If you go to Truecar, you can see the actual prices paid on a specific model in your zip code. They present you with a bell curve of actual prices paid, so you can compare an offer to see if it is actually low one. ... .
Here's what I
think is a problem with the TrueCar prices - it says these are the prices people paid
before including any dealer add-ons.
So what if one person reports they paid $23,000, but agreed to accept $2,000 of dealer add-ons that are really worth next to nothing? And another person reports they paid $24,000, but avoided all the dealer add-ons? The dealer is happy to 'negotiate' the 'car price' down to the $23,000 if they know they get the added $2,000. But maybe $24,000 is as far as they will go w/o the add-ons?
... Now I don't mind just getting used at Carmax and avoid the "Let's negotiate" dance
.
I used CarMax once, and it was a pretty smooth experience. But I do think their prices are high, and I let their multi-point check and good reputation (at least my impression from a lot of on-line searches) lull me into a little false security and faith. We looked at three of the same model, and I forgot to check things like tire wear on the one we picked. Later realized that I really wanted to replace at least two tires before winter. And then I'm thinking ' OK, they 'check' the brakes - but are they OK now, but worn to the point that you'll need a brake job in three months (fortunately not in this case).
Add some tires and brakes to an already high price, and it's not a great deal. But it was a good experience and I don't think you will get 'ripped off', but you will pay for the privilege (and it might be worth it).
...
On doing the dance, the first time the salesman says " How much per mo. can you afford " I bluntly say " If you ask that again, I'm walking off the lot " . Sets the tempo
I basically did that, it didn't seem to make a difference. The guy still played the game. I should have walked, but the price was OK, and just wanted to get it over with. I don't like this 'game', give me a fixed sticker price please.
... As mentioned , you should be sure to ask for the out-the-door price so you don't get surprised by miscellaneous added fees later. It is an ideal technique if you don't like face-to-face negotiations. They know they have one chance or they're out.
...
Also when you do a test drive at the dealer, be sure to deal w/ the internet dept. If you deal w/ the regular folks, somehow that includes them in the final deal even if you then go thru the internet dept and the price will be higher, or perhaps the internet dept will not even deal w/ you if they know the other folks are involved.
How exactly do you do this?
-ERD50