best way to deal with a dealer.

[endless]

setup:
local dealer large ford dealer ship has a MM black 03 300A with 32XXX on the clock listed online at 19,995.

another i think smaller style dealer has a similar car with 37,xxx for 16,995.

i test drove the 32,xxx mile car around 2 weeks ago, and when i did they had marked down the list price to 18,995.

we are nearing the end of the month. nearly november. and while we dont get too harsh of winters here, there is always a chance of a few weeks of snow. So these cars have been sitting on the lots waiting to get picked up.


obviously i want a car as affordably as possible.

how low do you think i can get?


how should i approach the dealer?

[usafsniper]

setup:
local dealer large ford dealer ship has a MM black 03 300A with 32XXX on the clock listed online at 19,995.

another i think smaller style dealer has a similar car with 37,xxx for 16,995.

i test drove the 32,xxx mile car around 2 weeks ago, and when i did they had marked down the list price to 18,995.

we are nearing the end of the month. nearly november. and while we dont get too harsh of winters here, there is always a chance of a few weeks of snow. So these cars have been sitting on the lots waiting to get picked up.


obviously i want a car as affordably as possible.

how low do you think i can get?


how should i approach the dealer?

I got my 03 Silver with roughly the 32xxx mileage for 18K flat, so you're in the ballpark. Smaller dealership, in southern GA.

[RoyLPita]

Submit both VINs in a PM to me and I might be able to influence your decision.

[ckadiddle]

Submit both VINs in a PM to me and I might be able to influence your decision.
Yup. Good idea to have Brian (RoyLPita) run the VINs through OASIS to see if either of them have been troublemakers.

[magindat]

Also, see if the bigger dealer is offering extended warranty in the deal. This may be worth the extra. An extended warranty is worth 1-2K if purchased separately.

[Bradley G]

You make your best deal prequalified,
Without needing the dealers offered financing.
Go in with a reasonable offer, when you select the one , you wish to purchace.

setup:
local dealer large ford dealer ship has a MM black 03 300A with 32XXX on the clock listed online at 19,995.

another i think smaller style dealer has a similar car with 37,xxx for 16,995.

i test drove the 32,xxx mile car around 2 weeks ago, and when i did they had marked down the list price to 18,995.

we are nearing the end of the month. nearly november. and while we dont get too harsh of winters here, there is always a chance of a few weeks of snow. So these cars have been sitting on the lots waiting to get picked up.


obviously i want a car as affordably as possible.

how low do you think i can get?


how should i approach the dealer?

[JVJ]

Be careful about the deal. But if you do, get a warranty offer with it.

[whoskal]

If the windows aren't tinted....get that thrown in the deal too

[ezratty]

I bought my '03 300a in dec '05, trunk org, 6 disc with 9800 miles on it
(I PAID $18,000)

i live in NY and found the car online in minnisota. called the dealer, told him that i don't want to waste your time i'll give you my best price if its good then fine if not thats o.k.- i offered 18K Cash. he said i'll check with my sales manager. called me back 30 min later and said deal.

Don't let these dealers B.S. you. they will say "it's hard to find" "its a collectors item" "this car is going to be worth money" its all crap.

I would offer them 17K for the lower mileage car. if they didn't like it then walk - Remember, it is just a car there are tons out there and time is on your side. Dealers always screw you, but you can decide how hard!

[JVJ]

This may be true. But lots of dealers have these beast laying around. customers shy away from these cars, due to gas prices. These dealers are practically given them away, just to make room for smaller and cheaper cars. Make a strong deal, then jump on it. "Good Luck"!!!!

[GAMike]

Everyone here has posted good ideas. As a member here who made a living selling cars for some 5 years here is my thought: Get the VIN to RoyalPita 1st.......

At the Dealer

1. Be methodical, be friendly, but be firm all of this regardless of the games they play. Communicate that you have looked at a couple MM's and if a deal can be done that is agreeable to all you will buy today. Steal this line from the sales person, by telling him this. it will make him hungry. His hunger will put pressure on the sales manager to do a deal.........

2. Be pre-qualified........ If they can beat your rate, fine... Know your beacon score , and don't lie about it if asked.

3. Go in when its raining (Barometer effects alertness) an hour before closing...this limits the time they will screw with you, and are looking forward to going home...not focusing on the deal properly.

4. Do not buy a thing in Finance (F&I) when you sign for the car except a negotiated extended warantee for the car (Yes you can negotiate price, just he an haw a little be a little indecisive but friendly and the guy will bend to get home). Window tint can be done elsewhere cheaper as can clearbra 3M films ect. Don't buy a road hazzard warantee..its a waste. Make sure to get a signed by the dealership "WE OWE" for every thing they owe you in the deal that will be delivered at a later date. This is critical.......

In the end getting the sales person to like you will have a lot of influence believe it or not....If he doesn't, you wil probably not get as good a deal.

My guess based on the number of MM's on the market these days and the fact that car buying has transformed to a national vs. regional process, you should start at the $14-15k range and communicate (in a friendly way) that you are not attached to this particular car, and can walk no problem if you don't like the direction things are going in.

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

[endless]

here are the VIN reports:

car #1

Build date:6/11/02
Wty start date:6/16/03
vehicle has no recalls or any Ford extended or maintenance policies for this MM

Warranty repair history:
Bob Sight Lincoln Mercury (Kansas City, KS)
6/16/03 @ 184 miles
accessed left rear door panel to adjust latch and lock (left rear door won't open from outside)
Shawnee Ford (KS)
5/1/06 @ 29911 miles
replaced dead battery



car #2

Build date:5/31/02
Wty start date:8/22/03
vehicle has no recalls or any Ford extended or maintenance policies for this MM

Warranty repair history:
Chris Auffenberg Ford Inc (Washington, MO)
7/30/03 @ 718 miles
repaired loose rt power seat switch
9/5/03 @ 1820 miles
replaced peeling steering wheel
repainted hood, roof, trunk lid, and left rear 1/4 panel
reglued both front door panel carpet (loose & peeling off)