Car Buying Help.....

[WDWorBUST]

Okay I'm interested in buying a new car. I currently have a 1997 Ford Escort with 206,000 miles on it. It's still running so I'd like to purchase while I don't technically "need" to buy something right now. I know I'd like a 2009 Fusion and they are currently offering 60 months 0% interest or $3500 cash back. I believe the cash back will be the better deal because I "think" I can get 4.99% interest through the credit union. What I need to try and figure out is how to go about finding a realistic offer for the car I want giving me a great deal - but that's not totally outrageous for them. I'm willing to walk away and start the process over later....but they do currently have a car I'm interested in (which of course I wouldn't let them know that I do really like it ) So how do I get to that number??

 

[loonytoony]

Use edmunds.com to help. Another good site for advice is ClarkHoward.com.

Also use internet sales dept to get quotes. Build the car you want and then email every dealer within 50 miles or whatever is reasonable for you to go get a car. Make sure you insist they give you an out the door price including everything so you can compare.

 

[NJGirl]

Agree with the poster above. Edmunds will give you a good idea of what fair pricing is.

Also, dont be afraid to pit on internet quote vrs the other. Car dealer A has the best deal, but B has the color you want. Ask them to match Dealer A's price. The dealers want to move cars.

kbb.com is also another good site to check out

 

[swilshire]

I always make them a totally outrageous offer. It gives them a chance to counter.

Car before last, the salesman was so insulted by my offer he didn't even want to take my phone number, but I insisted. I live 8 miles from the dealership and before I made it home he had already called. His boss told him to make a counter offer, which was about $1500 more than I offered but still a very good price.

Last car I only had to go up $800 from my offer to make a deal.

You never know until you ask.

Sheila