Laura asks…
Need calculation on best deal on new car, to know if good deal?
So tofigure the dealer cost do I take invoice less 3% hold back less rebates and then offer less than that (work up to that) or ????? Also can I get any prep charges and paperwork charges also removed. Do not plan on any trade in or dealer financing. Need to get car at dealer lowest price.
CSC101 Customer Service answers:
God i hated dealing with people like u… Its just a car! Ur not gonna win a pulitzer prize for buying a car with style n grace. U dont see the dealer checking ur bank accounts before they start negotiating with u do u? Its rude and understand they will throw u out on ur ear for mentioning the words “hold back” to them… Dont get me wrong, everyone deserves a discount, but cars arent free and dealers dont need ur business that bad, all they have to do is “walk” you and the next guy wont pull ur stunt and they make a small profit and their goes ur “perfect” car, and trust me it’ll happen. What u can do is ask them to see their invoice, they’ll hate u for it but eventually they’ll show u (by law) offer em that price plus tax n license. If u mention hold back you’ll piss them off and negotiations will be over because it’ll be about principal at that point. Hold back is a few hundred dollars if u need that kind of a discount u should be looking at a different car anyway.
Rule of thumb…. If u can afford it for sticker price the discount wont put it into ur budget range. Dont beg a dealer for a car u cant afford.. 4,000 off equates to 80 less a month.. If u cant afford 500 u cant afford it for 420
Maria asks…
Best new car for 15 grand?
What is a good car under 15 grand? I was looking at a Kia Spectra SX (originally 18 grand with all the extras but -3 grand for rebates and since it’s my first car). I like the car and I’m 6 feet and I can comfortably sit in the car, then go to the rear seat and again fit comfortably and I love the safety features but I have heard so many bad things about Kia! I was almost look at a Civic DX but it goes without power windows or locks for 15 grand. Any other suggestions? I need something that has space, at least around 140HP, and you know, the best safety features (SAB, FAB, ABS, TCS, EBD, VSC)
The Mazda 3 is nice but I’m uncertain about leg room because I haven’t sat in it before, as for the Yaris it looks good but for $12,500 do you even get ABS, Auto, or even Air Conditioning?
Are those year civics safe and affordable to repair? Because the way I see it, since I’m a new driver I will need a car that I can repair inexpensive because again as a new driver I’m bound to have some bumper taps.
Saturn Astra starts at 16.5k and I don’t like the Corolla. The Spectra, 05-06′ Civic looks like a good deal but do the Spectras really have bad resale value?
CSC101 Customer Service answers:
What bad things have you heard about Kia?
Every new Kia comes with 10 year, 100,000mi warranty. If your Kia is a piece O’ crap, its alright cuz Kia will fix it FOR FREE for 10 years!
Or you can try a Mazda 3, it has some of the best safety features in its class but may be a little more expensive than $15,000.
(and NO toyotas. A kia may depreciate in value but its more reliable with less recalls and TSB’s than a toyota yaris…)
Sandra asks…
What is the best way to haggle with a car salesman?
My husband and I are going to take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers program and trade in our old car for a new Smart car. What is the best way to get them to come down on their price?
Normally we would just pretend to leave and go somewhere else, but the old “just walk away and go somewhere else” bit doesn’t really apply here, because they are the only Smart car dealer in the area, and they know that. We have to buy the car new to get the $4500 rebate. Any suggestions?
CSC101 Customer Service answers:
Keep the trade and rebate out of it just so you don’t get confused. Your goal is to buy as close to invoice as possible.
Then get $4500.
I know consumer reports sells the invoice prices less any hidden incentives & such for about $15.
I don’t know if theirs is more accurate than whatever else is available on the net but you sure want that info.
Also, if you know what you want, try a dealer a ways away.
If they can save you a few hundred, it might be worth going to get it. And it cant hurt to negotiate against the other dealer.
Courtesy of Y!Answers