Has anyone used Carsdirect?

Wah

Golden Member
Oct 16, 1999
1,799
1
71
Anyone use carsdirect.com to buy a new car or know of anyone who has? Just wondering how it works and what your experiences were like... I know it can be used as a negotiating tool, but how does buying from the site work?
 

boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
18,569
0
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I think you tell them what you want... they go look for it and check it... and you buy it like a normal car. I believe they have little offices around my area... sorry not much help here. :(
 

Wah

Golden Member
Oct 16, 1999
1,799
1
71
I don't think that correct b/c they give you a price on the website when you configure a car... I'm just wondering how they get dealers to agree to that price, and if it would be possible to get dealers to go even lower.
 

boyRacer

Lifer
Oct 1, 2001
18,569
0
0
Originally posted by: Wah
I don't think that correct b/c they give you a price on the website when you configure a car... I'm just wondering how they get dealers to agree to that price, and if it would be possible to get dealers to go even lower.

sorry... working with limited info here... you could check this if you haven't already...
 

Maharaja

Member
Apr 25, 2000
192
0
0
Originally posted by: Wah
Anyone use carsdirect.com to buy a new car or know of anyone who has? Just wondering how it works and what your experiences were like... I know it can be used as a negotiating tool, but how does buying from the site work?

From their website.
Looks like they have a 2 tiered system.
1. Dealerships sign up with CarsDirect to sell at CarsDirect prices.
2. Dealerships buy auto leads from them.

Option 1 is good for dealers since they're at least getting pre-sold leads. Option 2 is good because the dealership is getting someone who wants to buy a car and they can try to sell to them. I guess the decision comes down to whether the dealership is more concerned with their sales volume or sales margin.
 

MazerRackham

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2002
6,572
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Bump! I am thinking of using carsdirect, since friggin' car salesman make me sick to my stomach.

Anyone here ever actually buy their car through carsdirect? Was the price you paid anything close to the initially listed price?
 

Pixelated

Senior member
May 15, 2002
264
0
0
I used them three years ago and it was a great experience. I'm not sure if the process is the same, but I configured my car online and a carsdirect rep called me within a few hours letting me know that they would be searching the dealers in my area for my exact configuration. A couple of hours later, they called me back letting me know that if I wanted my Xterra in black, that it might take a week. I told them it was no problem since I wasn't in a hurry. They called me two days later letting me know that my SUV was available at a local dealer for pickup. When I went in, most of the paperwork was already done and I probably spent about an hour or two at the dealership (mostly talking about carsdirect with the sales lady)

I did use a carsdirect.com price to negotiate a minivan for my mom at a local dealership. While I spent three and a half hours there, I still got the price I walked originally asked for.

Like I said, I haven't orderer through carsdirect.com in a few years, but I assume most of their process is similar.

Sorry so long, but I hope it helps.
 

440sixpack

Senior member
May 30, 2000
790
0
76
I used them for the Ram in my sig. I posted about my experience on another message board, let me go dig that up and I'll post it here.
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
I use the price at Carsdirect.com

and just head to the dealerships of my choice.

On carsdirect.com they add $$$$ to ever little thing... while if you're at the dealership.. with the amount you get quoted on carsdirect.com, you can use that to your advantage and have them throw minor stuff in for free.

even possibly buy a higher trim car for a better price.

I had dealership that were more than willing to beat the prices at carsdirect.com
 

MazerRackham

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2002
6,572
0
0
Ah cool, well I'm looking right now at the Civic Si, and the carsdirect price is roughly $3300 less than the dealer sticker, though I haven't tried haggling with a dealer yet.

But if carsdirect can help me get it at the lower price, I'm definitely going to try it out, but not until the 2004 models come out.
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
Originally posted by: MazerRackham
Ah cool, well I'm looking right now at the Civic Si, and the carsdirect price is roughly $3300 less than the dealer sticker, though I haven't tried haggling with a dealer yet.

But if carsdirect can help me get it at the lower price, I'm definitely going to try it out, but not until the 2004 models come out.

you're gonna get teh hatch si ?

those are like the ugliest things alive.. well maybe 4th ugliest ( aztek, sunfire, element )

why not get like a used 99-00 SI
those are faster and also look better