Now that the new cars are coming out, what’s some purchase advice you can give me to save money other than the same old buy at the end of the month, etc.? – Henrietta Haggle
Dear Ms. Haggle: That “same old same old” is still a great strategy to save money when buying a new vehicle. In fact, you’ll save even more by going to the manufacturer’s web address and checking the invoice price. Negotiate up from this price and not the sticker cost. This means you’re going in armed and educated and will most likely walk out with the car – hopefully – of your dreams and at a reasonable cost.
Either stand up or sit side-by-side with the salesman/manager when negotiating. When any of the Atrocious Auto team sits behind his big desk, it gives him an automatic subconscious control factor. (We’ve all heard stories of corporate bosses who sit upon an upgraded chair or who wear elevated shoes to make them bigger than life; this is the same principle. Beat ’em at their own game to avoid paying more than you should!) Along this same line, don’t be afraid to walk out.
That “Let me speak to my manager” gets old pretty fast, but if you’ve prepared for all eventualities and remembering to be reasonable yourself, I promise the door won’t hit you in the backside. In fact, the pitter patter of big feet more than likely will race after you with their owner waving papers for your winning signature.
Look out for the “little” extras, such as undercoating or the cost of extra etching of the VIN number, for example, on the motor or inside the door. The latter’s a money-making option that almost no one knows about and is charged automatically if not careful. (It’s important to note, however, this is a clever idea to stop professional auto thieves as they know a suspicious police officer would be on the lookout for a stolen vehicle’s VIN.) Call beforehand to speak with the fleet manager to usually get a better price – less the extras – than going into the dealership in the first place. Please research all extras that salesmen deem required as part of the package.