Video in Link: http://bigthink.com/ideas/41819

What do you think? I think it is solid advice, but you would still need to visit dealerships prior to test drive a few cars to see which you like before making calls, unless you are loyal to a brand and know exactly what you want.

P.S. Check all the obvious angry dealer comments on the page

 

lol at the comment down the page.

 

Not a bad video! Literally, I've done exactly just what the video suggested a couple of times with great results! When I want the best deal, I don't worry about how it's going to affect my relationship with the saleman or sales manager or the entire dealer. One time I was shopping for a new car, I checked 2 local dealers. Both had the same car in the system with the same price. Went to one, negotiated a deal and signed all the papers with a delivery date of 2 weeks away. Took that paper to the other dealer, showed it to the sales manager and told him if he can beat it by a $1000, he would have my business! Sales manager moaned and groaned but agreed to it! Just saved $1000!

 

I'm amazed at the recurring comment about figuring out what you want in a car. How do you not know this before showing up? The only thing I need the dealership/salesperson for is the test drive. Before walking in I already know the model, options, and color I want. How do you not?

 

6-8 months ago my dad wanted to buy a 2011 Camry LE. I e-mailed every Toyota dealer until I got the one with the lowest price, went in the next day and bought it.

My dad and I got to the dealership and he's like okay here we go. I asked what? He said time to haggle. He couldn't believe that all of that was skipped over by doing negotiating online and said it was the best purchase experience he's ever had.


And it was, it was quick and painless and I truly believe we got the best price.

 

I usually test drive to determine if the basic car appeals to me, compared to several alternative cars.
Salespeople hate it when the alternatives are not in the same class/type of car-- Integra v. CRX-Si and 5.0 Mustang, or GS350 v. Porsche Cayman and Jag XF.

Once the test driving is done, then I look at the non-package options on the remaining candidates before negotiations start.

Basically, I don't know if I'm going to seriously consider buying a car before I've finished test driving all my alternatives.