Originally posted by: Garion
How to get a good deal on a car, or at least what has worked well for me in the past.
1: Look around on the Internet at dealers in your area - You'll often find one that has a special "Internet deal" of "$xxx over/under invoice". Call them up, make sure it's legit and get a quote for a car like the one you want. Otherwise, call around a bit and find the lowest price in the area. You'll often find someone that's willing to sell it cheap for a simple, easy transaction without needing to mess with test drives, etc. Always be sure to "ask for a quote" and make sure they understand you are checking 4-5 other dealerships, too.
2: If you're going to finance it, arrange your own financing. Check your bank, eloan, or get pre-approved at
www.chevrolet.com. Do everything you can to get your $$ in order ahead of time.
3: Research the current incentives on the car. Make sure you understand what the incentives are. Remember they are from the factory, NOT from the dealership. They shouldn't be included in any deal you make with the dealer. The incentives just drop the price of the car $xxx once you've made your deal. In this case, there aren't any on the SS, so that's probably a moot point.
4: Call ahead to the dealership and find out the name of the Internet Sales Manager or the Fleet Sales manager. They are used to the no-hassle take-it-or-leave-it deal.
5: Go into the dealership on the LAST DAY of the month. Dealerships are always more eager to make one last sale for the month to boost their numbers.
6: Tell them that dealership X (from #1) offered you a car at $xxx over/under invoice but that you'd rather buy from them if they can beat the offer. I usually throw them some kind of a bone and say something like "A friend of mine bought his XXX car here and really likes it and recommended your dealership. The other dealership wasn't very friendly, so I thought I'd swing by here to see if we can work a deal before I go up there to buy the car"
7: If they want something (like a license or credit card when you take a test drive or keys to test drive your car) get everything back immediately when they are done. Don't start negogiating while they have something of yours to hold you there.
8: If they can't or won't meet the price, don't negogiate. Thank them for their time and their offer and tell them that you're going to go to the other dealership to buy the car and turn around and walk out. This is why you don't want them to have your keys or anything else.
9: Chances are, they will come running after you and try to make a deal. Be prepared to walk away. If they won't beat the best deal, chances are the dealership you find in #1 will be able to do an inventory transfer of the car you want, anyhow. Go buy it there.
One note - Financing in hand is good since there's less paperwork at the dealership but occasionally the dealership CAN get you a better rate, plus they often get a kickback and might be able to cut you a better deal on the car.
When I bought my Maxima (2005 SL, in January) I found a place that advertised that they would sell it for $700 under invoice, but they were about 100 miles away. I went to the close, local dealership and they matched their price and gave me a few other bennies (free oil changes, etc.) to boot. Worked out nicely, little fuss.
If you take anything away from this post, #5 and #7 are the most important things. Last day of the month is key, and never, never let them keep your keys, credit card, driver's license, etc.
- G
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