Just call me ruthless
Feb 13th, 2006 by Accidental Thinker
Car buying is never a pleasant experience, but I’ve discovered the secret formula to making it about as painless at it’s ever going to get. Internet shopping. We’ve bought our last two cars like this, and I’ll never do it any other way again.
This round of car buying began last weekend when I lost heat in my vehicle at exactly the coldest point of the year so far in Florida. My thin-blooded nature has already been documented in this blog, so there’s no way I was going to drive around without heat for one second longer than absolutely necessary. Combined with several other smallish problems that I had been holding off on, the accumulated repair estimate was $1900, not including replacement of a damaged fender. Yikes! We decided on the spot to cut our losses, and my week of intensive research and ruthless negotiation began (which, incidentally, explains why I’ve been so silent here, as my attention was otherwise diverted to my homework effort).
We pretty much knew what we wanted, so I began at my favorite car buying website, edmunds.com. Edmund’s, for the uninitiated, is a wealth of information on how to shop for a car, new and used car reviews, every pricing detail you could ever want on both new and used models, and current manufacturer incentives and rebates.
Once we had our trim level and options selected, I hit the websites of all the local dealers within driving distance to view their inventories online. After narrowing it down to a few who had exactly the features we wanted in stock on the lot, I contacted them via email for price quotes. That’s when the fun began. I pitted the quotes against each other and was able to make substantial headway with one dealer in particular, all via e-mail. Although their quote was not initially the lowest, they moved to make it the lowest and earned our business due to the sales agent’s honesty (I could spot the lines of bull from some others thanks to my Edmund’s research) and responsiveness. He’ll be getting rave reviews on the dealer survey.
We walked onto the lot this weekend knowing everything but what they would offer on the trade. Even then, I was prepared. I had the Kelly Blue Book estimate. I had a written appraisal from CarMax. And I had a verbal appraisal from another dealer. However, since we negotiated such a good deal on the car price, I feared the dealer would try to make up for it by lowballing us on the trade. So I was pleasantly surprised when their first offer came in above either of the other two appraisals. So much so that I felt guilty about asking for more, but ask we did. I’m ruthless, I tell you! And they were putty in my hands, because they caved. I feel like I stole that new car, we came out so well. All at 0% financing, thank you very much.
Do you ever get the feeling that some things are just meant to be?
I’m taking you with me when I buy my next car!!!
Wow – what a great experience. A friend of mine bought two cars off of eBay – he’s had good luck there.
I’ll have to remember this when I buy a car. I’ll be looking for one this summer.
I’ll have to bookmark that site. Congrats on the new car and way to deal!
My husband is the wheeler-dealer in this family. I can hold my own but he can go against the best. People say he falls into the best deals, but it’s only because he’s patient, knows what he’s looking for and can negotiate like no other!
High-five to you!
Well, good for you!
I had a similar weekend. Not as many dollars involved, but still…
Listen: “Mr. Nichols, your brakes are in great shape. More than half the pad left–front and back. They’re a little dusty. I’ll clean that up for you and you’re good to go. Nice little pickup you got here.”
Hey there! ~ Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours! Buying a car is like going to the dentist only with MORE pain! ~ jb///
Wow. I’m impressed. I don’t haggle at all. Of course I don’t buy new cars either. But still, I sure could use your help the next time I’m in the market.
PS: I’m glad your back. I missed you. 🙂
I do often, it’s not the right time yet, hang in there.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Nice job. I’ve done the same thing for some time except I won’t finance. BUT, it’s an on-going learning process. I’m not so niave as to think they didn’t get me somehow. My goal is to minimize what goes out of my pocket and to research the vehicle.
Congrats! Happy Valentine’s Day and thanx for the Pajama Gram. 🙂
Oooo well done! Wish we had something like that site locally! Having said that, I too bought my last car off the internet, at a Japanese auction and then had it shipped over – it all went very well, except that the Yen changed slightly and cost me an extra few hundred. But it was luck that the car was good, rather than judgement ;o)
That is awesome! Good girl. This is an area I hate and if I ever have to go it alone I will take this route. Thanks for the info.
My brother-in-law just bought a used PT Cruiser yesterday using the internet. Paid $2,500 less than what they were asking for the used vehicle at the lot.
But he also bought a car off eBay. Not sure that worked out as well for him.
A Valentine’s Day car, huh? good for you! 🙂