Negotiation advice

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Okay I need to pull the trigger and buy the car I've been contemplating for a long time. I am not good with change but I have to stop procrastinating. So I need negotiation advice.

The car I want is a 2007 Mazda 5 grand Touring with 64k miles. It's on a toyota dealership listed for $10,888. I emailed them and asked for the best price because I wasn't going to drive 45 minutes if they wouldn't negotiate. They said they are a "non-negotiating dealership". The sales guy said he needed $10k to offer to his boss, this was a month ago when the car first became available.

This is above my budgeted $8k I wanted to spend on a car, but I have been lusting after this particular model and make of car.

Would it be unreasonable to try to get it for $9k? The other one I was eyeing just sold at a list of $9999 (probably lower) 2008 Mazda 5 sport with 65k miles, but I didn't care for the color. I had emailed them and refused to negotiate and I wasn't so desperate.

If I offer them $9k would that work? Or do I offer the $8500 and go up to $9k? Then walk out and I'll live with what I can buy for $8k? Thoughts?

I know I will likely buy a hyundai for $8k with reasonable mileage and age. I'm resigned but I want to buy a car in the next two weeks and turn around and sell my car.

Help. My DH is leaving everything as usual to me. He said come home with car. Last time I sold his car and bought him his car online and got a great deal on a new subaru. But this time it's a lot more stressful dealing with a used car and I haven't sold my car either. But he won't let me because he's worried I'll sell my car and then be "wishy washy" on buying a new car and he won't live without two cars right now.

[cypher1]

Non-negotiating dealership seems pretty straightforward IMO. However, it won't hurt to ask, and mention you have cash upfront

However I'd expect they'd still turn it down. If that's the car you've been looking for, maybe it's worth it to pay a little more. But that's going to be up to you. Good luck!

[snafu]

Retail pricing in this area is $ 13,000. - $ 15,000. [private $10,300]. What is Kelly Blue Book in your area? The reviews were good but nearly all those reporting complained about the poor quality tires that are standard. If you're paying no dicker price, you could ask for better quality tires, or free oil changes or something.

What is your favorite feature of this auto?

[scubatim84]

I've never heard of a "non-negotiating" dealership. This seems like one more way for them to scam you. I wouldn't be surprised if they agreed on one price, but once you spent 45 minutes to drive there, they tried to get a higher price and turned out to be a "negotiating" dealership after all.

I would honestly just go look at some local dealers. I've never been that interested in any particular make and model for this reason...you see one you just have to have, you pay too much for it and then you regret it later. Although I would never buy a used car either...had too many repair bills in the past thanks to used cars. Why not get a Honda or a Nissan and call it good? You'll get great mileage and won't have to pay a lot for maintenance.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

For a non-negotiating dealership they offered $10k over email. I'm wondering if after this month on the lot they are willing to go down more? I've watched this and other dealerships drop the price after it sits for 2-3 months on the lot. So I'm thinking if I offer $9k or $8500?

I like that it seats 6 people if needed and the sliding doors but isn't huge minivan. I like the lowness of it makes it easier to get the kids in and out and the 180 open door without the door getting in the way. It's more comfortable to drive than a higher suv.

scuba i am not buying a new car right now. I am slso not interested in paying a premium I think hyundai is a good brand of car and I've read reviews and seen a lot of good stuff about it. I think I can get a very decent year and mileage for $8k for a hyundai and I won't be stuck on the model. I am willing to consider other makes and models that are korean or japanese but not american and not european.

[snafu]

I just saw an ad on TV for the new 2013 models and we got an 'invitation' in the mail to preview the new models. That means your preferred Maz5 is about to depreciate another year which helps move the deal towards your price. You didn't mention how you'll be paying. If you're using their financing, they also get financing commission. If you're using your own financing arrangement...don't mention that fact until the price has been established and agreed by manager and all that nonsense. Sales staff always seem to talk endlessly about what you need for monthly payments so be prepared to spend some time letting them talk themselves out.

I'd make the offer mentioning how long they've had the vehicle on their lot, the likelihood it was a trade-in for a new vehicle and give a superficial impression that you are prepared to 'walk away' if you can't get the deal you need. You can drive off the lot and return in 15 minutes having talked to a 'friend' who convinced you to take the deal yadda yadda...you needn't worry about what the car salesman thinks...he'll be thrilled to make the sale and get his commission.

[bjl584]

You may not be able to make them move much on the sticker price, but that doesn't mean that you can't ask more for your trade in. Or you may be able to get a better warranty. Or maybe some extra goodies like new floor mats, vent visors, bug shield, etc.

