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Tips for buying a car?

G

GreenPapaya

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
506
Hey everyone. I haven't bought a car since 2005 so any tips you can give is appreciated.
I'm looking to buy a Honda CRV hybrid EX for my mom around Philadelphia. I've looked around the internet for used cars and prices seems not that much different than new. So new it is.
So how do I start? I've been on reddit and have watched dozens of videos by the Chevy guy and have worked myself up so that I don't even want to step foot in the dealership.
I have a budget and can get financing through my bank for 1% or can pay cash. I've seen offers of 0% apr but have been told by friends and family that people with credit scores of 810 don't qualify. If I can get 0 financing I would lean towards not paying cash.
Also, do I need a male person with me? I'm a "youngish" petite Asian female, not sure if that is a problem.
I also got a quote through trucar but it's about 3k more than my budget.
I would love to have everything all settled within 2 weeks.

Thanks!
 
The last 2 cars I bought, I put in my info and requirements for the car I wanted on the actual car-model website, and let the online bidding begin! Every dealership who had the car I was seeking had their internet sales department contact me within 24hours, and they all came in with their best and final offers when I told them there are other dealerships contacting me with great offers. I didn't have to spend hours or days at each dealership on the day of purchase, because by the time all the offers came in, I decided on which dealer I was going to go with, and all I had to do was decide on a day to go in, sign all the papers and drive off with the car.
 
jaysonsmom said:
The last 2 cars I bought, I put in my info and requirements for the car I wanted on the actual car-model website, and let the online bidding begin! Every dealership who had the car I was seeking had their internet sales department contact me within 24hours, and they all came in with their best and final offers when I told them there are other dealerships contacting me with great offers. I didn't have to spend hours or days at each dealership on the day of purchase, because by the time all the offers came in, I decided on which dealer I was going to go with, and all I had to do was decide on a day to go in, sign all the papers and drive off with the car.
Click to expand...

This. Last few cars I've purchased were all negotiated down to final price completely online. I only went to the dealer to pick up the car and sign the paperwork.

Also, I'm surprised to hear that people think you wouldn't qualify for 0% financing with an 810 credit score. Generally anything above 800 is considered Excellent, and qualifies for the best available rates.
 
jaysonsmom said:
The last 2 cars I bought, I put in my info and requirements for the car I wanted on the actual car-model website, and let the online bidding begin! Every dealership who had the car I was seeking had their internet sales department contact me within 24hours, and they all came in with their best and final offers when I told them there are other dealerships contacting me with great offers. I didn't have to spend hours or days at each dealership on the day of purchase, because by the time all the offers came in, I decided on which dealer I was going to go with, and all I had to do was decide on a day to go in, sign all the papers and drive off with the car.
Click to expand...

Would you mind sharing if there was a major difference in offers or was it minimal? Would love to know if they all play the same game or if some really do gibe great deals.
 
jaysonsmom said:
The last 2 cars I bought, I put in my info and requirements for the car I wanted on the actual car-model website, and let the online bidding begin! Every dealership who had the car I was seeking had their internet sales department contact me within 24hours, and they all came in with their best and final offers when I told them there are other dealerships contacting me with great offers. I didn't have to spend hours or days at each dealership on the day of purchase, because by the time all the offers came in, I decided on which dealer I was going to go with, and all I had to do was decide on a day to go in, sign all the papers and drive off with the car.
Click to expand...

That sounds like an awesome way to buy a car! Seems like it removes a lot of the stress. I could car shop while I enjoyed a glass of wine!
 
nala said:
Would you mind sharing if there was a major difference in offers or was it minimal? Would love to know if they all play the same game or if some really do gibe great deals.
Click to expand...

There can be a huge range in final pricing depending on the price range of the car you want, since other factors come into play (such as trade in-value) if you have a car you want to trade in, or if you're financing or not. For my trade-in, I got about a 5K range in trade-in value between different dealerships, and on new car price it was pretty fixed, but there were other things that could be thrown in, such as extended warranties etc...
 
jaysonsmom said:
There can be a huge range in final pricing depending on the price range of the car you want, since other factors come into play (such as trade in-value) if you have a car you want to trade in, or if you're financing or not. For my trade-in, I got about a 5K range in trade-in value between different dealerships, and on new car price it was pretty fixed, but there were other things that could be thrown in, such as extended warranties etc...
Click to expand...

Wow!!!! Good to know! Ty!
 
I am in UK, and had purchased all the cars from new since mid 1990s (4 in total, including the current one).

I knew what I wanted each time, 3 directly from local dealerships, and the current one online via a new car buying portal during lockdown in June 2020.

Not sure if such a portal exists where you live, however, the one I used allowed me to choose the specifications that are important to me, and then listed the cars that matched my spec as closely as possible.

If you already know what you want for your car as in the minimum specifications (mine would be red, manual transmission, with air con and leather seats, and if I were to get another new car, I would like an automatic and self-charging hybrid), then go and haggle and do not take the first offer unless it is an offer that you cannot refuse.

Equip yourself with as much as you know about the car that you want, and don't be swayed by optional extras unless they are free or useful.

