Two years ago, I needed to buy a new vehicle. My car was 10 years old and the mileage was getting up there. Before my husband passed, he used to do all the negotiating whenever we needed to buy a new car. So, this left me to do the buying myself.
But, before I went to any dealership I had to know what I was doing. If not, I knew I would be intimidated and, most likely, be taken advantage of. So, I used a spiral notebook and set out online to find out everything I needed to know,about buying a new car at a dealership, what questions I need to ask, what questions I need to avoid asking, how to find out the dealership's invoice on the car I want to buy, what day and months can you get the best deals, etc. etc I logged everything in the spiral notebook and even took notes from some retired new car salesmen who posted online. After doing this for about a month, I felt empowered, confident and knowledgeable enough to go to the car dealership without any fear of intimidation or at a disadvantage.
I got a fantastic deal on a new Honda CRV. I negotiated, knew what I was talking about, and stood my ground on the offer and amount I was willing to pay. Never even had to go to another dealership because the amount I negotiated was finally accepted, given that I would have had no problem walking out without a deal. After the deal was done, the salesman told me I was one 'heck' of a negotiator and maybe I should hold a class on how to buy a new car. Lol I put a small deposit on the car, went to the bank and had a cashier's check drawn for the remainder of the cost of the car. Had it all done that day in a few hours, between the dealership and bank. Maybe if you're not buying the car outright and having payments, etc. it might take longer with a lot of paperwork.
@drizzellla My experience was not like what your husband had. Perhaps, it's only at that dealership.
Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!