Originally Posted by Tigger

Hey, at least it's $3k cheaper for 2014. It's like getting the sport package for free. Stay away from the 13s for this reason alone.

And for ordering through the dealer... talk with the sales manager. Tell him exactly what you want. They'll search for it and if they don't have it they'll try to find another dealer with the same specs. If no one has it, then they'll have to order. But this is where the car buying game is slightly different. Yes, you will pay more for a car you order. If they don't have it on the lot and no one else has it, you have no options. If you want it, you'll pay. You can still work out a deal but I don't they'll drop much lower than 1k-1.5k below MSRP. That would be reaching a little. But that doesn't say it hasn't happened before. But keep a firm price in your mind that you refuse to budge from. If you can't come to an agreement, don't buy... yet. It's actually rather easy to walk away from a potential sale even if you are only a few hundred off. Key is to not make it personal. Shake hands and be on your way. Easy. But if they meet the number you were hoping for and the numbers work for you then take it.

Deposits are the easy part if you do have to order. Dealer dependent mostly. Your deposit will be counted as part of your down payment once the vehicle is delivered. Could take anywhere from 6-8 weeks or more to get a vehicle built to your specs. At least when you finally get it it'll have only a couple of miles on it, if that.

If you put $9k down on this car, depending on credit, apr and a bunch of other crap, you'll be looking at about a $600/month payment.

Anyway, hope the search goes well. But if there is one piece of advice I have to give to a new car buyer... When they sit you down and begin to think they can steam-roll you because it is your first new car and they put all these numbers together and the sales guy comes back with that piece of paper and makes some big motions with his pen and draws a line under a price or monthly payment option and says, "Sign here and we'll get the paperwork started" or "this says you'll buy this car at this price" you need to tell them politely to take a hike. DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING. The ONLY documents you sign are in the FINANCE OFFICE! NOT WITH THE SALES GUY! They will often come out with a sheet of paper showing the monthly payments only and will never volunteer a total itemized price. When they do this tell them you want an itemized list of every charge and the total OTD price.

Be leery. Be on guard. Don't let them pressure you. And remember the entire time that you have two legs. You can walk whenever you want. Good luck!

Sorry or going on a long-winded rant. But I hope this info helps.