Buying a new car

My wife absolutely hates going to car dealers. She feels like they assume you are an idiot that will pay the sticker price, and every discount you try to bargain for, is like trying to move a mountain.

The ones that I totally avoid are the "no hassle", "pay the price you see" dealerships. These are dealerships that count on the large group of people that feel negotiating is too intimidating or trying to get a bargain is below their dignity.

Well, I am for getting a bargain, and I have my own no hassle method of getting the best deal.

Here is the approach that I used on my last purchase of a new vehicle. First I determined how much I was able to spend for a new car. Second, I made sure that I had either cash or a reasonable pre-approved loan from my local credit union (low interest, not too many years).

Then I began checking on the internet to see which cars would fit within my budget. Kellys Blue Book is a good place to do this. You can check out both new and used car prices. You can see invoice prices, any incentives/rebates available, EPA Milage estimates, technical specs, etc. And you can get a price quote, but I have never tried that feature. Also, Consumer Reports magazine is a good source to find ratings on cars.

If you want to just look at some cars and not be bothered, go on Sunday mornings when they typically are not open, and wander around the lot. Or tell the sales person you are just looking. Next you will need to visit some dealers to test drive the cars you are interested in. Then you need to narrow your choice down to one car, know what options you want, color, etc.

Now you are ready to bargain. Choose three to five dealers in your area, and include any you may have scouted and took a test drive. Call each dealer's sales department and ask for two things. The Manager's name and their fax number.

Then you type up a letter saying that you are going to purchase a new car within the next three business days. You are interested in the 2009 Mustang V6 Premium Convertible, Black exterior, red interior, with AM/FM Stereo w/CDx6, 8 Speakers & MP3, Touch Screen DVD Based Navigation System, etc....In other words, you have to know exactly what you want and which options and list everything you want.

You tell them you would like their very best offer, showing drive out price including all taxes, registration, add ons, destination charges and rebates. You also tell them you are submitting this proposal to four other dealers and they must provide their very best price, because this will be their only chance to sell you a car. They must show the Vehicle Identification Number, the options on that car (for verification), and the drive out price. They are to reply by fax (give them your fax number) and it must be signed.

If you don't receive their fax offer by Noon on August 1st (use your own date), then you will assume they are not participating. Further, the one with the lowest price will win your business. You will let them know by 3 PM who is the winner.

So when you get to the dealership, take your fax and ask to test drive the car to make sure it is OK and it is exactly as described, drives good, and is new.

Dealers are hurting right now and are looking for business. So as long as it is not a popular model, you might be in for a steal of a deal!!!

Happy Bargain Hunting!!!!