How can a get a great deal from the dealership?

Cagan

I'm ready to buy my Z and have sent out emails to several dealerships. Do you guys have any advice on how to get a great price at dealerships. I will also be trading in my G35, so any tips on how to get the most for my trade in would be appreciated. I have bought all my previous cars from private parties, so any advice would be awesome.

falconfixer

truecar.com report is a good starting place.

Always be prepared to walk out if you don't get the numbers you like. You still have a job and pay the rent but if the salesperson doesn't sell a car he'll be turning tricks on the streetconer.

1st

First off figure out how much you are willing to put down and what you want your payment to be. You call the shots. If they don’t like it or not willing to work with you go to a different dealer. It’s your money you call the shots. It’s also ok to say no, hell no and no freaking way. Also kbb your other car to know what you’re dealing with and how much is a reasonable trade in amount to get so you don’t get lowballed. It’s also good to shop mid week end of the month/year. Remember the more the car sits on their lot the more they lose money on. Also low ball them and work your way up. Hope this helps.

djtodd

+1
Always buy at the end of the quarter ( end of Mar, June, Sept, Dec) and even better, the end of the year.

Cagan

Thanks for the tip. Im not sure if I cant wait until the end of Sept to get my Z!

cc370z

I sold cars for a long time and now I just train sales people. I wish there was some magic saying that would get you the best deal. But come the end if the day its all just basic math. So know the basics.
1) get pre approved for a loan. they might be able to get you a better interest rate however knowing what you're approved for a head kf will let you know if you're quoting you too high of a rate.
2) Know what your trade in is worth. Kbb.com trade in and subtract 2k-3k (that's whats normally the starting point of the trade in negotiation)
3) know what you can afford and what you're willing to pay.
4) always be willing to walk away. even if they hit your numbers. You can still walk and see what they do.

like what some of the other people have posted remember, it's your money if you don't feel comfortable with the deal to walk away. it sometimes a good idea to take someone with you that is not emotionally involved as well.

Magic Bus

cc370z, Quick question, OP's car is 9 years old. Would they really offer him a good trade in or would he be much better off selling it on his own?

cc370z

You normally always get more money on a private sale then on trade in.

Th3 On3

Try to sell on your own, that way you have more money for ur newer car. If u are having trouble selling n don't really have a choice then trade it in.

Make sure u make a deal on the car b4 bring up u have a trade.

Once u have the price locked in then throw in the trade!

Don't let them low ball u!

If ur unhappy then like everyone else says walk!

kenchan

walk in with a reasonable price (dont low ball, you just waste your time) you want to pay and get for your trade. i found that it's better to be open and just let them know what you want to get done 'today.' 'want to buy today' is the key words. ive bought over 20 new cars from dealers the last 12 yrs. show the sales guy respect.

ive walked out on dealers a few times. if the saleman brings out a blank piece of paper and a crayon to do the deal on (f-king Mazda), tell him to go f-k off and grab the next sales person that really wants to help. don't be shy to play hardball and ask everything you might have a question on. they will try to squeeze in every dealer option available... like window etching, paint sealant, fabric protector, extended warranty etc. just say no to all of them as you can get a better deal aftermarket. extended warranty can be bought later too if you decide to keep the car longer than the standard warranty.

also tell them that you have another car in mind that you're going to visit another dealer 'today'. something like a 135i or something. dont' say mustang 5.0 cause they will just tell you go buy it as it's a better car.

Fire

Kensan get out of the Saki. Tell them you are going to buy a ZL1 and race with Fire at Watkins Glen.

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2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 6MT coupe Back N' Black. 680hp

Isamu

good post man!

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黒子 ('Kuroko')
Project: SuperNova Owner/Operator and Lead designer @BlackGuard Aeroworks

kenchan

because it 'race car'

gurneyeagle

All good points that I have followed over the years.

I always save steadily and can pay cash.

One little ditty that really throws them for a loop - logical compassion. One line I always use after the salesman comes up with an initial, too-high price is -

"Thanks, but that's out of my ball park. I appreciate you guys run a business here, and have to maintain certain margins, but I can't afford that. I'm going to hit a few other dealerships.

Maybe my expectations are just a little too ambitious. I'll just have to wait a few months to save a little more cash".

They know I can write a check on the spot, and rarely let me leave the dealership. I did have to sit out two weeks before getting my Z, but the dealer did come down an additional $2k on the deal.

Bottomline - treat the sales staff with respect, go in with reasonable expectations, and be prepared to walk after using the line above.

On the other hand - at the first hint of b.s. sales tactics, walk and never look back. You don't want to deal with those types of people or need the car that badly.

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Waiting on the Z35! SOLD - 2011 Gun Metallic Touring 7AT w Sports Pkg & Nav, Nismo Bumper and Rims, RC Grille, RC Brake Ducts, H&R Spacers, Painted Door Hdls, GTR Start Button, Nav By-Pass, EVO R Fog Light, CF Ducktail, CF Interior Trim

Fire

#1 biggest turn-off is when the salesman says I have to ask the sales manager. I say just bring him out if you cannot do the deal yourself. #2 When they say that they will call you tomorrow. I tell them don't bother cause tomorrow is too late. #3 When they start talking down to you as if you cannot afford the vehicle. I tell them I know what it costs and wouldn't be wasting MY time if I couldn't afford it. Happy shopping. I have to say that I'm beyond happy with my dealer Shults in Jamestown NY. This is my 3rd new vehicle from them and they have always treated me right.

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2012 Chevy Camaro ZL1 6MT coupe Back N' Black. 680hp