I'm looking at an '04 350z base (a college sophomore can't afford anything newer ). I was just wondering if there were any tips, pointers, tricks, or ANYTHING that will help me to talk the dealer down, or keep him from taking advantage (e.g. raping) of a first time buyer.

Like I said, ANY tips at all in the buying process are very much appreciated.

Thanks, and I look forward to working with you guys in the future
-Andy

 

Definitely try a few dealers and definitely drive a few 350's, and play the dealers off against each other. You know how much you want to spend, if doing by hire purchase, make sure you add interest into your total spend. Full stop, don't let them talk you into anything you're not comfortable with. When it comes down to it, they want your money.

Good luck on your Z quest and welcome to the forum.

 

bring the cash. if you have the cash, they'll listen. if you're gonna get a loan, get it from an outside bank, and most importantly, BRING THE CASH.

 

search everywhere possible for best deal

 

Hmm, having cash on you if they know that isn't always good, generally a bank nearby. Sometimes it can be very easy if you aren't very strong willed to be manipulated. They can smell money. lol

 

Try not to come across as too eager. They want to sell you the car more than you want to buy it. Name your price and stick with it. If they dont like it just get up and walk away 99% of the time they will call you back and try to work a better price for you. A lot of times our wanting the car badly is what screws us up

 

bring a ruthless negotiator with you

 

lol I like that..."a ruthless negotiator".. I'll have to remember that

Thanks alot guys, I really appreciate the help. Maybe I won't be so easy to manipulate w/ these tips in mind.

If anyone has anything else to share, please do!

 

PICK your price before even talking to them.

Always leave!!! Give your number and walk. The USED market is HUGE and strungling. Dont give in.

Good Luck!

 

If it's a big dealer, they'll have their own lenders.

What I'd do is this: get preapproved from your bank or a credit union, then see if the dealer can match or beat that rate. They may be more willing to work with you if they're making a little money off the back end of the deal.

 

First off, if you are first time buyer don't go alone. Bring someone that has bought a bunch of cars before to be your "angel on the other shoulder" (you can guess who's the devil...). Either that or someone that can play the part lol. Thing is you don't want to be so disinterested that the dealer thinks you're just wasting his time, so he will just high quote u just to get rid of you. But you don't want to be so interested that he thinks you'll take any deal and go with it. So basically your friend will be the contradicting ******* for the deal and help balance it. Find a mechanic friend... he'll be able to see past the shiney paint..

Also with the 07's coming out, keep dropping hints that "hmm... if you can't get a good deal here, maybe you'll just hold off entirely for a '07" Hell, first chance you get, get up and walk around looking at OTHER cars... you'll have the chance often and they'll be walking back and forth to their manager overlords to bs prices. Grab a brochure on the '07 Z and start flipping through it IN FRONT OF HIM, and start talking about how it's the effing ****...

Definitely have comparables from other deals and numbers before you go in. Don't ask him how much the car is, just walk in with some rough numbers and make THEM meet your deal. Research the model differences, the problem issues and keep dropping those hints that hmm.. the later models seems to have this and that improved... Get some numbers too for bodywork and paintjobs so you can use that to negotiate if you see the car has issues with it. Always be ready to walk, and have your friend nag you to do so, because the "other Z from the other place" was a better deal...

On the cash thing, you want to be careful too. You don't want to appear as if you want to buy something today no matter what. But you do want to make it apparent that if the deal is right, you CAN buy something right then and there.

 

If you are really cash-strapped, you might consider buying from a personal seller instead. Slightly more risk (IMHO), but you will probably get a better price. Look up the KBB and NADA value before you go. And agreed with the people who said to bring your own financing.

 

Two things for sure:

1) Know price your willing to pay BEFORE you walk in door.

2) Have your financing arranged BEFORE you walk in door. You are ONLY at dealer to talk price.

Better if you can get an experianced hard butt to go with you.

 

Some great suggestions here, especially to take someone with you. Dealers say that 80% of people buy on impulse.

I'd add that 1) even if they have the car you want, don't let them know it. Say you're really looking for a different color or model. 2)let them know you are a serious shopper,but are definitely going to get a Z. 3)let them know that you don't need a car today, but definitely will within the next few weeks.

With the price, keep out the other variables and treat each separate. If you are trading in, figure the blue book wholesale value(from many sites on line). AFTER reaching a price on the car you want, compare financing sources, so have your lenders rate, fees, and amortization period handy. Some dealers make as much on warranty packages as the do on the cars, so be cautious. I usually tell them that if it needs an expensive warranty package, I need to be looking at other makes that don't for the same money; and by the way, now that you've warned me, I want the warranty package included for the same price IF I'm going to buy this car.

 

So how did you Z buying go? Did you find one with good specs and pricing?

 

Try using Edmunds.com to get quotes, it might take a while but it works, I did it, but you can't be in a hurry, ask for quotes every month, it took me almost 8 months, but finally a dealer gave a quote over the internet, the quote was very, very low. he was just trying to get me in the dealer, when I showed up he tried the bait and switch telling me the car he quoted was sold, but I had the quote and fought them with e-mails and threats of court and finally got a 2007 touring for 28,933.99, that's $3,500.00 under invoice, you need to play them with their own game. be patient,and work them.

 

WOW! Outstanding!

And my current car is needing repairs and I've been pining for a 350z! What would they have done to get you in a 2006?! Should I just go for an 07?

 

Actually that quote was for a black on black 2006, but they could not find one with the extra equipment they quoted me since it did not exist, so they agreed to give a 2007 that had just arrived, it's silver with the burnt orange interior, just make sure that when you ask for the quotes you are specific on what extras you want, that way you give them less room to BS you latter. but like I said, you have to be patient and not rush. think of it as going fishing, sometimes they bite sometimes not.

 

Looong article...but worth every minute you spend reading. This is the absolute information about buying cars at dealership. Period.

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying...2/article.html

 

Stick to the price you deem fair.....go on the last day of the month...they are rabid by then....