[disneysteve]

You may not be able to make them move much on the sticker price, but that doesn't mean that you can't ask more for your trade in. Or you may be able to get a better warranty. Or maybe some extra goodies like new floor mats, vent visors, bug shield, etc.

This is what I was going to say. I just bought a used car a few weeks ago. The prices were fixed. They wouldn't negotiate a penny off the posted price. I actually love that and wish all dealers would do that. It would make car buying so much nicer.

But I did get them to come up on what they gave for my trade, come down on the price of the warranty and give me a full set of new floor mats. I probably could have gotten some free service out of them but I was okay with the deal I ended up with.

[JoeP]

The car I want is a 2007 Mazda 5 grand Touring with 64k miles. It's on a toyota dealership listed for $10,888. I emailed them and asked for the best price because I wasn't going to drive 45 minutes if they wouldn't negotiate. They said they are a "non-negotiating dealership". The sales guy said he needed $10k to offer to his boss, this was a month ago when the car first became available.

If the car is $10,888 and the sales droid said he'd need $10k to offer his boss, isn't that negotiating?

Also, if it has been on the lot for a month, then it is priced too high.

I'd offer $9.5k and see where that goes. If you drive over there, have a friend call you in the middle of negotiations. Take the call and act like it is another car salesman, and walk out saying, "I found a better deal back home." I'll bet he'll settle right then and there.

[elessar78]

I think you're whole question revolves around "Is it worth it to drive 45 minutes to make an offer of $9,000?"

Personally, I don't think you'd be laughed out of there. I think you pitch your case that it's been sitting there a month and they're just losing money on it sitting another 3 weeks.

In theory, everything is negotiable. But I don't know if I'd negotiate for oil changes and such, geographically you said this place isn't ideal.

[MonkeyMama]

So the car has just been sitting there a month? Seems to me that it would be open for negotiation.

To make headway you are going to have to go in person. They will be less inclined you have a customer walk away without a sale. Walking out is as good a strategy as any.

If they still won't budge below $10k, I'd be inclined to wait it out a while longer. As others have mentioned, I would also ask for a deal on trade-in (maybe they have less wiggle roon on price but can offer more on a trade-in). Also ask if you can get a cash discount or a financing discount. They are often motivated to cut a break if you do one or the other. Which, just depends - if they are hungrier for cash or financing. Last car I bought I got a big discount for financing, though I had intended to pay cash. I paid it off immediatley and paid no interest.

[elessar78]

So the car has just been sitting there a month? Seems to me that it would be open for negotiation.

To make headway you are going to have to go in person. They will be less inclined you have a customer walk away without a sale. Walking out is as good a strategy as any.

If they still won't budge below $10k, I'd be inclined to wait it out a while longer. As others have mentioned, I would also ask for a deal on trade-in (maybe they have less wiggle roon on price but can offer more on a trade-in). Also ask if you can get a cash discount or a financing discount. They are often motivated to cut a break if you do one or the other. Which, just depends - if they are hungrier for cash or financing. Last car I bought I got a big discount for financing, though I had intended to pay cash. I paid it off immediatley and paid no interest.

Fantastic point, mm. Some dealerships are now structured that they make money on the loans as much as selling the cars themselves.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

JoeP got it. I emailed last month and refused to come in without them "negotiating". I said give me an offer and they said $10k. I'd like lower than $9.5K joe and i plan on telling them I'm going into to labor if they won't let me leave.

Brians point about extras I guess I could ask for that. I think I could sell my corolla private party for around $3k. I have had offers, but like I said I can't be without a car right now.

MM, I have cash or I can finance. I don't care either way. I think it was a trade in because according to carfax, it's one owner personal for 5 years. Did you say I am going to pay cash or I can finance?

Should I offer them $8500 and then "go up to $9k?" And what do I say? Sure make me an offer on trade in. I went in about 6 months ago and they offered me $500 trade in for my car.

[elessar78]

Should I offer them $8500 and then "go up to $9k?" And what do I say? Sure make me an offer on trade in. I went in about 6 months ago and they offered me $500 trade in for my car.

Negotiate the purchase price of the new car and the trade-in separately. One has no bearing on the other, the dealer will try but they are truly separate transactions. I'd negotiate the purchase price first and I wouldn't even tip your hand that you are bringing in a trade-in. Bring someone else along to create the illusion that you'll be taking the other car back home with you.

[JoeP]

I went in about 6 months ago and they offered me $500 trade in for my car.

This tells me a lot about this dealership. Your car is worth much more and they're just trying to maximize their margin.

Is the new deal contingent upon selling your Corolla first, or do you have the cash to pay now and just sell the Corolla later? If the latter, go to the dealer and offer $9k cash deal, today only. Hey, they pull that trick on buyers all the time! Bring up the fact that it hasn't sold in a month or more.