Negotiate Price Before Visiting a Car Dealer: A Proven Strategy
When it comes to buying a new car, many consumers are hesitant to negotiate the price over the phone. However, with the advancements in technology and the changing dynamics of the car dealership industry, negotiating price through social media or directly with the internet rep is becoming more common. This method not only saves time but also ensures a better deal. Let's explore how you can use this strategy effectively.
Why You Should Never Go to a Dealership Without Pre-Negotiating the Price
The first and most crucial point to understand is that you should never go to a dealership without agreeing on a price first. This mistaken practice often leads to wasting valuable time and energy, as dealerships are primarily interested in getting you in the store to "work you over" with add-ons and extra fees. By pre-negotiating the price, you set the terms and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Utilizing Professional Services for Car Buying
If negotiating over the phone or via social media is not your preferred method, consider using professional services that offer car-buying assistance. Companies like Costco and AAA Auto Insurance provide free services that can estimate your car's price accurately. These services typically involve filling out a digital form to specify the car model and add-ons, after which they will provide you with a quote from multiple dealerships. Although these prices may not be the absolute lowest, they are often reasonably good and save you the hassle of haggling in person.
Case Studies: Successful Phone-Priced Car Deals
Let's dive into some real-life examples of successful phone-negotiated car deals to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.
Example 1: New Toyota RAV-4 in the Tri-State Area
A few years ago, I assisted a friend in purchasing a new Toyota RAV-4. We first configured the desired car online, specifying that we wanted the car with a particular VIN and aimed to pay 2500 dollars below MSRP. The internet representative initially refused to provide a price over the phone, insisting we visit the dealership. However, I was firm and made it clear that we would not waste our time visiting unless a price was agreed upon. After some back-and-forth, the dealership agreed to sell the car for the agreed price and even added a trailer hitch at MSRP without an installation fee. This negotiation allowed us to complete the purchase without the need for an in-person visit, saving time and energy.
Example 2: Remote Car Buying for a Cousin in Chicago
I once helped my cousin in Chicago buy a car through a remote negotiation process. We identified 15 dealers within a radius and pre-negotiated a price of 3500 dollars below MSRP. In the end, my cousin went in and purchased the car for cash, making the entire process smooth and efficient.
Example 3: Quick Phone-Negotiation for a Son
Another friend needed to buy a car for her son and opted for a phone-negotiation approach. We agreed on a price of 2000 dollars below MSRP for a base model. The dealer met our price, allowing us to finalize the deal with a quick in-person visit.
In conclusion, negotiating the price of a new car over the phone or through professional car-buying services is a proven strategy that can save time and ensure a better deal. Whether you want a hands-on approach or prefer the convenience of remote negotiation, taking the time to pre-negotiate the price is the key to a successful car purchase.
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