Purchased 2007 Enthusiast - How'd I do?
 

This was the first car that I have personally purchased 100% on my own / in my name as well being by myself during negotiations (Usually my Dad has handled this stuff when I was in school).

I had a 2004 Altima 3.5SE which was upside down a little bit and I have at least 2,500 miles over my limit (15k per year).

I bought a 2007 Nissan 350z Enthusiast 6spd (Brilliant Silver). Here are the numbers:

Base Price - $28,203.78
VIP - $49.95 (wtf?)
Elec. Processing - $24.00
Sub-Total Price - $28277.73
Admin Charge - $699.95
State Fees - $6.50

Amount Taxable - $28984.18
Plus Sales Tax - $30,775.24
Cash On Delivery - $2000

Total Balance Due - $28775.24

My payments are $564.10 per month @ 60 months (6.5% interest). They took complete ownership of the Altima and covered the fees involved (upside down cost and mileage fees). I'm thinking I did pretty good.... but would like to get a second opinion so I can learn from this.

Going into dealerships close to the end of month makes them really want to get the deal done.

I've been trolling this forum for over a year and dreaming of owning a 350Z while driving my Altima. Glad that I can officially be a part of the community and be an early adopter of the VQ35HR!

LOL Admin Charge - $699.95

I refuse to pay admin or doc fees on any car I buy, but that is just me.

Ive never heard of an admin charge!? WTF is that

lol

Well lets turn this from a laughing matter into an educational one.

Next time when I negotiate for a car I'll know what to look for. I'm alright if the humor is at my expense though (and my wallets...).

:icon38:

I was being serious. My unlce was a car slalesman and ive never heard of that.

It was more directed towards Michael.

I have no idea either but the charge was physically part of the paperwork they used to print my invoice on. Seems like everyone would get that fee appended to their vehicle if they never said anything about it...

The dealership is Bill Ray Nissan in Longwood, FL.

Thats stupid. I like how the government is saying that they need more money so they are charging a Tax of $1.50 per tire...

yeah. Admin charge or "doc fee" or "documentation fee" is just extra money beyond what the dealer gets in profit and kickbacks from the manufacturer. When ever it comes up, i say I wont pay it and will just walk out. They always make you think they are losing in the deal and its never the case. The finance companies love that charge too cause in the end they get to make money off the interest.

Always come to agreement on the price of the vehicle first then add tax and maybe title (depending on your area) and thats all you should pay. No extra charges for any BS.

Good information.

Would anyone else mind what kind of financial situation they ended up in (hopefully not poor) in regards to monthly payments?

$ per month / Down Payment / Interest

I agree, all those "fees" are just a way to get into your wallet. We don't do that here as it's just wrong. We like our customers to come back! :) Also know the going interest rates BEFORE you walk in the door so they don't nail you on that side as well. Jeff

An increase in dealer profit.

bill

i think that's supposed to be the destination charge...

Not funny at all. I haven't the faintest about VIP or the admin charge. A $200 processing fee is acceptable. Plus a fee for plates, registration and title (its not actually a fee - the money goes to the state).

BTW what is the MSRP?

Destination charge is included in the MSRP. Correct?

^ thats what i thought.

Destination is not included in msrp.

Really? And this information comes from where? Reference?

Destination or "Freight" charge should be broken down on the window sticker. Ultimately the final MSRP should include the destination charge. Some dealerships add it on to the price they agree with the seller which is very bad practice. Destination will vary with different manufacturers but most of the time it is close or slighly more than $700.

The Processing fee which most dealerships charge is normally anywhere from $100 to $399.

Look on your the window sticker (which they have to give you by law) and make sure $28,203.78 is the MSRP after the destination has been added.

Right answer!

bill