Ask for freebies - floor mats and car cleaning kit do not cost a lot.

Be assertive and walk out if you feel pressured or intimidated, like one would at a beauty hall of a large department store (I really hate overtly assertive borderline aggressive SAs).

It is not unlike buying an expensive piece of bling - knowing what is out there, what you want and how much you should be able to get for your money are very important factors.

Not sure if the build, nationality and gender would make a difference personally - it is more about the presence and self-confidence in oneself (I am only 5'2, plus size, female and Chinese).

Good luck!

DK :))
 
If you decide on a used car, I had an excellent experience with Carmax. Very easy to search for the exact car I was interested in, plus transparent pricing and no gimmicky fees (car dealers are adding up to $1,000 in "fees" like window etching, undercoating, translating to pure profit for them).

They were also professional in handling all paperwork, which made getting a new title very simple.
 
Thanks everyone! I used to live in Germany and bought my first car there via an agent. We sat down to pick options and there was no negotiating or anything. So in 2003 I bought a custom bmw for under $29k.
In 2005 I moved to MS and wanted to switch to a Toyota matrix and the dealers wanted to give a few thousands for the bmw and I had to pay another 15k for a used Toyota. Ooof. Yeah. I ended up very badly ripped off and never want to see another agent ever. It was right after Katrina and I had to move to nyc too... so...very unpleasant experience. I don't have to have the best ever deal, but I don't want to get ripped off like that again.
I got several quotes through trucar, should I still go to the manufacturer website and see what else they can give?
Also, did you have to negotiate after you get a quote or was the price good enough?
 
And what is a fair price? If a car had a retail price of $30K. Is it reasonable to ask for an out the door price of 26K? Or is that impossible for a popular car?

Maybe the "go with a male" advice is outdated. I mean, my nephew, 2 brothers and cousin bought used cars within the last few weeks and have all got talked into buying various warranties and add ons. So I'm scared lol
 
dizzyakira said:
And what is a fair price? If a car had a retail price of $30K. Is it reasonable to ask for an out the door price of 26K? Or is that impossible for a popular car?

Maybe the "go with a male" advice is outdated. I mean, my nephew, 2 brothers and cousin bought used cars within the last few weeks and have all got talked into buying various warranties and add ons. So I'm scared lol
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I like to check kbb and edmunds and car guru for fair to great price ranges. When I negotiate for my cars I go by that and don’t settle unless I get great price. It’s worked so far. It helps that I get preapproved by my credit union so I have my financing at lowest rates and I just focus on price.
 
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You can look at this link and there are a couple others out there that give you the average purchase price paid for the vehicle you are looking at. @nala mentioned some to check out. That way, you know what is the average paid.

www.edmunds.com

Edmunds TMV - True Market Value / Car Value

Edmunds True Market Value (TMV®) pricing tool delivers true car value, allowing you to identify fair market value on a new or used car and get a great deal. Based on actual sales data, TMV is a guide to what other people in your area paid for the same car.
www.edmunds.com
 
Try the Costco Auto Program. By going through Costco, I purchased a Chevy Traverse for $2,500 under sticker without haggling. Plus, I requested an additional $500 discount, upgraded carpets, black bowties and I got a $700 Costco gift card afterwords for completing the rebate type form online. This was about 3 years ago so you'd have to look if the program is the same and if your vehicle is a candidate. I also compared prices on True Car Value.
 
Cars are expensive now (chip shortage and other things). On something like a Honda, it may make sense to buy new. I spend some time on the Reddit Ask Car Sales forum and KBB and other sites are not as accurate as they have been as the market is crazy. Check out that Reddit sub if you’re inclined as there is great info there. The goal is for you to feel good about the deal and for the dealer to make some profit, too (I’m not in car sales!). Buying a car doesn’t have to stressful. On an Honda, the discount isn’t going to be huge as they’re popular.
 
Thanks everyone, I got 2 quotes and terrified to respond in case I said something wrong. I only have quotes from two dealerships and they're about the same price.
Yes I totally understand and agree that they need to make a profit too. But why is the process so difficult and feel so unclean.
I don't have a Costco membership but the service looks similar to Trucar.
I'm reading reddit. Everything is confusing. I think my brain is refusing to focus because i really don't want to do this. The first quote already has several k worth of dealer fees, i really don't want to sort through all this. Oooof, jewelry purchases are so much nicer and easier.
 
dizzyakira said:
Maybe the "go with a male" advice is outdated. I mean, my nephew, 2 brothers and cousin bought used cars within the last few weeks and have all got talked into buying various warranties and add ons. So I'm scared lol
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This is where they make their $$$ not the car itself. Don't be a SUCKER!
 
Some dealer fees are normal but not thousands. DMV fees are what they are and are not set by the dealer. And the finance office will try to sell you things but they’re used to people saying no. Don’t be afraid to.


I’ve bought cars and find it fun, actually. I also look at auto sites more than jewelry sites to see what’s available (cars are my #1 hobby, hands down). Know what the car you are buying is with, and know what kind of interest rate you can get. If I can get the same from a dealer as I can on my own (I’ve always been able to), I go with their financing. Don’t be afraid to say, “I can get X% from this bank” and they’ll usually match it.

