How price flexible are dealers in your experiance? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

carazy · 10-13-2002, 05:07

Hey all after nearly 4 months of getting angry with my insurance company and borrowing my dad car I've finally got my money.
I've only got 2200 but I've got about 800 in the bank as well.
Now I've found a few cars (EA MPI 5sps) But most of them have sold now that I've finally got my money. I have found 1 car at a dealer it's a 1991 EA S pack but the guy wants $3999 what do you think my chances would be if I waved $3000 cash around his nose?

rsgerry · 10-13-2002, 05:16

i think the best way would be to have the car checked out, list every fault you can find (interior light doesnt work, etc etc ) and wave the $3000 at him. if he says no, just stand up and walk away. if he cant move the car, he may well call you back later.

happened when i bought my first xr6. offered them $4000 less than they were asking. they said no, so i walked. they called me two weeks later and accepted my offer.

easy:s2:

carazy · 10-13-2002, 05:29

good thats what I was thinking as well.
The last time I went to a dealer I was a fool and paid what they asked.
I know a fair bit about Falcons so I can sure as hell pick the week points. The fact is that if he doesn't accept the offer I'll have to walk I'm never getting finance again exept for my house when I get it.
I learned the hard way that patience is a vertue!

squiz · 10-13-2002, 06:10

cash definately talks. you got nothing to lose by trying.

Aussie Pete · 10-13-2002, 17:48

Cash is king.

I bought my Monaro CV8 and was told by dealers there was absolutely no discounting. However, after telling them I was ready to buy, and they ahd the car I wanted in stock, and I wanted the car in two days ready to roll, they caved in. I got over $5k off and still laugh when I see second hand CV8s on dealer lots with a substantially higher price than I paid new.

Trick is to negotiate in such a way that you make them feel good about it. Haggling in a demeaning way will only make them resistant.

Try this golden rule:

If you want something, place a value on it. Then, suss out the other party and think about what is of most value to them yet least cost to you. Then put your proposal to them by stating what you want first, then followed by what you are willing to concede to them.

An example:

In my case I wanted a Monaro CV8 but I did not want to finance the car. I had a set cash limit and HAD to meet that target. I went to the dealer I had chosen, and looked around the yard, the holding areas etc and counted at least 14 Monaros in stock. I also found the right colour, trans, trim combo I wanted in his stock. Sat down and got the standard line. So I explained my situation and how I was ready to buy today. No need for test drives etc and no time wasting. I then hit them with my proposal. I would buy a car at $xxxxx and I would sign now, for the car in stock, and would take delivery as soon as possible with no finance needed etc. So, I gave them the negative in the situation ( a required discount) but followed by all the positives. The human nature always gains its feelings from the last thing it hears and so the dealer, without knowing it gave a great discount because of all the positives he saw.

It works. I did a negotiation skills course and the guy running it reckoned I was an absolute shocker and how I always got more than anyone he has ever seen. Remember though that sometimes the walk out has to happen. The overlap where both parties will do a deal is not always met!

Dinga's XR · 10-13-2002, 18:23

I have found that the best time to get substantial discounts is to buy at the end of the month. If possible within the last 1 to 3 days.

The salesmen love to get cars off the books for their end of month commissions.

I would incorporate the other suggestions and hit them at the end of the month.

Let us know how you go.

Darren

carazy · 10-13-2002, 19:14

I don't have the option of hitting them at the end of the month I need to get a car now and that i feel is my main downfall I need to make sure I pass on none of that ergency or I'll loose out. I'm taking my dad with me becuase he'll keep me sane.