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Doesn't really matter in this case Posted by Ari [Email]  (#2847) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Ari) on Mon, 14 Oct 2002 11:37:36
In Reply to: Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book, Which Pricing to Use?, Todd L, Sun, 13 Oct 2002 23:58:04 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Edmunds, Kelly's, all that is useful in ads. It's also useful in arguing with insurance companies about payouts. I hope it never comes to that.
When it comes to dealing for a car, it doesn't matter a whit if BB is $20K or $10K. A price a book will not convince a dealer to sell it for less. All the dealer wants to do is sell the car, get it off his lot, and make a profit. All you want is the car for your price.
You can't deny the dealer his profit. You can deny him as much as possible.
Determine what the car is worth TO YOU. How much are you willing to spend on it. Determine how much you need to hold back for future repairs. It doesn't matter what other people are paying - they have their own money. This is the hardest part. I use Edmunds or Kelly as a rough guide, but Edmunds won't sell me a car. I look at the prices of comprable cars in ads. Of course, those are just asking prices. If I'm asking 30K for a '98 9000CSE, that doesn't mean I'll get it.
Determine a MAXIMUM price that you're willing to spend for that car. Base it on how much $$ you're willing to commit, and if this deal falls through, what you might expect to spend on the next car that shows up.
Knock some $$ off your maximum price, and present that to the dealer. Don't worry about Blue Book or anything. You're not going to win this debate on the merits of your argument. If the dealer wants $19K and isn't willing to go lower, a signed letter from the Pope declaring the car is only worth $16K won't change anything. The dealer knows how much money he's got in the car, and how much he needs to make.
He knows his bottom line. You don't. So don't worry about it. Offer him somewhat less than what you think the car is worth. That gives you a little bargain room to move up. Whatever you do, DON'T pay more than you think the car is worth. The dealer will be trying to convince you the car is worth more.
Basically, offer what the car is worth, and DON'T argue, debate, bargain. Don't worry about reasons. That will only get you wrapped up in the dealer's arguments, arguments that can convince you the car is worth more. Offer you number, and let him know that if he can't sell it to you at that price, you're going elsewhere.
One of three things will happen. The first is that he'll try and bargain with you, to knock you off your price. Stay firm, let him know meet the price or you'll leave. Then either he'll try and meet your price, or he'll tell you to leave. You win either way. You either get the car for your price, or you avoid overpaying. And you'll save a lot of stomach lining in the process.
If the dealer tells you to leave, leave him your phone number, and tell him he can call you if the car doesn't sell. You may still be in the market then, or you may have found another car.
The trick to dealing with anyone selling something is to go in with the only weapons you have - your wallet and your feet. Dealers don't like seeing people walk out the door. But if he thinks he can sell that car for $19K, and you're only willing to pay $16K, then so be it, let him try. It's his car.
posted by 192.249....
, Mon, 14 Oct 2002 11:37:36 <-- Viewing This Message
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