If you get a few quotes that are about the same, that’s probably what you’ll have to pay (of course I’m saying that without knowing any details). Some dealers are better than others but I do think there are fewer dealers and salespeople “out to get” people than people think. Sure, I’ve had some not so pleasant experiences but I’ve had way more good than bad.

Do you know anyone who has purchased a new Honda recently, had a good experience and can recommend a dealer and salesperson? I’m not far from Philly but don’t have any suggestions other than one in Delaware, from which many friends have purchased Hondas and have had great experiences.
 
@eapj Oh my brother is in Delaware! Near the Felton area. I can purchase from there too. I don't know anyone. My brothers bought a truck and another a Audi and my nephew bought an Acura.
I've checked Edmunds pricing and what I'm offered is on the high end. Who are these people getting the low end? Everytime i go on trucar to see pricing it sends a request to the dealers. Ooof. Super annoying.
I'm just trying to get close to the recommended price from Edmunds.
Most of the dealers don't seem to want to negotiate over email. One asked for my phone number and I told her I prefer to communicate via email and no response.
@Dancing Fire you'll probably be a great person to take along! I don't even know or care re: extras or warranties. I mean my mom is 72, I'm thinking as long as the car last 10 years, it's good. I'm hoping she'll stop driving in her 80s.
 
@dizzyakira - yeah, most dealers want customers to come in. Try Martin Mazda in Newark. I haven’t purchased from them so I can’t recommend someone in particular but it may be worth taking a look. They have a fantastic reputation (at least from my friends who have purchased from them). Cars are expensive now in part because of the semiconductors shortage (I’m sure there is more to it; I’m just a hobbyist!).
 
Thank you @eapj! I'm glad someone enjoys this! :lol: I'll check them out.
 
The dealer and salesperson will do their very best to get you talking payment. ("So what were you looking to get your payment to?") -- and if they pull out a piece of paper and draw four squares on it, cross your arms and say nothing til they crack or simply tear up the paper.

You need to absolutely refuse this tactic and demand/only talk about price. -- And by all means tell them that. "I'm more interested in discussing a discount and final sale price, and I'll worry about the payment myself, thank you"

And, if you are paying cash, don't tell them this up front. Get into the financing office and then spontaneously decide that instead of a down payment you'll just write a check for the whole thing.
 
@dizzyakira i meant Martin Honda obviously (they have a Mazda store, too). Good luck!

I’m one of the few who enjoys the process!
 
donnabrsd said:
Try the Costco Auto Program. By going through Costco, I purchased a Chevy Traverse for $2,500 under sticker without haggling. Plus, I requested an additional $500 discount, upgraded carpets, black bowties and I got a $700 Costco gift card afterwords for completing the rebate type form online. This was about 3 years ago so you'd have to look if the program is the same and if your vehicle is a candidate. I also compared prices on True Car Value.
Click to expand...

+1 to Costco Auto, I saved $10K by going through them, no negotiation needed. Check to see if the company you work for also has a relationship/discount with the dealer. You can also try to get local dealerships to "bid/compete" for your business. Definitely do not buy the extras. I told them "I only have enough in my bank account to buy the car" and they stopped asking.
 
Thanks @eapj and everyone who chimed in. I've contacted Martin Honda and ask if they can do a little better than what the other 2 dealerships offered me but haven't heard back from them. In fact, none of the dealerships I've emailed today has replied back. It would be nice if they'll reply just to say no or something. Cars must be selling extremely well in the tri-state area.

Is there a way to see what cars/pricing are available through Costco without a membership?

@MRBXXXFVVS1 I'm a veteran and work for the federal gov. In my experience, prices tend to go up when I mention this :lol: :cry:

I guess worse case scenario my friend has a 2013 car she's selling.
 
Can you link to another site? This is Bogleheads' take.


Not the best time to be buying a car. Used cars are up like 15 - 20% and many new cars are low stock owing to supply-chain issues. Plus, there is some pent-up demand as the world comes back to life (sorry, India :cry2:).
 
Thanks @LilAlex! I know! I should have bought a new car in 2019 but didn't research and didn't want to be involved and just gave my dad some money. Unfortunately he got ripped off and the 15k used car he bought in the fall of 2019 is acting up (not sure what that means but my mom said it's shaking when driven at high speeds).
I'm on step 3 in your link and honestly would have bought it if anyone just responded with a few hundreds off. Oooof. Maybe they'll respond tomorrow. If not I'm sure her old car would last a few more months.
I'm very sad for India too. The situation is absolutely heartbreaking.
 
Your dad's car shaking at high speeds is probably due to warped rotors or the wheels not being properly balanced. I would get it diagnosed, might not be too expensive of a fix.
 
dizzyakira said:
Unfortunately he got ripped off and the 15k used car he bought in the fall of 2019 is acting up (not sure what that means but my mom said it's shaking when driven at high speeds).
Click to expand...

This sounds fixable and not super-hard to diagnose. Plus, how will you sell it? As @MRBXXXFVVS1 writes, it could be as simple as a tire weight falling off.
 
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