FWIW I bought a new car this morning and used the suggestions outlined in post #1, though I compressed the whole purchase process to less than 24 hours. I requested a price thru Costco at a nearby dealer yesterday, and requested internet pricing from 3 other nearby dealers. I was immediately flooded with interest via email (they all called too, but I didn’t answer) with some huge discounts, and some pitiful attempts too (the worst was $500 off MSRP
).
I’m not going to disclose the MSRP or invoice (they’re kinda meaningless these days anyway). If you’re really curious, I bought a loaded Subaru Outback Touring with $1025 in additional options - that’ll get you in the list price ballpark.
You don’t see the Costco price until you go to the dealer and pick a car. The Costco price was $3318 below MSRP. Not bad, and probably a good way to go if you’re averse to haggling - I’m not.
Another benefit of the Costco approach, I’ll get “15% off parts, service and accessories for any household vehicle at participating service centers nationwide.” But as you’ll see, haggling pays...
After a few hours, I ended up signing at $4900 under MSRP. They made a good offer on my trade in (just above KBB, NADA & Edmunds), and when I told them I was going to another dealer, but I’d be back if theirs was the best offer, they gave me another $300 on my trade. Done.
I pick up the car tomorrow. I don’t buy cars often, my trade in was a 2007 - but I’m one of those odd ducks who thinks negotiating on cars is just an interesting challenge/puzzle, not hard or confrontational with just a little preparation, will and patience.
The process in post #1 works very well for those who hate haggling, though you can compress it considerably, it’s a good roadmap to save thousands.