Keys to Getting a Great Deal on a Car

Here is an EXCELLENT series from Edmunds.com titled Confessions of a Car Salesman. The car information site had one of its writers go undercover and take jobs at a couple car dealerships to give us all the inside scoop on what car salesmen are like. It's a very interesting and fascinating read (though it's long). I recommend it to anyone thinking of buying a car.

At the end of the piece, they list seven car buying recommendations as follows:

1. Use the Internet.
2. Don't be in a hurry.
3. Walk away from any deal/salesperson you don't like.
4. Know the numbers.
5. Shop around.
6. The deal's not done until you drive off in your new car.
7. Always remember that it's your money.

Basically these tips boil down to simply being fully informed -- of the prices as well as operating methods of most dealerships.

The point I like best is what they had to say about using the Internet. Their thoughts:

The Internet is an amazing tool for car shopping. It levels the playing field by giving accurate information to the consumer. It takes the anxiety out of negotiating. It forces dealers to slice profit because they must beg for your business. It allows consumers to comparison shop loans and leases, as well as extended warranties and insurance. It gives the consumer power. Use Edmunds.com to conduct research and our PowerShopper tool to solicit bids. Once you enter the information about the car you are looking for into the PowerShopper interface, the dealers will come to you.

This is EXACTLY what I do. In fact, if you're looking at buying a new car, use my guide to buying a car using the web. If you use it as detailed, you WILL get a great deal on a car.

Comments

[Blaine Moore]

My steps to getting a great deal on a car:

Be a major supplier of banking supplies and forms to the car dealership, find what car you want, then call them up and ask them to order one for you. Wait a few months. Head in to sign the paperwork and get employee pricing on everything (~$500 over invoice and lower dealer fees.)

[Livingalmostlarge]

I read that piece it was hilarious. It was a nine part series of undercover work at a dealership right? The guy had to sell at two different types of dealerships and he got to understand the different type of kickbacks.

[EN]

I remember reading the whole series a long time ago and it was really interesting. Although it was long, I couldn't stop. Recommended :)