Sell Me A Car-What Should I Buy

I have a part 2 to my question. When I'm talking to the salespeople what speicific questions should I be asking? How should I approach getting the best deal?

I have a part 2 to my question. When I'm talking to the salespeople what speicific questions should I be asking? How should I approach getting the best deal?

For getting the best deal, just do good research. Walk in there with printed pages from web sites: KBB, Edmunds, Yahoo, and other local dealers. Looking at all those sites, get a good idea of how much it costs for exactly what you want. Figure out your max price and stick to it... don't be talked out of it!

Your location may also make a difference in price. Check online to see if the same car is listed cheaper in somewhere else within a couple hours from you. It can sometimes be worthwhile to drive a bit to buy something.

The info on the net is great for things like this. It's really easy to call bullshit when you can pull a competitors printed ad out of your pocket. You can never have too much information or do too much research... an informed buyer makes good buys!

The Honda CR-V is probably my top choice right now. But I've been hearing good things about the Subaru Forester. I know Consumer Reports gave them both good reviews

Canthetuna, any thoughts on the Toyota SUVs? I know that's your area of expertise.


Wow, I completely missed this thread. 4X4 with Nav... tough one for 25-30k...

What else is important to you... fuel economy???

I like the new RAV4... especially with the V6... but like the CRV it is not available with navigation. You should come check one out.

You can also check out my used inventory at

www.leesburgtoyota.com

and www.leesburghonda.com

click on the used car inventories, and if anything interests you let me know... I can probably get you most anything close to cost, as I am one of the internet managers now and have access to all of that stuff.

I DEFINATELY would not buy a Hyundai, Kia, or Daewoo... I know they're much more dedicated to quality now than they were, but their reputation has a while to catch up with them, and that affects their resale value.

I just bought a new Toyota Camry... 2007 XLE V6 (no nav) with 268 HP and a six-speed auto trans. I shopped around, because even though I sell Toyotas I was quite the Infiniti fan (I still miss my G35) and there is no other car on the market as nice (for the money) and there is no better value... plus its a sexy car now.

I wouldn't rule it out unless you ABSOLUTELY NEED a 4X4. (BTW.. I have family in Rhode Island and they all drive front wheel drive cars... I think thats close to conn??)

I'll PM you with my number.

I have a part 2 to my question. When I'm talking to the salespeople what speicific questions should I be asking? How should I approach getting the best deal?

Saden's Guide to Buying a Car:

1. If you are financing get your loan in order before going to the dealer. Dealers don't have your best interest at heart hooking you up with a lender. I mean, you wouldn't share a restate agent with the guy who's trying to sell you a house now would you? Of course if the car manufacturer has a good deal (i.e. 3.99% apr) take it. If you have good credit you can shop around online for a lender. E-Loan was good to me.

2. Don't state you are ready to buy until you're absolutely sure about the car you want and are ready to buy right there and then. Otherwise, just say I'm looking around. When sales people approach you speak like you know your shit, that way they won't take you for a sucker.

3. Don't tolerate pushy sales people. Your facial expression should tell them to back the fuck off if they seem pushy.

4. Once you know the type of car you want shop online for your car. I mean, call the dealers that have the car you are looking for. It's easier.

5. Know the cost of the car and what you are willing to pay for it. This part is though because you don't want to low-ball the sales person to the point where they think you're taking them for a ride. Never pay MSRP. Depending on the car you might be able to get away with offering 2K less than the MSRP. If they won't sell you the car for 2k less try 1.5K less. If they still won't, simply walk away. You can do all the hagging over the phone if you are not comfortable with haggling face to face. Also, make sure you have a backup dealership if the one you're dealing with tries to screw you.

6. Sales people nowadays make a good amount of money from auto manufacturers for good customer reviews. The sales men will probably tell you to give him a good review on a servery you'll receive via mail from the auto manufacturer. Work this knowledge to your advantage. Don't feel sorry for these guys or the dealership...they get theirs and you need to keep yours.

