Best plan of attack for buying a new truck - Canadians espescially

[bernse]

I have begun the process of buying a new truck. I plan on actually purchasing one in approx 1-2 months. It's been about 6 years since I've last bought, and I overpaid last time and don't want to do it again... or maybe better put, get the "best deal" that I can.

So, what is the best plan of attack for getting the best deal for my hard earned $$$?

We don't really have any "internet" dealers in Canada that I am aware of (other than cars4u.com which doesn't do business in Alberta... nor really outside of Ontario at all). Otherwise, I'd probably just buy it over the net!

What I planned on doing was getting a list of exactly what I wanted for a vehicle (Model, options, color, etc) and emailing to the dealers close to me and getting a quote from them. I even plan on letting them know that I'd be emailing 3 (or so) different dealers so they'd hopefully give a more competitive price. I'll also asked for it to be itemized as to not get sprung with any "suprise" fees. I also know a guy back east who works for GM that can tell me what "Employee Price" would be for the model that I want. So, I am thinking if I get a deal close to that, it's getting fair.

Good or bad idea?

Any other thoughts?

 

[Atlantean]

What city are you in? When my parents bought their last car they called the largest vw dealer in Vancouver and said they were willing to drive down there now to get it, whats the best price we can get for it... then told the dealership here the price they worked out with that dealer, and they not only matched that price... they beat it.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Have you tried Edmunds.com and those types of sites? You can request free quotes from local dealers around your area - they'll usually quote you a flat price which I'm not sure is negotiable. (I didn't try to) I got my 04 Accord quote from 5 dealers and one offered $400 under invoice so I took it. I tried hassling with a salesguy at another dealer and it wasn't worth it at all.

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: Atlantean
What city are you in? When my parents bought their last car they called the largest vw dealer in Vancouver and said they were willing to drive down there now to get it, whats the best price we can get for it... then told the dealership here the price they worked out with that dealer, and they not only matched that price... they beat it.

Small city in Alberta. Grande Prairie, to be exact. I'd drive as far as Edmonton if it was worthwhile.

Have you tried Edmunds.com and those types of sites? You can request free quotes from local dealers around your area - they'll usually quote you a flat price which I'm not sure is negotiable. (I didn't try to) I got my 04 Accord quote from 5 dealers and one offered $400 under invoice so I took it. I tried hassling with a salesguy at another dealer and it wasn't worth it at all

That's what I'd ideally like to do, but Edmunds.com doesn't work for Canadians and I am unaware of a Canadian equivalent.

 

[Howard]

This might help.

http://www.carcostcanada.com/en/

 

[Pliablemoose]

One method I heard of that I like is to fax your specs to various car dealers, tell them you'll accept offers till xx/xx/xx, and for them to fax back their offers to you.

That way you have several offers in print & can pick & choose. You can buy a cheap ass fax machine & put it on your home line just for this

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: Howard
This might help.

http://www.carcostcanada.com/en/

Thanks for the link.

One method I heard of that I like is to fax your specs to various car dealers, tell them you'll accept offers till xx/xx/xx, and for them to fax back their offers to you.

That way you have several offers in print & can pick & choose. You can buy a cheap ass fax machine & put it on your home line just for this

Yeah, I'll do something like that either with a Fax or email.