I sooooo wanted to do some great investigative reporting on this one, negotiating for a car and maintenance. UGH! But, before I can be a writer and a minister to your family, I have to minister to and meet the needs of my family. Pray that my boys get well soon!
So, today I am going to give you two real stories and some helpful links.
Story 1: The Penny-Van
Fitting a family of four into a two door Grand Am is not my idea of fun, especially when the seat lever breaks. So, Bill and I went shopping for a mini-van. First, I did a ton of research on Edmunds.com and at KelleyBlueBook.com to see what type of car I wanted and what the price was on a good used model. I then looked over the websites of local dealers to see what they had in stock and what they were asking. With that information tucked in my cap, I was ready to shop.
When we located the vehicle we wanted and sat down with the salesman, the game began. (NOTE: When we are negotiating, Bill is not allowed to speak. No, I am not kidding. Let the strongest negotiator talk and the partner should be quiet.) I am trying to get this guy down on the price and send him back to the finance desk twice. I keep saying, “I really think you can do better than that.” He comes back with a price and I look at him sternly. “Sir, if I get home and find that the Kelley Blue Book has this vehicle listed for a lower value, I will be VERY unhappy. Do we understand each other?” He asks if I would like a print out from the Kelley Blue Book website on at what our vehicle is valued. Of course, I do.
As he walks back, he is clearing his throat and a bit pale. It would seem that I had already talked him down $2,000 under the value. The finance guy becomes the laughing stock of the dealership. The story spreads like wildfire. Their top negotiator was outsmarted by a woman.
- Lesson One ~ Do your research. Lots of it.
- Lesson Two ~ Push… then push a little more.
Story 2: Pre-Penny Goes Car Shopping
For this, we need to back up a little…
In 2000, I decided to go car shopping. Since I had previously leased cars, I wanted to take a leap and OWN one. (Remember that this was before my frugal transformation so these were NEW cars.) My father went with me so this salesman was in for the double whammy.
I looked over a vehicle and REALLY liked it. Did I tell the salesman that? NO! He gave me the total show and then I looked at the price. He said, “Don’t worry about that! No one ever pays sticker price.” We went inside about five minutes later to cut a deal.
He scribbled down some numbers, headed over to finance and then came back. The totals were way over my budget (that I refused to tell him.) I said, “Excuse me… did you just base those prices on the sticker price?” He starts to squirm. “Well, that is a popular car and…” I get up and leave with him chasing me. Don’t mess with a lady because she is a lady, Dude. My Daddy didn’t raise a dummy.
- Lesson Three ~ Pay attention to the quote.
- Lesson Four ~ Be willing to walk away.
Story 3: Tires Don’t Last Forever
My brother works for the Michelin man and I could get free tires, Michelins… the BEST, but he lives in Ohio. We have plans to go but I needed to know if my tires would make the trip. Plus, the other car had never had new tires. So, I grab a city coupon book and take both cars into Firestone.
Bill talks to the guy and starts working out the details of what we want done to the Grand Am. When the salesman thinks he is done, I step up. “Now, sir, what kind of deal are you going to give me on these tires since we are letting you service the car?” We were getting the oil change for free due to a coupon and the tires were on sale B3G1 so that did not give me a whole lot of room to work until he mentioned a warranty… at over $11 per tire. I just looked at him. I didn’t say anything. Suddenly, the price drops to $8 a tire.
With that being said but nothing signed, I say, “So, what can we do about my van?” He goes and looks and as I suspected, the tires are shot thanks to running around town and a trip to see Mickey a few years ago. At the computer, our salesman promises me a good deal. Really? We work it out, warranty included for a price lower than the car. Just when he thinks he is done with me, I ask, “Okay, since we are letting you work on the van too, what kind of additional deal are you going to give me on the car?” More money comes off the price.
- Lesson Five ~ Never stop trying to get the best deal possible.
There are some great links to help you study a little more HERE, HERE, and HERE.
It took me six months to find the best price on the vehicle I wanted. It was a waiting game but I finally found it in Ohio, on ebay. It was from a reputable seller and ebay has buyer insurance so no worries. I spent $350 to fly and pick it up but saved 2-3k by being patient and buying from a private seller. Car lots are a joke and so are the people that run them. Dave Ramsey has a lot of useful things to say about cars(new,used and leasing). It will be well worth your time to take a look at his website.
Awesome advice, Porter. Thanks!