If you want a more comprehensive guide to buying a car check this site (http://www.carbuyingtips.com/carintro.html) out...it is very comprehensive and informative!!!!!!!!!! Pay close attention to the scams dealers pull.

So you work at the Leesburg Toyota/Honda dealerships, canthetuna?

I bought my 4Runner (April 2005) & Civic (May 2001) from there. I got pretty good deals on both, especially the Civic. I'll tell you what though, I dealt with Susan Cassidy when buying the 4Runner and was totally put off by her attitude. She was very snobby. We bought a Scion tC 2 months later and because of my experience with her, I didn't even consider going back to Leesburg to buy it.

Wow...

Susan sits right next to me and is really a nice lady. Her personality is a little dry, and if you're only meeting her for a few hours I could see how you could think that she's snobby.... I thought the same thing when I met her.

I don't know what she did to turn you off to the dealership that much, but if you want to get another car from here just let me know... you can deal with me instead lol.

6. Sales people nowadays make a good amount of money from auto manufacturers for good customer reviews. The sales men will probably tell you to give him a good review on a servery you'll receive via mail from the auto manufacturer. Work this knowledge to your advantage. Don't feel sorry for these guys or the dealership...they get theirs and you need to keep yours.


Actually the manufacturer gives us crumbs for surveys... at my dealership our ENTIRE bonus plan is tied directly to the surveys.

I had a customer one time that I went out of my way to get a car for and bring it in to my dealership (the only one in a 5 state region). I gave him a discounted price before I went and got the car and he signed a buyer's order. We don't want any suprises if we're taking the time to go get the car.

When he came in to pick it up he wanted further discounts... which I refused. We already had come to an agreement to which he had signed. It wouldn't be right for me to tell him I needed to charge him more money for the car, especially since he couldn't go anywhere else and get it because I had the only one... and it wasn't right for him to try that with me.

This prick filled out all POORS on my survey (after me giving him 2 free tanks of gas and paying to have his car re-detailed out of my own pocket)

That cost me 3000 dollars in bonuses 2 months after I sold him his car. If I ever see him in the street Im going to give him 3000 dollars worth of Dental Co-pays.

What I'm saying is... salespeople are people too. Some are snakes, but so are some shoppers, and dont just fuck with people for the sake of fucking with them.

Usually, if you're educated and just try to work out a fair deal a dealer will work with you.


side note:
Do not accept anything added on to a car automatically, though. Addendum stickers with "appearance packages" or "environmental packages" or anything like that is a scam.

Wow...

Susan sits right next to me and is really a nice lady. Her personality is a little dry, and if you're only meeting her for a few hours I could see how you could think that she's snobby.... I thought the same thing when I met her.

I don't know what she did to turn you off to the dealership that much, but if you want to get another car from here just let me know... you can deal with me instead lol.
Yeah, I guess the best way to describe her is by saying her personality is dry. The car buying experience just was not pleasant with her.

I don't know when it will be when I buy my next new car (depends how long my Civic lasts - only 125k on it right now) but I'll look you up when the time comes. Do you deal with Toyotas only, or could I buy a Honda through you as well?

side note:
Do not accept anything added on to a car automatically, though. Addendum stickers with "appearance packages" or "environmental packages" or anything like that is a scam.

Yeah, that's why I bought my car from Leesburg Honda. I looked at Koons, but they jacked up the price by adding dealer installed options. I didn't want any of that crap. Plus Wayne Brent (I think that was his name), gave me a smokin deal on it. I think I paid $14150 (dropped the dest charge too). Is that salesman still there?

I only sell new Toyotas and I sell used cars from both stores. I am not certified in hondas, only Toyotas. I chose Toyota because of all of the new products they're launching and the broader lineup of vehicles. (full sized trucks to sub-comps) and their reputation.

I dont know if theres a Wayne Brent down at honda because the only time I go down there is to sell one of their used cars or flirt with the hot receptionist they have lol.

(...hope my wife doesn't read this lol)