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.
For instance, the dealer prep fee is nothing more than what it costs the dealer to get the vehicle ready for sale. Don't fall for this scheme. Another unnecessary fee is the so-call advertising fee; do not pay this amount the dealer automatically tacks on. Again, be a savvy shopper.
What about that loud music, TVs blaring, and so forth found within the showroom. These are deliberate distractions designed to make you lose track of what should be going on with your negotiations. Tell Mr. Auto you want to go into a private office and shut the door- effectively closing out all the diversions. Let's say while you're closed up, you agree on a price and think you're done. Not so fast! Once you've signed document after document (and haven't read it very carefully), you're likely to get home and discover you've purchased a $2K extended warranty and you're stuck. Be certain you've got a monthly payment figure you cannot/will not exceed and stick to it like glue to paper.
Once a slick salesman thinks he's got you in his noose, he'll promise you anything to close the sale. Make sure what's in writing is what you want and not Mr. Atrocious. Also, make the auto folks show you how each and every component works before leaving the lot and before you even test drive that dream car.
Of course, always check with the experts at Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.com who can evaluate what the car truly is worth in the market plus can save you boo coos of money. And don't forget it's time for holiday spending, unless you're a smart cookie and already have gifts bought, paid for, wrapped and hidden. Obviously, the more you DON'T allow Atrocious to snitch your monthly savings, the less you worry about Christmas expenditures.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.