alone can save you hours of your
valuable time. So you know what you want, you know what it
costs, and you where to find it, so how do you go about getting
it? First and foremost is getting into a negotiating frame of
mind. Always remember you can walk out at anytime and leave your
offer on the table. Dealers want you to buy right then and
there. They play on your impulses and try to rush you into a
deal. Don't play their game; it's not the end of the world if
you don't buy right then and there. Before leaving the house:
When you go to the dealer have all your research documents with
you incase you have to review anything. It's always nice to have
supporting information when you are trying to get the lowest
price. While at the dealer: Be calm and pleasant, treat the
salesperson with respect. He is a working stiff just like you.
You will get nowhere being arrogant because you know the true
invoice pricing or other details about the dealers pricing.
Making the offer: Explain to the salesman that you have
researched the dealer's invoice price and any incentives they
get from selling the car and you have calculated the price you
are willing to pay. How much over invoice should you offer? 4% -
6% has been a good number. I would offer 4% over invoice if you
trust the dealerships service department and plan on getting
your car serviced there. Why offer them less if you like their
service? Well they will end up making more money on your in the
end by servicing your car. Make sure you mention this to the
salesman; it's a good bargaining chip. What next? Wait.........
if they do not take the deal, politely leave your name and phone
number and go home. Better yet go to another dealer and see if
they are willing to take your offer. Remember you can always go
back and they can always call you when they realize you will not
be buying on impulse and really mean business. You have spent
hours researching, why throw that away buy getting nervous and
signing a deal you do not feel is fair.
About Author :
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he
gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance, and
financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided
to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
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