Among Friends

[TheWanderingOne]

I'm sorry that so many people find the process of purchasing a car so daunting.

I don't. 

I purchase a new car every 10-12 years, and order them so I get exactly what I want. I know what I want and what I'm willing to pay before I ever set foot in the dealership. I do not negotiate my trade-in value at the time of purchase. That's a separate deal.  

When it comes time to pay, I put as much as they'll allow me (usually only about $5000) on my Delta AMEX so I get the miles and MQD's. I write them a personal check for the balance. The sleazy dealership finance manager always tries to tell me that I "can't" pay cash for a car, and the I "have" to buy the extended warranty. They also try to tell me that I can't pay with a personal check. None of that is  true. They're just trying to make more money off me by selling financing and the warranty. That's not going to happen. 

I'm the customer. I control the transaction. I'm fully prepared to go elsewhere if they don't accept my terms. It hasn't happened yet. 

[We rescue cats]

We just picked up a Jeep Grand Cherokee a few weeks ago, I traded my Subaru-which I had never loved for the 3 years I had it. It just brought to mind that if you have a relationship with a dealer talking to them to find out what deals they have and/or what vehicles they expect to get in might be in your favor. I have leased cars every 3 years since 1990 and my salesman knows when to expect to see my car come in, he often has a buyer in mind to buy it becase it is well maintained and always low mileage. 

[Seannie]

We got our Toyota Highlander at AAA.  The previous owner was elderly and ordered to stop driving.  

AAA completely checks out all used vehicles and does repairs before offering the vehicle for sale.

Got a loan thru my bank and the salesman drove the vehicle to our home.  We test drove it and that was it.

No negotiating--the price is the price.

Seannie

[AuntG]

Dealerships do things differently now. They know a buyer can look up so much on the internet. I think they are more transparent about pricing, so you don't have to haggle like in the past. Just make sure they don't hit you with extra charges. We make it clear we want to know every itemized charge up front.

[Sooner]

It would take a lot for a car salesman to offend me.  I am there to buy a car not find a friend.  He can call me darling all he or she wants but it is the number and the vehicle I am after, not a lunch date.

It's about the money!  One guy test drove our car and wouldn't give us the keys back.  My husband started calling 911. . .   One allowed as how the little lady might not like the diesel my spouse was considering.  

I said I thought I'd be fine since I did ok with a John Deere Combine.  

Stuff like that we just laugh about.  

[roeroe1005]

@qvc chick,

You said you want a SUV, do you have something in mind?  You will need to do some research before.  I know some brands have  a ten year warranty (Kia?  Hyundia?).  That's something to think about.

I just lease Subaru Outbacks, so I don't have to think about it.  Every 3 years I return it and get a new one.  I don't have to put any money down and my first month is free as I'm a long time Subaru member.  The car is a perfect size for me and I feel safer with all wheel drive.  I get a white one, have my sun roof and I'm happy as a clam.  The last few times, my scheduled services have been prepaid, so shut my mouth.

Does Consumer Reports still have their car edition?  I hope you have someone who can help you.  

Good luck!

[Q-Checker]

@qvc chick The last time I bought a new car I went to only one dealership. I selected the model that interested me based on Consumer Reports magazine, test drove the car, fortunately liked it and  asked some questions about the car and add-on options. To decrease  the usual dealer stall time, I simply said that I had to leave in ten minutes for an important appt. and to give me their best bottom line price or to phone me with it later. I did not tell them that I was paying cash but I did tell them that I would be getting other quotes. Subsequently, I called all dealers within an hour or two driving range from my home, asking for their best price and telling them that I was also calling their competitors. Only a few refused to give a price on the phone. I sold my very old car through an  ad rather than do a trade-in. I have also donated cars for the tax deduction, more satisfying and more profitable than accepting the trade-in value. I am still happily driving that "no problems ever" 2009 car. Friends have bought low-mileage used cars from Enterprise and been pleased with the cars and the price.

I actually read a short book about car buying before buying that car and was well aware of what constituted the lowest reasonable profit margin for the dealer. In the end, I was glad to pay the dealer a reasonable profit -- but no more, especially since their sales time had all been on the phone.  I saved time and a huge amount of money over the quote from the one dealership that I visited. That book is likely out-dated but similar books (or reputable online resources) are probably available. It was well worth my time to do that homework for such a large purchase. I also have a low tolerance for dealerships, but they are a necessity for a test drive.

Years ago, I went to a car dealership with a male friend and, although it was clear that I alone was the purchaser, they spoke only to him and ignored female me. Of course, I did not buy the car from them and subsequently let them know why. Hope that would not happen in today's world!

[Group 5 minus 1]

A lttle back ground before I spout. Hubbs is really car knowledgeable. He has built 3 cars. Our friends are aware of this and one asked him to check out a used car that the friend was thinking of buying. What's my point? If you have such a friend then ask.

[ULY]

Carvana is excellent for selling your vehicle but buying? I'm not convinced. 

[Effie54]

I don't have any ideas if you want to avoid dealerships. Perhaps looking in your own area for someone selling. The local automotive shops might know of someone. My brother in law went to a dealership and purchased his car just coming off of a lease. It was owned by a physician previously and had low mileage. Decent deal and he still drives it 5 years later.