the "process" of buying a new car

[Thunder22]

In the last 3 months I've helped 3 friends buy new cars, and I have to say that compared to "back in the day", the process is ridiculously simple. I think I spent a total of 30 minutes with all of the dealers negotiating price, (i.e. 10 minutes each) and i use the word negotiating loosely, because it was generally as simple as "i would like that car with these options and i'll offer you $300 over invoice" and we were done.

There's either ridiculous competition out there and the sales guys don't want to lose the sale, or they dealerships are happy making a bit of a markup over invoice and then whatever hold back they have. Either way, it's simple to buy a new car these days....

any thoughts? am i just getting lucky, or is this the way the process is these days?

[soccerjunky]

i wish that system worked at the ferrari dealer

There is a small town dealer close to where i live... he shows all the customers the invoice on his deals... all his sales staff are on salary not commission

1. what/where is u're resource for the invoice price?
2. Does this include current year models? imports? did u forfeit rebates/financing offers?
3. Was a trade in involved...obviously trading a vehicle in usually costs money versus selling on u're own.

[canamx5]

What make are these 3 cars? cash, finance, lease? I find it way easier to negotiate with the big 3 and they usually have a great MF.

[Meiac09]

I'm sure soccerjunky has a picture that Michelle would love for what I think of it.

That works well if you want a car that is readily available, I went to a VW dealer, drove an R32, told them 2K under invoice, and got the bait and switch pulled on me right before signing on the dotted line 15 minutes later.

The two successful purchases I have made have been online. If its new, I offer XXXXX, they counter or accept, i go drive it, and buy it when I can go back (usually the next day or monday if I go on the weekend, i never shop in Maine.) If its used, I look at it first, then barter on how to get it a warrarnty.

[Thunder22]

1st was a Jeer Cherokee Limited
2nd was Toyota Rav4
3rd is a Nissan Rogue

I could have added in a 335xi from last August that the salesman dropped the price on by $2500 without me even asking.

[SANguru]

it's easier than that... they call you, you say ok. Order car. Car shows up on a truck.

Originally Posted by soccerjunky

i wish that system worked at the ferrari dealer

There is a small town dealer close to where i live... he shows all the customers the invoice on his deals... all his sales staff are on salary not commission

1. what/where is u're resource for the invoice price?
2. Does this include current year models? imports? did u forfeit rebates/financing offers?
3. Was a trade in involved...obviously trading a vehicle in usually costs money versus selling on u're own.

[Quicksilver]

Hey don't forget you gotta have the Moo-la
in your jeans before you tell "I'LL TAKE IT".