**The OFFICIAL loss-lead ad thread**

[LOLyourFace]

Knowledge is Power.

I've decided to post this PM about Loss-lead ads in car purchases, because it deserves the attention of ATOT community to help you guys save money.. (a lot of $$$) Before reading further, I suggest you check out these two threads to get an idea of what this is all about:

How RossMAN got his Accord SE for so cheap

Loss lead from the Hotdeals last year...

Now, below is my questions to RossMAN regarding how to handle the dealers to truly get the car in the price advertised. He'll be answering this thread shortly and we'll be helping each other out by contributing advices from experience. Have a read and let's save some money.



PM originally posted by LOLyourFACE to RossMAN today.
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I think I found a loss-lead ad on Mazda6, because it's way below the invoice price.

The edmund.com says:

Mazda 6i basic trim
MSRP: $18,530
Invoice: $17094
True Market Value: $18,042

*all exclude the $525 destination charge.

And here is the ad:

Quirkworks Auto!
2003 Mazda 6i

i MSRP: $19140
Quirk Discount -$2651
-----------------------------
$16,499*

*ex: z12378, z39847, zblah blah, & zblah blah at this discount.


Now, I believe this is the invoice deal currect? Please confirm that before I address the questions.

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RossMAN responds with some unintelligible slurs.


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Ok, let me get to the questions then:

1. I've heard many times that you can never buy the vehicle at the advertised price, how can this be done? I plan to bring the newspaper physically and buy it for the advertised price. Am I on the right track? It's my fear that the dealer could either add outrageous misc. charges or pull some other BS. But they are required to sell that vehicle by law as advertised right? Please explain.

2. Does that $16,499 include the $525 destination charge? What if they try to pocket it and lie that it's not? I should make an anonymous call mentioning the loss-lead ad and ask if it's included or not before going there in person.. What do you think?

3. Could you please share your loss-lead experience when you purchased Accord SE? I think I read it somewhere that the dealer was reluctant to give you the advertised price but you insisted etc.. If that was you, could you explain how you managed to get that done or link?

Thank you.

mods, could we get a stickie when this becomes very valuable?

 

[RossMAN]

1) False. I'm not sure if it's a federal or state law but the dealerships must list the VIN numbers for the loss leader cars in the ads. If you go to the Mazda dealership, bring your newspaper ad with you. If they claim they cannot sell you that car for that price the only reason would be because it's sold already. To prove that they are not lying, ask to see the bill of sale ... they'll either provide it proving THAT loss leader car was sold or they'll come up with an excuse and sell it to you for the advertised price. IT IS POSSIBLE to get the loss leader price. You have to show up at the dealership when they first open with your newspaper ad in hand.

2) Usually it includes the destination price but not TTL (tax, title, license which in OR is around $113). Making an anonymous call is a good idea, make sure to ask specific questions and write down ALL the details.

3) I've already shared my experiences in the two threads you linked to above. I had no problems in buying our Accord, I think you're thinking of this.

Also make sure that you have your financing all taken care of (approved and signed for) before going to the dealership.

Remember YOU have the power to walk away from the deal, they WANT to sell you the car ... but how badly?

 

[LOLyourFace]

for #1,

why must i show up at the dealership when they open in the morning? I can just make an anonymous call right before I leave to check if my desired vehicle is still in stock, and arrive anytime. Correct? (or make a cell call right outside the dealership)

for #3,

why can't i just finance through the dealer? They offer 3.9% for 60 mo. Is it because they might overcharge you with more $$ because they're already selling a loss-lead car?

 

[RossMAN]

You could finance through the dealer but I thought you were already approved by your bank for $15k?

If you're going to buy NEW and the dealership is offering 3.9% for 60 months then by all means, go for it.

 

[LOLyourFace]

this deserves a bump

you haven't answered #1 yet.

 

[RossMAN]

I didn't answer #1 because if you look at the times you posted #3 first at 4:53PM, I replied at 4:54PM then you edited and ADDED #1 at 4:57PM.

1) Because if there's only 1 or 2 cars in the ad they will sell out within the first hour of the dealership opening. You cannot "reserve" it the previous night, it's first come, first serve. After the loss leader cars have been sold you're SOL and at the mercy of the salesman.