(no subject)

[geekchick]

If I could shop for and purchase a car completely over the internet and have someone deliver it to my house, I'd be totally happy. At least I've gotten a quote from one of the local dealers for something slightly less than what they claim invoice is, and about $400 less than what Edmunds claimed was their local average. I have requests out to a couple of other dealers, so we'll see how that stacks up. I also have two "come test drive it tomorrow, I'll be here all day" notes, which I'm ignoring for right now. I may well go test drive tomorrow anyway, but I'm not going to commit to it. This is what I'm looking at, with the automatic transmission, side airbags and moonroof. I can live without the moonroof, but I really like the one in my Protege and figure if I'm going to shell out for a new car I might as well look for what I want; the first two are absolute requirements though. I've decided to be sensible and not commit myself right now to the payments that a Mini would require. Perhaps for my next car.

Part of the reason this is only the second time in my life that I've gone car shopping is because I truly, truly suck at price negotiations. A halfway decent car salesman could (and would) walk right over me. That's why I'm taking nminusone with me; any of you who've ever argued with him will know exactly what I mean. ;) I will sit down, shut up, and sign the check when it's all done. Last time, I took Don with me and he kindly did all the arguing negotiating. I know it's a skill I should learn (and should grow a backbone while I'm at it), but I'd really prefer not to start practicing with a car salesman.

Comments

[anmorata.livejournal.com]

It's funny that you bring this up. I see that k3llya is on your friends list, so I'll just link you to everything I said about this topic today.

Shopping for cars is not fun. Not at all.

[geekchick]

Yeah, I had just read your comments right around the time I was posting this. =)

[madbodger.livejournal.com]

Good choice on the car. Too bad mangosteen isn't local, he skins
car salesmen alive.

[geekchick]

Pretty sure I've never even met mangosteen. =)

[free-of-whip.livejournal.com]

Hmm, last time I bought a car, I did it through AAA's car-buying service. I said what kind of car I wanted, and they got quotes from several dealers. I then just went over to the one with the lowest bid, and bought the car. I, too, hate negotiating, and this avoided it. If you're a AAA member, you can check it out here.

[geekchick]

I had forgotten about that, thanks for the reminder. Too bad the closest dealer they offer is in Catonsville. =/

Huh. They also didn't get me a particularly good deal -- $750 over invoice. I got a starting quote for $300 under from someplace closer through Edmunds. I hate negotiating, but if it'll save me close to $1000 I think I'll do it. =)

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

I'd be happy with $300 over invoice, typically, plus wholesale on my trade-in. Then I'd negotiate regarding extended warranties and service plans... I paid an extra $1200, for 6-year bumper-to-bumper coverage plus all routine maintenance up to 62K miles, on our new minivan. That has paid for itself twice over, thus far...