Maria_Quiban's Blog

One more thing that I forgot to mention... always have your financing prepared before going to negotiate a car... preferably through a credit union, (credit unions are member service organizations where banks are profit based organizations, which means… a bank needs to make money off you, a credit union needs to keep happy members… so they have lower and more consistent rates) never, never go with the dealership financing, that is another place that they get the best of you…

Sebar,
I agree... Saturn, or jump through the hoops and be prepared.

Most sales people suck...especially the ones trying to sell memberships, Apex supplements, and personal training at 24hr fitness.

Fleecing people out of their money is the sales persons state of mind, which is immoral. They ask open ended questions. And by trick or device use street psych and mumbo jumbo, which makes people temporarily believe that they need what the sales person is selling.

Then, they brag about how they ripped off the last client. They call themselves gangsters or psychological ninja's, which is unprofessional to say the least.

This behavior should be illegal.

Hi Maria!

Most of the folks so far have given you some great advice on what you should do, so I would listen to them. Here is some more stuff to consider: subscribe to Consumer Reports if you haven't already, use their services for pricing a car, and follow their advice. If you're about to trade a car in, once you have the final price settled on, then inquire about how much you can get for a trade in. Don't ever let them know that you're actually going to trade in a car while negotiating a price. You'll see the reasons why in Consumer Reports. You can also beat the "street price" posted on the internet. The street price is a minimum advertised price that manufacturers allow a seller to post, and it is always lower than the suggested retail price. In other words, it's a psychological ploy that is used in sales. You can always beat the street price posted on the internet. Or as the late Jim Varney said (as Ernest) "Anybody can whip a salesman! Know what'll mean?"

"Mr. E" from Cypress

what's so great about saturn? just wondering?

Hi Maria --

Yes indeed, the sharks that swim on the dealer lots can bite hard. Some advice to avoid the resulting severe pain:

+ Find out who the fleet and/or Internet sales manager is in advance... and make an appointment to see that person directly.

+ Look into buying a car through Costco... they do the dealing and you get a flat price... usually slightly above invoice (depending on make and model). Sam's Club may offer the same service.

+ If you do the walk-in... tell the sales person you've already done your homework, that you know the models and that you have the invoice price with you (easily obtainable via Edmunds.com). Offer them $300 to $500 over invoice... and tell them that's your final offer... take it or leave it. And if you are prepared to pay cash... pull out your checkbook and wave it around a bit. That's gets their attention very quickly. I've learned from buying dozens of cars that this approach is most effective... and if one dealer doesn't take it, the next one will.

Cheers, Bob

Hey Maria!

Loved your blog!

So sad but so true. That's why I have two words of advice for you, my friend: Car Broker.

A friend recommended one to me when I was searching for a car a few years ago and it's the best thing I ever did. Actually made the experience pleasant.

Steve (my broker) even helped me arrange the financing -- which he did thru the car manufacturer and got me a great deal. Of course, I had done my homework already so I knew the deal I was getting was good.

They do charge -- mine cost about $250 - but that was for everything including, like Dave above said, delivery to my front door.

I thought it was well worth the price -- especially since I never had to step foot in the "vulture's den" as you called it. ;-)

Somebody said "Saturn" I say "Scion" No matter what you decide Maria, you should get a broker. That will make things a lot less painful and do research. There's so much information available that car dealers can't con customers anymore.

Go to Beverly Hills Porsche on Wilshire...

Tell them Snuggles sent you!

They'll treat U right!