I had a similar situation where I drove 2 hours 1 way to get to the dealership that had the best offer. I did everything on the internet via email and phone for a new E. I worked with several dealerships in the state this way and would reply to each location with the latest and greatest offer. They had it ready when I got there and was a smooth transaction.
Tomorrow (9/30) could be E day - Please help - What would you do?
I really need your wonderful advice! I haven't done this is eons - my last car was 12 years ago and it was a new one.
Should I:
1.) Drive the 3 hours to the dealership that has the USED E I think I want (assuming no surprises) and make an offer on the spot, suggesting they need to make a decision then and there because I can't drive all the way back again (it really would be hard to fit in another 6 hour round trip, in part because I am inconveniencing someone to drive with me to take one of the 2 cars back if I do buy the E).
OR
2) Do I fax the manager (used car manager or owner?) the offer in advance TODAY (noting this is conditional on no surprises), and that I am prepared to drive there tomorrow to finalize?
The offer would be quite a bit below asking - folks on this site advised offering more than $3K less than asking in this case which is also more than $3K less than KBB retail figure, a number that's at the bottom of the private party price range. Should I say it must include all charges like doc fees, etc. (which I understand can add at least several hundred). Such a low number will not make them eager to agree quickly (if ever) which made me wonder if they need time to consider. I saw a dealer listing for same year E yesterday for not much more than I'm considering offering - it was nearly $3000 less than the asking price on the car I am wanting. "My" car has been sitting in the lot at least 3 months from what I can tell.
If your recommendation is 1), can they get a car ready to leave the lot on the spot or do the cars usually need stuff done to them before they can roll out? It's a Honda dealership and is a certified car, if that makes a difference.
Also, while very difficult, I could bring cash. Someone suggested I would fare better on car price by getting a loan from them so long as it has NO prepayment penalty but I am not sure I would qualify as my full time post lost its funding earlier in the year and at the moment I am helping a nonprofit and only making a fraction of what I did before.
Thank you for any input that helps me sort this out! I have a chance for someone to take this long ride with me tomorrow (and we can both get off work at the same time, etc....not an easy scenario to replicate) if I can figure out best approach quick enough.
Thank you!!!!!!!
Should I:
1.) Drive the 3 hours to the dealership that has the USED E I think I want (assuming no surprises) and make an offer on the spot, suggesting they need to make a decision then and there because I can't drive all the way back again (it really would be hard to fit in another 6 hour round trip, in part because I am inconveniencing someone to drive with me to take one of the 2 cars back if I do buy the E).
OR
2) Do I fax the manager (used car manager or owner?) the offer in advance TODAY (noting this is conditional on no surprises), and that I am prepared to drive there tomorrow to finalize?
The offer would be quite a bit below asking - folks on this site advised offering more than $3K less than asking in this case which is also more than $3K less than KBB retail figure, a number that's at the bottom of the private party price range. Should I say it must include all charges like doc fees, etc. (which I understand can add at least several hundred). Such a low number will not make them eager to agree quickly (if ever) which made me wonder if they need time to consider. I saw a dealer listing for same year E yesterday for not much more than I'm considering offering - it was nearly $3000 less than the asking price on the car I am wanting. "My" car has been sitting in the lot at least 3 months from what I can tell.
If your recommendation is 1), can they get a car ready to leave the lot on the spot or do the cars usually need stuff done to them before they can roll out? It's a Honda dealership and is a certified car, if that makes a difference.
Also, while very difficult, I could bring cash. Someone suggested I would fare better on car price by getting a loan from them so long as it has NO prepayment penalty but I am not sure I would qualify as my full time post lost its funding earlier in the year and at the moment I am helping a nonprofit and only making a fraction of what I did before.
Thank you for any input that helps me sort this out! I have a chance for someone to take this long ride with me tomorrow (and we can both get off work at the same time, etc....not an easy scenario to replicate) if I can figure out best approach quick enough.
Thank you!!!!!!!
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Thanks 2009ELE
What you did for a new E is very smart, and CONGRATULATIONS!
Do you all think it's the way to go for a USED E, given that no two are alike and it's not quite the same comparing one dealer's price to another?
What you did for a new E is very smart, and CONGRATULATIONS!
Do you all think it's the way to go for a USED E, given that no two are alike and it's not quite the same comparing one dealer's price to another?
Cash is good
Forget the "loan" idea. Any dealer will welcome and work for a cash dealer. While I sell in the marine industry, boats, our markup on loans is not great. Having cash to pay off floor plans, reduce paperwork, etc. makes a cash buyer look good to me.
Forget the "loan" idea. Any dealer will welcome and work for a cash dealer. While I sell in the marine industry, boats, our markup on loans is not great. Having cash to pay off floor plans, reduce paperwork, etc. makes a cash buyer look good to me.
Thank you lil tippy - I really appreciate your take on that!Forget the "loan" idea. Any dealer will welcome and work for a cash dealer. While I sell in the marine industry, boats, our markup on loans is not great. Having cash to pay off floor plans, reduce paperwork, etc. makes a cash buyer look good to me.
It's gone.
WIll have to find another.
Thanks folks.
WIll have to find another.
Thanks folks.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
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