geekchick | (no subject) (Reply)

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.