Buying new vehicle - how much do you pay?

[deerminator]

So I haven't bought one in forever and thought I would ask for any advice. We have what we think is a fair deal on a vehicle. The dealer is giving us the maximum incentives off the MRSP and then giving us the full "excellent" condition KBB trade in value for our other vehicle (not interested in selling on my own for a little more).

I think it's a fair price and have checked out some KBB and Edmunds pricing tools on the web but I see other articles where "experts" are saying you should haggle for thousands less. Not much of a haggler. But I don't want to get taken either if I SHOULD be paying much less than MRSP - incentives - full trade value.

[Walleye Guy]

Are you buying a 2013 or 2014? Is it a car or SUV/truck? Is it domestic or an import? If it is a 2013 model year you should be getting a whale of a discount as the 2014 are hitting the lots if they haven't already. If you are buying a 2013 full-sized truck or SUV, you should be at least $10k under sticker when all discounts and rebates are factored in. If its a 2014 expect to pay closer to the sticker price.

You will have a better feel on the value of your trade as you know its condition better than anybody else. I always try to separate the purchase of the new vehicle from the trade in of the old one. Meaning I negotiate on both and I usually start with what they will give me for my trade. If that discussion doesn't go well I will go talk to another dealer.

[nofishfisherman]

That's a tough question to answer. It will depend on the car/truck. It will also depend on how bad you want the vehicle. In order to get the absolute lowest price you have to be willing to walk away from the deal and the dealer has to know you are willing to walk away if they don't play ball a little.

Sounds like you've done the research and know what the values of the new vehicle as well as your trade in vehicle. If you are happy with the purchase price and the trade in offer and can walk out the door happy with both then I'd say you are getting a good deal.

One other thing to consider is financing. I assume you will finance at least a portion of the costs. You may be able to negotiate a better price if you agree to use the dealers financing. Once you have the vehicle there is nothing stopping you from looking to refinance with a credit union or bank of your choice that will offer a lower rate. Its more work for you but sometimes you can get a better price.

Also keep in mind that not all dealerships are willing to wheel and deal. I've purchased from a few metro area dealers. Some have been willing to negotiate a little while others absolutely will not even if it means losing the sale.

[deerminator]

Yeah, we're looking at a 2013 Durango. They're giving us all the incentives off the sticker price and finding the one we want through a dealer trade. And very low interest financing. Plus I feel the trade in value is more than fair. And the sales person is my wife's co-worker and friend's husband. So, while I don't think he would be less than fair with us, I also know he has to do his job and make money for the dealership. So that also makes me less apt to haggle, especially since I think this is one of those dealerships that does not. And the dealership has been good to work with on buying used cars from. I checked out a few other area dealerships too and each seems to be the "this is the price," type. But again, they're offering plenty of good incentives.

[deerminator]

Thanks for the responses btw! I should add that I feel pretty good about this situation overall, but you get on the Internet and you start seeing articles about how you're doing things wrong. As in you should be paying thousands less than a new car than you are. Not that the dealer is taking advantage of you, but rather that if you just would have asked, you'd pay thousands less.

[Scott K]

Ahh, car salesman. I once had a salesmen tell me, it is easiest to screw over the people that you know, and that trust you.

But, as far as your question, just ask. If he is a friend, he may be willing to knock a little more off. Even a few hundred bucks, but you wont know until you ask him.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Do what you are comfortable with and don't look back or second quess yourself. The only person you have to please is yourself. If you are comfortable with what you are doing don't worry about it and pull the trigger!! Life is full of "I wished I would have done this or that" but in the end it's your decision.

Go for it and good luck!!!!

Mike

[LMITOUT]

I would start at $500-$1000 over invoice (not sticker) and then work down from there. The rebates they're subtracting from the sticker price is just car dealer fuzzy math to make you feel good while they pad their pockets.

But, if you're comfortable with the price you've arrived at then go for it.

[LwnmwnMan2]

Yeah, we're looking at a 2013 Durango. They're giving us all the incentives off the sticker price and finding the one we want through a dealer trade. And very low interest financing. Plus I feel the trade in value is more than fair. And the sales person is my wife's co-worker and friend's husband. So, while I don't think he would be less than fair with us, I also know he has to do his job and make money for the dealership. So that also makes me less apt to haggle, especially since I think this is one of those dealerships that does not. And the dealership has been good to work with on buying used cars from. I checked out a few other area dealerships too and each seems to be the "this is the price," type. But again, they're offering plenty of good incentives.

In March I bought a 2013 Dodge Durango Citadel. It has the V6, sunroof, heated / cooled seats, heated steering wheel.

It does NOT have DVD, adaptive cruise control. It listed at just over $44,000 and I paid just under $37,000. No trade, 4% interest. My credit is low.

[amateurfishing]

we also just purchased a 2013 Durango this spring

our deal ended up as: 1,500 trade in (beat up 03 escape)

Durango $28,000 (bare bones, cloth, tow pkg)

Did not have roof rack, they said could be added for $500 more, I said throw in for free, we did halfsies with dealership.

most dealerships we saw were not in haggling mood so we just kept moving. we walked away from armada, traverse, enclave, but settled with a dealership that wanted a sale, not pushy, best trade in value, and 2 points lower on financing.

Good Luck